Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PHOTON (PHOTON – EDUCATIONAL ROBOT AS A TOOL FOR SHAPING FUTURE OF YOUNG GENERATIONS)
Reporting period: 2017-01-01 to 2017-05-31
The main objective of this project is to create an innovative system that teaches children through entertainment by using their natural abilities for fast learning. The solution involves the usage of a small robot that is fully integrated with a smartphone or tablet by a user-friendly mobile application. PHOTON is a great combination of science, new technologies, games and fun. It gives an opportunity for the youngest to get interested in expanding their knowledge in technology by showing them its familiar face. At the beginning of the project, PHOTON was a prototype system with TRL 7. After performing the feasibility study and improvements PHOTON has TRL 8 and is ready to become TRL 9.
Our detailed feasibility study covered a number of tasks.
Task 1: Performed a technical feasibility Study
T1.1 User requirements: We performed deep analysis of user requirements and identified process constraints, assessed requirements of target market segments according to final user needs.
T1.2 Technical gap analysis: we have compared the current state of technology in relation to user requirements and identified the key features that need enhancing in order to meet market demand.
T1.3 Find partners: We found business partners in fields of distribution channels for different market segments, mass production (plastic housings, electronics, packaging) and educational market training. Agreements and letters of intent signed.
Task 2: Market feasibility study
T2.1 Market survey and analysis: We performed via desktop research and found market research reports, as well as information obtained from end-users. We expanded our initial market research and included additional items such as market forces analysis, competition analysis, specifically looking at strengths and weaknesses, current offers and pricing strategies of our competitors.
T2.2 End-user studies: We made surveys, interviews and defined focus groups to estimate market penetration. We interacted with our target clients to get their feedback regarding preferences, willingness to pay and product acceptance.
T2.3 Certification study, IPR observatory, and protection strategy: We assess certification and legal aspects by following the development of international guidelines. Our IPR strategy was updated.
Task 3: Create an updated business plan
Based on the results of tasks 1 and 2, the initial business plan was updated to include a detailed marketing/dissemination and commercialization plan, a market research, and a financial plan. We found this deep evaluation highly valuable.
Task 1: Performed a technical feasibility Study
T1.1 User requirements: We performed deep analysis of user requirements and identified process constraints, assessed requirements of target market segments according to final user needs.
T1.2 Technical gap analysis: we have compared the current state of technology in relation to user requirements and identified the key features that need enhancing in order to meet market demand.
T1.3 Find partners: We found business partners in fields of distribution channels for different market segments, mass production (plastic housings, electronics, packaging) and educational market training. Agreements and letters of intent signed.
Task 2: Market feasibility study
T2.1 Market survey and analysis: We performed via desktop research and found market research reports, as well as information obtained from end-users. We expanded our initial market research and included additional items such as market forces analysis, competition analysis, specifically looking at strengths and weaknesses, current offers and pricing strategies of our competitors.
T2.2 End-user studies: We made surveys, interviews and defined focus groups to estimate market penetration. We interacted with our target clients to get their feedback regarding preferences, willingness to pay and product acceptance.
T2.3 Certification study, IPR observatory, and protection strategy: We assess certification and legal aspects by following the development of international guidelines. Our IPR strategy was updated.
Task 3: Create an updated business plan
Based on the results of tasks 1 and 2, the initial business plan was updated to include a detailed marketing/dissemination and commercialization plan, a market research, and a financial plan. We found this deep evaluation highly valuable.
Phase 1 execution proved that our project is feasible, has a great commercial value and has high-level innovation. Having determined the technological and commercial feasibility of the objectives studied in phase 1, we have prepared a detailed work plan to reach these objectives for phase 2 to mature the Photon to TRL9 route to market. Our final product will have a huge impact on children educational aspect in the field of learning programming basics, expanding capabilities of logical thinking and giving fundamental knowledge of new technologies. Our research shown, that public educational market and retail consumer market have similar potential.