The Multicursor has been tested in a real-time production environment, followed by hardware and software improvements that result in higher efficiency of the sensor. The results of the testing are promising, as the sensor successfully scans the curing thickness, however additional input in improving the laser scanning speed is required before launching the product publicly. However, the product has advanced from TRL 6 to TRL 7 and is systematically moving towards TRL 8 and TRL 9 maturity with further improvement to be introduced this year.
Factobotics team was able to build software frameworks for higher applicability of the Multicursor. With software updated over the air, manufacturers using Multicursor will benefit by being able to adapt curing quality measures to different types of lacquer, so it will serve as a one-sensor-fits-all solution.
Together with AI data analysis functions, the sensor is planned to have automatic identification of lacquer function to help the manufacturers minimise the time required for changeovers and software surveillance. In addition, production flow will be measured and analysed for the identification of bottlenecks, peak times and other data, which would produce valuable insights for manufacturing improvement.
Last part of the feasibility study, was the development of the business plan for commercialisation of the Multicursor. The initial product introduction will begin in Lithuania, while Italian, Polish and Swedish furniture manufacturers will follow. The pricing strategy will be built on two different models: Flat price and Sensor-as-a-Service models. This approach will help to reach a wider audience and Sensor-as-a-Service model is intended to serve SMEs mostly.
To conclude, Multicursor's development is getting its pace and is almost ready to begin the commercialisation. Therefore, further tests will show the real value proposition but as to current results, it is clear that the sensor has high potential in helping to automate manufacturing facilities.
