Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WiiGO (An autonomous, self-driven robot system to improve the mobility and integration of people, creating a more equal and accessible society)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2018-02-01 do 2018-04-30
The WiiGO system is an autonomous and self-driven robotic system that follows a specific user or else can be programmed to move independently on a pre-planned or self-automated route. WiiGO uses the latest technology on image recognition, machine learning and artificial intelligence that allows for it to track users autonomously, while identifying and avoiding any obstacle along the way. WiiGO can be adapted for different applications such as for retail shops, logistics and as a general autonomous concierge. WiiGO has a comprehensive set of features which allow it to enhance the shopping experience by helping customers navigate the store more effectively. It has the capacity to guide consumers to the location of products they seek and record information along its path, supporting users in their activities of daily life, while helping retailers to cover some of the more tedious and time consuming tasks of their operations such as stock-checking.
The main findings are summarised below:
• The first demonstration trials conducted with supermarkets allowed WiiGO to determine the final requirements for users and customers. Sequential optimisation in the Phase 2 project will be focused on these aspects.
o The autonomous pathfinding algorithms still require additional optimisation.
o The UI can be improved to enhance the usability by all persons.
o Capability for displaying in-store advertisements can be easily integrated to the platform.
• Securing participants for the pilot trials was a crucial achievement of the Phase 1 project. We successfully secured trial locations with Auchan, Intermarché, Sonae, Edeka, Carrefour, and COOP, with each agreeing to host 3 WiiGO Retail units for a 12 month trial.
• A large available market was identified for WiiGO: Detailed analysis of the market size and different segments identified that the Total Available Market has a value over $10.48bn.
• We defined the commercialisation strategy and decided to commercialise initially through distributors in the same geographic locations as we will conduct our pilot trial.
The European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 identifies accessibility, participation, equality, and employment as some of the key areas for action where barriers should be eliminated. WiiGO enhances the independence of end-users by making tasks such as shopping and transporting materials possible without needing support from other people. The project is consistent with the objectives of Political/Institutional Organisation initiatives such as: the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006-2015, whose main goals are to “make things better for people with disabilities in Europe” and “to promote the rights and full participation of people with disabilities in society”; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, from the United Nations. Regarding a gender dimension, WiiGO will help restore mobility to pregnant women who may be feeling temporarily restricted when trying to perform routine tasks such as going to the supermarket or moving certain objects.