Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AdvoBots (The FLeet of Autonomous Robots and Fleet Management Software)
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-06-30
Advoard Robotics produces fully autonomous mobile robots that are aware of each other's location and route information, and develops software to prevent inefficient picking and labor losses in logistics and e-commerce warehouses. These robots can be monitored through an advanced web interface; remote accident support and data analysis can be done. At the same time, data can be exchanged with the warehouse management system. This solution includes mapping, positioning, path planning, autonomous driving capability of each robot and sharing this information. Robots moving in fleets work with maximum efficiency at minimum route length thanks to algorithms based on artificial intelligence.
The technical and business objectives of this project are
To improve the existing prototype technically and prepare it for industrialization.
To manufacture the final prototype, to test it in real operating conditions and to produce in an industrial way the initial pre-series, to be used for testing, certification and demonstration purposes.
To perform the field validation of this equipment, testing, showing and demonstrating its benefits, and to obtain the CE certification, required for commercial distribution.
To update the preliminary business model and business plan, contrasting the initial estimation with potential customers and users. Also, to manage the IPR portfolio.
To prepare and launch the commercialization phase, disseminating the project results towards potential customers and assuring a wide diffusion in the media of the benefits of AdvoBots, and to identify and prepare the agreement with selected distributors and retailers of logistic equipment in the EU.
all previsioned tasks were completed.
The technical and business objectives of this project are
To improve the existing prototype technically and prepare it for industrialization.
To manufacture the final prototype, to test it in real operating conditions and to produce in an industrial way the initial pre-series, to be used for testing, certification and demonstration purposes.
To perform the field validation of this equipment, testing, showing and demonstrating its benefits, and to obtain the CE certification, required for commercial distribution.
To update the preliminary business model and business plan, contrasting the initial estimation with potential customers and users. Also, to manage the IPR portfolio.
To prepare and launch the commercialization phase, disseminating the project results towards potential customers and assuring a wide diffusion in the media of the benefits of AdvoBots, and to identify and prepare the agreement with selected distributors and retailers of logistic equipment in the EU.
all previsioned tasks were completed.
Mechanical and Electrical System Design Improvement: The processors and cards that are used for the control of the whole system, location finding, mapping, route planning and berthing algorithms, as well as the information coming from the sensors associated with them, were selected. Sensitivity tests of the information coming from the sensors were done with the processor and interface designs. The security related sensors and equipment such as cameras and emergency buttons were added. To fulfill the EMC tests, the cabling of the electronics systems and the design of components have been revised.
Autonomous Drive and Docking improvement: The system has been transferred from ROS to ROS2. Python and C ++ software languages were used for software designs. Interfaces were developed to provide information from sensors and engines with ROS2 and software languages in the activity. For the system created over the web, a system that is in constant communication with a linux-based server was designed.
Warehouse Management Systems Integration and Multi-Robot Communication Improvement: Integration with the warehouse management system, SAP, which is used by many companies in the sector, was provided. In this integration, information such as the location of the products on the map and the barcode information sizes was included. Orders are prepared by integrating between the WMS system and our cloud systems in the lists containing the orders. The communication problem of multi-robots is met through MQTT, a central network protocol. This protocol, which is deemed suitable to provide real-time robot-to-robot communication with low system requirements and high performance, is foreseen to work only on the local network side.
Industrial prototypes and pre-series: The final prototype has been produced and the functional testing has been completed to check the required quality and target costs before the pre-series production. All mechanical and body fixing components are industrially produced and assembled. To assure the quality after “frozen” the final design, the prototype produced was tested in real working conditions in Vestel’s warehouse. To obtain CE certification, EMC tests, PL calculations and stopping time measurements have been done. Hence, ORCA model has obtained an AT document.
Autonomous Drive and Docking improvement: The system has been transferred from ROS to ROS2. Python and C ++ software languages were used for software designs. Interfaces were developed to provide information from sensors and engines with ROS2 and software languages in the activity. For the system created over the web, a system that is in constant communication with a linux-based server was designed.
Warehouse Management Systems Integration and Multi-Robot Communication Improvement: Integration with the warehouse management system, SAP, which is used by many companies in the sector, was provided. In this integration, information such as the location of the products on the map and the barcode information sizes was included. Orders are prepared by integrating between the WMS system and our cloud systems in the lists containing the orders. The communication problem of multi-robots is met through MQTT, a central network protocol. This protocol, which is deemed suitable to provide real-time robot-to-robot communication with low system requirements and high performance, is foreseen to work only on the local network side.
Industrial prototypes and pre-series: The final prototype has been produced and the functional testing has been completed to check the required quality and target costs before the pre-series production. All mechanical and body fixing components are industrially produced and assembled. To assure the quality after “frozen” the final design, the prototype produced was tested in real working conditions in Vestel’s warehouse. To obtain CE certification, EMC tests, PL calculations and stopping time measurements have been done. Hence, ORCA model has obtained an AT document.
Broader Impact on Society
Advoard Robotics' innovation in providing Robot Sales and Robots-as-a-Service models will significantly benefit society by enhancing efficiency and productivity in various industries. By offering advanced robotic solutions, Advoard will help businesses streamline their operations, reduce human error, and improve overall output quality. This can lead to cost savings for companies, which could potentially translate into lower prices for consumers. Additionally, the adoption of robotics technology can create safer working environments by automating repetitive and hazardous tasks, thus reducing the risk of workplace accidents and improving employee well-being. Furthermore, the customization services provided by Advoard can address specific customer needs, leading to more tailored solutions and improved customer satisfaction.
Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
Advoard Robotics' strategies align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The emphasis on efficiency and productivity in business operations supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting technological advancement and fostering innovation in the robotics sector. The focus on enhancing workplace safety and well-being corresponds to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by ensuring a conducive and secure working environment for employees. Moreover, Advoard's commitment to tailored customer services reflects SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices and meeting customer needs efficiently.
Impact on Job Creation
The adoption of robotics technology and innovative business models by Advoard Robotics can have a mixed impact on job creation. While there may be concerns about potential job displacement due to automation, our disruption in the industry offers the prospect of new job opportunities emerging in areas such as robotics programming, maintenance, and customer support. Advoard's focus on customization services and software solutions can create a demand for skilled professionals who can design and implement tailored solutions for clients. Additionally, the continued growth of the robotics industry driven by companies like Advoard can lead to the creation of new roles in research and development, sales and marketing, as well as operations management.
Advoard Robotics' innovation in providing Robot Sales and Robots-as-a-Service models will significantly benefit society by enhancing efficiency and productivity in various industries. By offering advanced robotic solutions, Advoard will help businesses streamline their operations, reduce human error, and improve overall output quality. This can lead to cost savings for companies, which could potentially translate into lower prices for consumers. Additionally, the adoption of robotics technology can create safer working environments by automating repetitive and hazardous tasks, thus reducing the risk of workplace accidents and improving employee well-being. Furthermore, the customization services provided by Advoard can address specific customer needs, leading to more tailored solutions and improved customer satisfaction.
Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
Advoard Robotics' strategies align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The emphasis on efficiency and productivity in business operations supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting technological advancement and fostering innovation in the robotics sector. The focus on enhancing workplace safety and well-being corresponds to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by ensuring a conducive and secure working environment for employees. Moreover, Advoard's commitment to tailored customer services reflects SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable practices and meeting customer needs efficiently.
Impact on Job Creation
The adoption of robotics technology and innovative business models by Advoard Robotics can have a mixed impact on job creation. While there may be concerns about potential job displacement due to automation, our disruption in the industry offers the prospect of new job opportunities emerging in areas such as robotics programming, maintenance, and customer support. Advoard's focus on customization services and software solutions can create a demand for skilled professionals who can design and implement tailored solutions for clients. Additionally, the continued growth of the robotics industry driven by companies like Advoard can lead to the creation of new roles in research and development, sales and marketing, as well as operations management.