CynLr Launches Cybernetics HIVE - a State-of-the-Art Research Hub for Vision, Intelligence and Robotics

• The research hub houses country’s highest density of visually intelligent robots dedicated for research & development. 
• The research space spread across 13,000 sqft accommodates 16 robot research zones, capacity for 25 robots, 50+ engineers, and a futuristic electronics, camera, and vision studio for new camera product research & development. 

CynLr, a robotics deep-tech startup building vision and intelligence for industrial robotics and autonomous navigation, today announced the launch of a new research facility - Cybernetics H.I.V.E in Whitefield in Bengaluru. Cybernetics H.I.V.E – Hub for Intelligence & Vision Excellence - is a state-of-the-art R&D hub spread across 13,000 sq.ft research space and is equipped to accommodate 16 robot research cells, 25 robots, a cutting-edge electronics, camera and vision laboratory, and infrastructure to train and host 50+ research & development engineers.

The new research facility was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Mr. M M Murugappan (Former Chairman of the Board at the $7 billion manufacturing conglomerate, Murugappa Group, current Chairman of the boards of CUMI Ltd, Cyient Ltd and Director at IIT Madras Research Park) on Saturday - 25th February, 2023.

(L to R) – Sven Schreiner, Nikhil Ramaswamy, Mr  M M Murugappan, Ajay Gopalaswamy, Gokul NA, Rama Bethmangalakar

Industry stalwarts such as Mr. S G Shirgurkar (Founder & Chairman, Ace Micromatic Group), Mr. Kandasamy (Director Global Digital Manufacturing Engineering, Ford Motor Company), Dr, Bharadwaj Amrutur (Director ARTPARK, IISc), and several other leaders from the manufacturing, automation, and technology industry including dignitaries from Ford, General Motors, Aptiv (Delphi), Intel, Ace Micromatic Group, SKF, Kuka, Fanuc, and ABB, were a part of the launch event.

The hub will help the industries reimagine long-unsolved challenges in automating manual tasks, through versatile robots equipped to sense motion and feel the objects, enabling them to manipulate objects in their environment effectively. This will essentially help in enhanced object handling while lowering the overall time of deployment of robots by over 70% and cost by over 30%.

The use-cases for the vision and intelligence technology will also extend beyond manufacturing & robotics, and into areas such as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and Object Search. Particularly in driver assistance, this has the potential to simplify and accelerate development of cognition by combining the benefits of RADAR (motion detection), LIDAR (depth detection), and CAMERA (colour detection) into one simpler system, much like the human eye, and avoid sensor Con”Fusion” which is the status quo for the industry today.

Today, even a simple task like picking bolts from a bin and placing them in a screw hole is something that robots simply cannot do. Torquing of robots has been automated, but the task of picking and placing bolts requires a level of visual cognition, tactile feedback on the fingers and the wrist, and understanding of the physics of the bolts that current vision systems cannot handle. And what do we manufacture today that doesn’t have screws or bolts in them? Cognition to help robots handle such nimble tasks can fundamentally disrupt how we manufacture, and make factories more adaptable and universal.

M M Murugappan, Chairman of the boards of CUMI Ltd, Cyient Ltd, Director at IIT Madras Research Park, and the chief guest at the event by CynLr said, "CynLr's dedication to creating an innovative and collaborative environment, alongside their customer partners and collaborators, is a glimpse into what India is capable of achieving. I am thrilled to see their progress and know that together they can take their ideas to the world. To those who have given them the opportunity to succeed, you are not just potential business partners, but champions of a vision that inspires confidence and progress for all."

Speaking on the launch, Nikhil Ramaswamy, Co-founder & CEO, CynLr said, “We are quite excited on the launch of Cybernetics H.I.V.E. that houses India’s largest density of visual robots. We hope that it will spur a transformation in robotics and in making them cognitive and adaptable for the universal hyper-automated factories of the future.”

“The new facility will help us realize the holy-grail of robotics - universal object manipulation. Our 7D vision systems operate at 10X the speed, and 3x resolution than the industry leading robotics vision cameras. We believe these modern visual robots can trigger a tectonic shift in the manufacturing industry, made possible by the convergence of cutting-edge infrastructure and technology deployment capabilities”, said Gokul NA, Founder – Design, Product & Brand, CynLr.

Gokul further added, “CynLr has robust plans to establish its business presence in the US and Europe in the coming quarters, to build capacity to address the current pipeline of customers and scale to deliver over 100 robots annually. The deep-tech startup has 250+ technology partners and vendors and sources components from 30+ countries of origin.”

The start-up has raised pre-series A funding of about USD 4.5 M in 2022, led by Speciale Invest & growX Ventures with a total funding of USD 5.25M till date.

About CynLr:

Today, even a simple task of putting a screw into a screw hole without slipping a thread remains non-automatable across the globe. Imagine what it would take for a robot to assemble a Smartphone or a car by putting together thousands of parts of varied shapes and weights presented in random orientations. Enabling robots to perform Picking Orienting & Placing of objects straight from its container has been a long-standing unsolved problem – touted as The Holy Grail of Robotics and has remained unsolved over 40 years.

We at CynLr, are building the missing pieces of Visual Intelligence for Robotic Arms to make them Object aware to manipulate with superior agility - adapting to the varying shapes, orientations and weights of the object – (demo here). This we envision could simplify and standardize large, customized factory lines into LEGO blocks of micro-factories, thereby Universalizing Factories.

More about CynLr, in the words of the founders is here.

Robotix to Showcase a New Affordable AI Powered Robot in a Global Event - ISTE 2022

Robotix USA | India to showcase a new affordable AI powered Robot at ISTE 2022, New Orleans USA.

Robotix, a renowned name in the edtech world in India & Internationally, is all set to showcase a new educational AI robot at ‘ISTE Live 22’ a global event to be held from 27th to 29th June 2022 in New Orleans, USA. The event will witness the active participation of top educationists, Schools, coordinators, K12 school education leaders, and teachers from around the world.

Building on the success of its past STEM products, Robotix India is going to unveil a new and unique educational device for young minds. It will help students to immerse themselves into the world of artificial intelligence-driven robotics to explore and experience features such as face recognition and detection, sense perception, multilingual AI, machine learning, camera vision, and much more.

 

Mr. Ramana Prasad, Chairman of Robotix and AI World School mentioned that events like ISTE 2022 are a great opportunity and a wonderful platform for edtech companies like Robotix to showcase their products globally. He was hopeful of being able to connect with potential distributors, channel partners and K12 schools to grow the business in North America.

Robotix USA | India has made a name for itself by developing and successfully launching a wide range of STEM products for the school student community and for K12 schools. Some of the products include CSTEM Math Kit, STEM Maker Kit, Robobricks, Playbits, and Phiro. These products from Robotix help children learn STEM skills and other 21st century skills through interactive and hands-on experiential learning. The use of AI & Coding tools and STEM & Robotics products empowers children around the world to develop logical reasoning and critical thinking skills and be future ready.

https://www.robotixedu.com/

CoE for Micro Motors and Robotics Launched By Pricol and PSG College of Technology

Pricol Limited (BSE: 540293; NSE: PRICOLLTD), one of India’s leading automotive technology companies, announced the inauguration of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in association with PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.

The PSG - Pricol Centre of Excellence was inaugurated jointly by Mr. Vikram Mohan, Managing Director, Pricol Limited and L. Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee, PSG Institutions in the presence of top management personnel from Pricol and the Management, Governing Council members, faculty and students of PSG College of Technology.

Pricol has identified several new Technology products and innovative processes to meet demanding requirement of automotive OEMs in India and International Markets. The Centre of Excellence has been conceptualized to develop high efficiency micro motors and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence based processes and equipment. With Pricol’s strong foot print in product domain and customer connect and PSG Institutions’ expertise in first principle fundamentals, the Centre of Excellence will certainly benefit the community at large to come out with world class new technology products and processes.

Commenting on the CoE inauguration, Mr. Vikram Mohan, Managing Director, Pricol Limited said, “This Centre of Excellence is a small effort from our end towards bringing industry and academia together. Pricol has identified and is implementing several new technology solutions and innovative processes to meet the requirements of automotive OEMs both in India and overseas. We are delighted to be partnering with PSG College of Technology in this venture. PSG will support us in the development of high efficiency micro motors, robotics and artificial intelligence based processes and equipments. This CoE inside the PSG College of Technology campus will help students to proactively be part of real-world challenges and also add value to our product and process.”

Pricol Limited is one of India’s leading automotive technology companies headquartered in Coimbatore. Pricol commenced its operations in the year 1975 in Coimbatore, South India and today it strides as a reputable global brand in the automotive component and products business, highly recognized by top automotive OEMs across the world. The company carries out its business and operations in Driver Information Systems and Sensors, Pumps and Allied Products, Telematics and Wiping Systems catering to leading automotive OEMs in Two / Three Wheeler, Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Farm Equipment and Off-Road Vehicles across India and in International Markets (45+countries) with 2000+ product variants.

Today the company has 7 manufacturing plants across Coimbatore, NCR, Pantnagar, Pune and Sricity, 1 subsidiary manufacturing plant in Satara, 1 manufacturing unit in Indonesia; and 2 international offices in Tokyo and in Singapore. Pricol Group is powered by 5000+ strong, dedicated workforce which resolutely pursues the mission to be PASSIONATE, SUSTAINABLE, DYNAMIC and EVOLVING. The logo addresses the synergistic relationship between the four stakeholders (Customers, Employees, Shareholders and Suppliers) working in a convergent manner in order to create value for each other. As, Indian markets are on the flow to march towards Electric Vehicles manufacturing, Pricol has already switched its gear to be EV ready across its product verticals. http://pricol.com

PSG College of Technology is committed to providing world-class Engineering education by fostering Research & Development, evolving innovative applications of technology and encouraging entrepreneurship. PSG College of Technology, is a Govt. Aided, Autonomous, Affiliated to Anna University and ISO 9001:2015 certified Institution. This is one of the foremost institutions founded by the PSG & Sons' Charities Trust (1926). The College was established in the year 1951 and the Founders wisely decided to locate it in the same campus as the PSG Industrial Institute for effective industry-institute interaction.

The College today has a student strength of about 8518 with 15 engineering and technology departments besides the computer applications, management sciences, basic sciences and humanities departments. Among the various Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate programmes offered by the college, as many as 18 programmes were accredited in the year 1997 itself by the National Board of Accreditation of AICTE. More than 505 research scholars are pursuing research programmes leading to Ph D / MS / M Tech degrees and the college is a recognized QIP centre for Postgraduate and Ph D programmes.

Several advanced centres are set up with financial support from the Ministry of Human Resources Development, DST and other agencies. These include: the CAD/CAM/CIM Centre, Virtual Reality Centre, Virtual Instrumentation Centre, Educational Technology Centre, Centre for Non-Formal and Continuing Education, PROJECT IMPACT Centre (a project funded by the World Bank, Swiss Development Corporation and the Government of India), UNDP Jute Project Centre, TIFAC - CORE, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Centre, Festo-PSG Centre for Pneumatic and Control Engineering, Metals Testing and Research Centre, Industry Institute Partnership Cell and CII - TDB TNET Centre.

5 Cutting Edge Robotic Palletization System Providers in India

With e commerce growing at an exponential speed every day, the industries related to it need to keep pace with the changes. Warehousing industry is the one that is the backbone of e commerce, which enables fast delivery, the core advantage of e business. Automation of these warehouses ensures that the varied products that are in a warehouse can be managed as a data via customized software. However, another arena which needs focus is the movement of products and parcels. 

At times there are fragile items, at other there are huge and heavy parcels. It is humanly impossible to move them from one place to another, at each step, without any error. This is where the automation industry steps in. The robotic palletization has been a boon for this industry. Here are a few notable start- ups that have made a niche as the best in class robotic palletization system provider.

Atmos Systems

Atmos Systems is dedicated towards providing automation solutions, including robotic palletization system, to warehouses. Easing tasks such as picking up of boxes, cases, bags, cartons etc, it expedites and simplifies the task of unloading and loading objects in lesser time with minimal to no human intervention. In Palletizing, the objects are loaded onto a wooden or plastic pallet for transportation. In depalletizing the goods are unloaded at specific location. Any error at any stage can lead to a chain of mistakes, that will result in financial losses. Thus the automated process helps to cut out such mistakes and ensure accurate and error free deliveries to contact points at every stage.

Armstrong Ltd

They deliver with a promise to provide you products at a faster, as well as cheaper rate and smarter technology for all your robotic palletization needs. With the belief that automating the process, it brings about an increase in profitability, and minimizes errors. The unbeatable accuracy of the automated system is the key to success here. And warehouses jumping onto the bandwagon have definitely benefitted from it.

GreyOrange

Specializing in robotic solutions for warehouses, it makes use of AI cloud software to ensure that they provide the best of palletization solutions too. With a reach across Europe, US and Asia, one can expect them to deliver truly world-class products that adhere to international standards. This Gurugram based company is a force to reckon, in India and abroad because of the technology it uses.

Godrej Koerber

Offering world class services in manufacturing intra logistics and distribution intra logistics domain, their palletization solutions are hailed by the satisfied customers. Enabling a smooth, fast and effective handling of storage and packaging process, the products empower the end client to create a smooth process, that will yield better profits due to faster process, lesser manpower being used and zero scope for human error.

Rightbot

With an aim to truly revolutionize the warehouse industry it provides automated solutions to address the barriers in the warehousing industry. With a customized solution for every step, at lightning speed, all they want is to make the impossible, possible and give a higher throughput.

The bottom line here is that businesses related to warehousing industry can revolutionize the way they work by simply automating the warehouse, which is the need of the hour and increase profitability.

Addverb To Open World’s Largest Robot Manufacturing Factory in India

Noida-based automation & robotics company, Addverb Technologies, has announced that will open world’s largest robot manufacturing factory in Noida, India. In January this year, Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Industries acquired a 54% stake in Addverb Technologies, for $132 million funding in Addverb.

With the upcoming robot manufacturing facility, Addverb seeks to disrupt manufacturing technology in India by employing highly innovative production techniques in which “Human-Robot Collaboration” the robots of tomorrow.

Last year in March, Addverb inaugurated robot manufacturing facility called “Bot-Valley” in Noida, which is spread over 2.5 acres of land. The upcoming robot-factory will be 10-times bigger than Bot-Valley, with which Addverb plans to deliver innovative automation solutions made in India, for the world, turning India into the capital of global robotics industry.

According to the company press release, the new plant will spread over 60,000 sq. mtr. and create highly skilled job opportunities leading to direct and indirect employment for over 3,000 people.

This upcoming facility will be able to manufacture up to 60,000 robots per year of different specifications and categories namely Autonomous Mobile Robot (Dynamo), Sorting Robot (Zippy), Multi-Carton Picking Mobile Robot (Veloce), Carton Shuttle (Quadron), Pallet Shuttle (Cruiser), Stacker Crane and Mother Child ASRS (Multi-Pro) system.

Sangeet Kumar, CEO of Addverb Technologies, said that “This brand-new facility will make Addverb a giant robot manufacturer on global fronts, by delivering cutting edge software and robust hardware systems, along with a mix of innovative fixed and flexible automation solutions.”

In September 2020, Addverb established its first offshore entity in Singapore to expand of its footprints in South East Asia.

Robotix Products Mesmerize the Parents and Kids at MiniRoo's Whimsical Wonderland Event

MiniRoo has been conducting Pop-Up events in various cities in South India since 2017. This year, The Whimsical Wonderland Pop-Up was held on 2nd April, 2022 (Saturday) at the Hyatt Regency in Chennai.

Whimsical Wonderland is an exclusive Pop-Up for both parents and kids. The purpose of the event was to empower parents to know about top kids’ brands from different places in India. Whimsical Wonderland was conducted in Chennai. It had 50+ brands as exhibitors.

Both the parents, kids, and to-be parents enjoyed participating in this one-day exhibition. They learned, hands-on, about unique products from leading brands in India.

Some top brands that were a part of the MiniRoo’s Whimsical Wonderland

• Robotix
• Yellow Rabbit
• Handful Baby
• MiniBoo
• The Lean Bean
• Shop Bloom
• Zookeeper

STEM learning, coding, and Robotix kits were on display for the parents and kids. The exclusive collection of games and learning kits captured the attention of many parents and kids who were a part of the event.

Everyone was quite thrilled and amazed to see the collection of interactive and experiential learning products on display. The products Robobricks and STEM makers kit allow learners to build, create, innovate, and explore.

Robotix designs products to make the children ready for the future, and train them with industry relevant skills.

If you are thinking what are the benefits Robotix products, explore the list:

• Allow young minds to think out-of-the-box.
• Promote brain development in children.
• Promote spatial skills.
• Develop hand-eye coordination.
• Encourage creativity and thinking.
• Fun learning through effective collaboration between parents and children.

CSTEM Math Kit

For young minds to explore and discover math concepts and its real-world applications.

STEM Makers Kit
Empowering young learners to take their initial steps into the world of Science, Mechanics, and Engineering.

Robobricks
For kids to create interactive models using smart blocks and learn screen-free coding.

Phiro Pro
A platform for children from ages 4-18 for fun coding and robotics.

Mr. Ramana Prasad, the Chairman of AI School of India and Robotix USA and India, was all praise for the great spectacular Whimsical Wonderland Pop-Up event conducted by MiniRoo. He mentioned that such exhibitions generate curiosity amongst parents and kids, and promote scientific learning and development. Everyone gets to see how science and technology has progressed over the years, and what does the future hold.

At Robotix, kids and teens build valuable S.T.E.M skills and 21st-century skills through personalized and interactive learning experience. Students experience learning from world-class products and tools from MIT, USA, and other places like Korea, Japan and Europe. Programmes like Coding, Robotics, App development, and DIY activities will inspire kids to be inventors and creators and develop 21st-century skills. Future jobs in the STEM field are the fastest growing and it’ll be crucial for our kids to be equipped with the right skills to be prepared for the future job market.

Hyderabad-based All India Robotics Association Announced the Commencement of a Project to Make India’s Indigenously Built Defence Robots

Representational Image

Hyderabad based All India Robotics Association today on the eve of Republic Day, announced the commencement of a project to make India’s indigenously built Defence Robots

The robot will be formally unveiled on 15th August 2022, and will be dedicated to the Country.

The All India Robotics Association (AIRA), a Hyderabad based trade body of the Robotics industry in India today announced the commencement of making India’s indigenously built Defence Robots. Mr. Kisshhan P.S.V, Chairman of the two years old AIRA. This announcement was made at Hyderabad on Wednesday on the eve of India’s Republic Day.

Defense robots are professional service robots that are deployed by the military in combat scenarios. They are often intended to enhance a soldier's existence. While India is making much advancement in the defence sectors, AIRA would like to contribute with Advanced Defence Robot on behalf of the robotics sector, disclosed in a press note issued by AIRA.

The robot will be formally unveiled on 15th August 2022, and will be dedicated to the Country. Their aim is to develop a couple of them and send them for testing. Once they are proved effective, more will be manufactured depending on the needs of the army. These are made only for the Indian Army by AIRA on its own.

AIRA as a trade body is also encouraging various startups across the country to be part of this prestigious project. This is to show the unity of robotics startups around the country and also to dedicate this robot to the nation by every robotics startup in the country, the release added. .

AIRA will soon call startups for participation in this project. 60% of the robots will be developed by engineers in AIRA and 40% of the robots will be developed by all the robotics startups collectively.

AIRA is developing the robots with inputs from veterans, however AIRA will soon take inputs from the Indian Army and develop this project.

We will strive hard and will not leave any option which will make India the global leader in Robotics, the release stated.

On the other hand AIRA is also working closely with Last Mile Delivery Robotics startups and working closely with organisations and governments in creating policies. Robots have just started transforming the logistics industry. AIRA will fuel and revolutionize the way goods are moved and delivered in India added Srinivas Madhavam, Board of Director, AIRA & Founder, Exprs

AIRA is also initiating establishment of free robotics labs across the state of Telangana. It is aiming to create both engineers and technicians in the next 5 years to support the robotics industry. The program, according to Mr. Charan Lakkaraju, Director Education of AIRA, is designed by many experts and this will be a milestone for making robotics for everyone and robots for good.

According to him, AIRA will create it’s chapters across educational institutions in the state to impart latest skills and make them interact with robotics experts and learn firsthand information from them. These chapters will also run hackathons to build the skill pool needed for the robotics industry in future.

AIRA is thankful to every stakeholder, member, board members and especially Shri Jayesh Ranjan, for his vision on robotics and his constant support, the release added.

The All-India Robotics Association, AIRA, is a not-for-profit trade body of Robotic enterprises, the first in the country. The purpose of AIRA is to support, nurture and create robotics business opportunities in India.

It’s vision is to make India the global leader in robotics production and technologies, in Telangana AIRA works with and under the guidance of Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, IT & EC, Govt of Telangana.

Trade Body of The Robotics Industry in India 'AIRA' Launched For Ecosystem Development of Robotics

Whatever incentives promised in The Electronic Policy for hardware manufacturing will also be extended to Robotics: Jayesh Ranjan.

The main aim of the AIRA will be building an ecosystem for the development of Robotics sector in the country: Harshitha Puvvala, Founder and President of AIRA

Among other lofty goals include organizing funding events on regular basis, standardizing robotics curriculum, create a business export path of USD 350M by 2022, laying a foundation stone for World-Class Robotics Centre

Hyderabad, December 15, 2020......The All-India Robotics Association, AIRA, a not-for-profit trade body of Robotic enterprises, the first in the country launched. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, IT & EC, Govt of Telangana formally announced it at a function held in the city on Tuesday evening.

The purpose, shares, Harshitha Puvvala, Founder and President of AIRA are to support, nurture and create robotics business opportunities in India. 

The newly formed body’s vision will be to make India the global leader in robotics production and technologies, in Telagana AIRA works with and under the guidance of Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, IT & EC, Govt of Telangana adds Harshita.

The other lofty goals chalked out are to create and standardize Robotics Education Curriculum, standardized Design technologies for Robot Designing, make India a global Robotics manufacturer. establishing a world-class Robotics Centre & Museum in Hyderabad all with a single goal to create a business export path of USD 350M by 2022. 

Speaking on the occasion he said during the lockdown many manufacturers using industrial robots have overcome manpower shortage and continued uninterrupted production. The power of Robots is also being increased by adding AI, because of which robots are also becoming intelligent now, Jayesh said.

Speaking further Jayesh said, Govt will gives lot of help to 8 emerging technologies it identified and Robots is one of them. The Electronic Policy is already in place in Telangana. In that whatever incentives we promised to the hardware manufacturing will also be extended to Robotics said Jayesh. 

Harshitha Puvvala, Jayesh Ranjan, Ramadevi seen at AIRA launch

Ms. Ramadevi, OSD, Department of IT&EC, Govt of Telanana while speaking on the occasions said we want AIRA to be the Indian Silicon Valley Robotics. Silicon Valley Robotics is the largest cluster of robotics and AI technology innovation and investment in the world.

India is one of the strongest growing economies among the Asian emerging markets is also a country rapidly moving towards automation for increasing production volume, accuracy, and safety. To build up the industrial automation for increasing the product supply and domestic manufacturing. Indian Industrial Robotics market is also gaining strength. Currently, India has well over 5000 Robotic units, companies, start-ups across the country. Nearly one million people work in this industry. But, there is no association exists in the country. This is the first time an association like this is formed in India, shared Harshita.

The association is formed to support every Indian Robotics start-up and create a clear path for them in terms of approvals, business growth, opportunities, funding, imports of electronic components, latest production technologies, skill development, educational opportunities etc, she added.

Building an ecosystem for the development of Robotics sector is very important for that matter for any industry to grow, the conducive environment should prevail. The ecosystem will help each other in solving the problems. It gives new entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their ideas, generate funding and finding the right partner(s) for their collaborations. With the association, it will be more organised.

The problems of the industry can be well represented at the right forums.

AIRA will set up standards in Robotics, AI & Automation and education industry as well as aims to help every robotics startup, robotics members, organizations and professionals to solve difficult technical problems while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities.

AIRA will endeavour to build the architecture integral to the development of the automation sector through policy advocacy and help in setting up the strategic direction for the sector to unleash its potential and dominate newer frontiers.

The executive board of AIRA will be the senior governing body that's composed of the President, President-elect Secretary, Vice President, Treasurer, 8 members with geographic, technical, and operational experience.

From holding elections to organise a Robotics Funding event, the launch of robotics policy, establishment of electronic components and warehouse, holding an international conference and not only establishing but laying the foundation stone for World-Class Robotics Centre are planned to achieve by next December.

Trifo Launches Vacuum Cleaner that can See, Listen and Speak as it Cleans

Trifo to launch its first robot vacuum cleaner in India which doubles up as a home security camera 

• With outstanding mapping capability and navigation system, the Max series by Trifo is the smartest and most powerful home surveillance robot vacuums to date.
• Trifo Max series can see, listen and speak as it cleans. It can communicate with the users through the Trifo Home App, whether at home or away.
• The series includes two models – Max that features powerful 3,000 Pa of suction while Max Pet, designed for homes with pets to manage their hair and bigger dirt particles, offers a higher 4,000 Pa. 
• The series comes with a water tank and ten mopping pads, allowing users to mop the floor while sweeping.

Trifo, a Silicon Valley-based AI home robot company, is set to roll out India's first Home Surveillance Robot Cleaner with powerful suction capability. Trifo Max series will be launched on September 30 with two models—Max and Max Pet. The series comes with a water tank and ten mopping pads, allowing users to mop the floor while sweeping.

Loaded with patented TIRVS (Trifo Intelligent Robotics Vision System) technology, Trifo Max series has smart learning abilities. Its advanced AI-powered surveillance system can decide the most efficient cleaning route while detecting and maneuvering around small obstacles such as toys, cables and jewelry. The robot uses its camera to map out different rooms at home and cleans them efficiently.

"Trifo is dedicated to creating home robots that help people achieve a better balance of family, work and personal life. Apart from its powerful cleaning capability and advanced vision navigation system, the Max series is a security device that can detect movement and sound, thereby keeping homes clean and safe," said Zhe Zhang, Founder and CEO of Trifo.

Max features a strong suction power of 3,000 Pa and its smart camera supporting home security functions. Once the Motion Detection feature is switched on, the robot cleaner can serve as a digital watchdog and inform the family about movements, people, or unusual sounds. If necessary, the built-in microphone and speaker can be used to communicate directly with the intruder or the person on site.

Max Pet is designed especially for furry friends at home. In addition to the home security function, it boasts a more powerful suction of up to 4,000 Pa and has no problem picking up pet hair and larger dirt particles. It comes with an extra pet hair extractor featuring an anti-knotting function ensuring long pet hair does not get stuck.

Through the Wi-Fi enabled Trifo Home App, Max and Max Pet can communicate with the users whether they are at home or away. The app gives real-time access to all of the different features and functions for cleaning while providing a new level of human-robot interaction from the camera.

Zhang added, "The specifications, together with a plethora of excellent smart features that it offers at a competitive price, make Max a valuable addition to the Robot Vacuum category. We're excited to bring Max to India so that homes can live better and smarter".

Availability and Pricing

After a successful launch in the U.S., UK and European markets, Trifo Max and Max Pet will be available in India on September 30 at Flipkart and Amazon. Max is attractively priced at INR 32,900 given the superior features it offers, while Max Pet is priced at INR 36,900.

Features and Specifications

Robot Vacuum and Security System in One

Supported by the AI-powered surveillance system, the Max series can function as a security robot guarding home while the user is away. The family can set up alert notifications to trigger automatic video recording or have a real-time inspection of a possible break-in by switching on the camera. Max can watch the house even while charging, as its charging port is at the back connecting to the charging station.

Users worried about privacy issues can disable the microphone and cameras at any time. None of the videos or other information is stored in the cloud or on the server.


Powerful Cleaning

Max has an optimized vacuum fan that creates 3,000 Pa of suction. Its larger main brush and six-claw side brush reach deep into corners, while its larger dustbin and a washable primary filter are easy to maintain. Max Pet has 4,000 Pa of suction to cope with pet hair and bigger dirt particles.


Advanced Intelligent Vision

The Max series runs on TIRVS (Trifo Intelligent Robotics Vision System)—a combination of proprietary algorithms and the latest deep sensing, perception and decision-making technology. This patented feature ensures the robot always knows where it is, decides the most efficient cleaning route, avoids obstacles and creates a map of its path to repeat later cleaning trips.


Trifo Home App

Users can program it remotely to schedule cleaning, whether they're home or not. Family members can see where Max or Max Pet has cleaned, through the map it has built, as it works. The app is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.


Innovative Human-Robot Interaction

The Max series is Alexa-enabled and the family at home can control it using voice commands, such as, "Alexa, turn on Trifo." When out of the house, the user can speak and listen to other family members, pets, or even intruders using Max's speaker and mic through the Trifo Home App.


…And More

Max's 5,200 mAh battery keeps it going up to 120 minutes and features a USB port for charging other devices at home.

 

About Trifo

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Trifo is a full-stack AI home robot company. Focusing on indoor home environments, Trifo creates end-to-end integrated hardware/software systems with sensing, perception and decision-making capabilities. These robots help people live better lives by perceiving physics, geometry and semantics of home environments, naturally communicating with humans and continuously learning new skills with advanced AI technologies.

Trifo's vision is to build a family of home robots that enhance people's lives and let them focus on what's important. Named after the mighty clover works hard to improve people's well-being, Trifolium repens, Trifo is dedicated to developing home robots that help families obtain the optimal balance between family, work and personal life.

Trifo has earned more than 50 patents and filed for more than 70 additional patents globally. Trifo's proprietary algorithms have been published at top robotics conferences such as ICRA and IROS.

IIM Bangalore to Host Virtual Talk by Japanese Robot Creator Tomotaka Takahashi on Sep 25

Hosted by the India-Japan Study Centre at IIMB, the award-winning inventor will discuss strategies to promote new technologies

The India-Japan Study Centre (IJSC) at IIMB will host the next talk in its seminar series, ‘Tatsujin – Speak’, on 25^th September 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The webinar titled, ‘The Creation of a New Robot Era’ will be led by the well-known Japanese robot creator Tomotaka Takahashi, inventor of robot astronaut ‘Kirobo’, and the Grand Canyon climbing Panasonic TVCM ‘Evolta’, both of which hold four Guinness World Records. 

Takahashi San will talk about strategies to promote new technologies and qualities required of innovators in bringing about the next big leap in technology and lifestyle. 

The lecture will be livestreamed on IIMB’s YouTube page: https://youtu.be/mt4e4cuCSmg

 The registration link for the webinar is: https://bit.ly/2RitTNb  

 About the speaker:

Takahashi San is the Founder and CEO of ‘Robo Garage’, and the Founder of ‘Marine-X’. He is also a Research Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo and Visiting Professor at Osaka Electro-Communication University.  

About IJSC @ IIMB:

The India Japan Study Centre (IJSC) was set up as a Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore to serve as a facilitator for many collaborative initiatives among academia, industry, and the government agencies between India and Japan on various areas of mutual interest. 

About the lecture series:

IJSC’s lecture series called ‘Tatsujin – Speak’ or ‘Expert-Speak’, aims to bring high-quality information and insights about select areas of India-Japan interactions to the informed and interested members of the public, and also lead to sharing of the key indications and developments in the fields of management, technology, culture etc. Each invited speaker would be an outstanding personality in their specialized area of expertise and experienced in translating the specifics of their knowledge into more general terms. 

Avishkaar Announces Winners of World's Largest Robotics & Coding Competition 2020

Winners unveiled to mark the end of Avishkaar League 2020, world’s largest robotics and coding competition hosted by Avishkaar, India’s leading EdTech platform for children

Avishkaar League, the world's largest robotics and coding competition for children, is a unique challenge for children to tinker, innovate and develop solutions through robotics and coding for real-world problems. Avishkaar League 2020 was conducted during April to August, and the theme - 'Guardians of Nature' - was designed to push young minds to think of innovative solutions to solve global challenges.

Shreshta Singhal, 10-year-old from Presidium, Indirapuram has emerged as one of the “Guardians Of Nature” who used Robotics to create a contact-less water dispenser that can curb the spread of the pandemic. He was the first prize winner in Hackathon, a challenge in Avishkaar League, world’s largest robotics and coding competition.

The guest of honor of this year was Dr. Ritesh Malik; a doctor turned entrepreneur who is the Founder of  Innov8 Co-working spaces. In 2016, he was listed in the Forbes under 30 in the finance and venture list for Asia. 

The next generation of children who are builders, innovators, programmers are applying all their tech skills to solve the global challenges that humanity faces. Some of the other solutions that emerged in the league were— an earthquake detector, automatic liquid dispensers, contactless sanitizer dispensers.

This year the Avishkaar League, world’s largest robotics and coding competition,  showcased three competitions— IRC League (Season 11), Hackathon, and Tweak League. The idea was to create a defense mechanism against the deadly virus attack by using a PC as the battleground. The best part about this league was that it was open to all kids over the globe. The Finale took place virtually on a Live Stream through Avishkaar’s YouTube channel.  

Tarun Bhalla (Founder, CEO Avishkaar) graced the event with a thoughtful message for all the participants. His words, “Test of fire makes great steel” will stay with the young minds as they continuously test themselves amongst the best in the world.

Mr. Tarun also empowered the kids to learn a music instrument, hone their skills, take up new projects, innovate, and create, especially now.

Dr. Ritesh Malik motivated kids to learn and adapt to new ways of life. Adding to that, he also said, “Focus on moral creation of wealth, focus on health, develop skills, focus on creating positive exposures, and learn technology as soon as possible.”

The winners of the Avishkar League were announced soon after the speech and here are the winners of Avishkaar league, 2020— 

Tweak League

Akshay Pandya, DAV Public School, Anmol Patel, Modern Era Public School, Sana Rao, Shikshantar Primary School 

Hackathon

Shreshta Singhal, Presidium, Indirapuram, Arjun Manocha, DL DAV Model School, Hrishikesh Kelkar, Sister Nivedita English Medium School

IRC League

Vaibhav Sahni, Scottish High International School, Ray Verma, Scottish High International School, Divit Chopra, Scottish High International School

Winner of Hackathon 2020, Shreshta Singhal shares his experience as he says, “I am proud to be the winner of this championship. It was a great learning experience. I am just in grade 5, and coding is new to me. Thanks to my trainers and my parents and especially to Avishkaar because I got hands-on experience in coding through Maker Board.”

Shreshta’s parents were delighted to know that their son secured the first place in the competition, and they also shared their thoughts about the Avishkaar League. “We are so proud of our son. He used to work till late at night to ensure that the model works perfectly, and all his efforts paid off. Huge credit goes to Avishkaar for helping kids to learn to code and apply it in real-life scenarios. Especially contactless sanitizer dispensers which are the need of the hour now can be made using this technology. We’re thankful to Avishkaar for making this possible.”

Akshay Pandya, DAV Public School, said, “I am excited to be the winner of Tweak League.” His parents were equally proud of his achievement. “I am thankful to Avishkaar to make my son’s dream come true,” they said. 

Avishkaar, India's leading EdTech platform for children, is transforming how children learn 21st-century skills such as coding, robotics, AI, IoT and more. Founded by Tarun Bhalla in 2010, Avishkaar offers award-winning robotics kits and live online expert classes for children from 5 years to 16 years to help develop skills such as computational thinking, problem-solving, logical thinking etc. Avishkaar support more than 1100 schools including The Shri Ram School, Sanskriti, DPS and 50,000 children across the globe in their journey to be future-ready. The platform includes award-winning robotics kits such as E-series, Tweak, and Maker Board, personalised adaptive live courses designed by experts from Microsoft, IIT etc. and active community of young innovators.

Cobots Maker Universal Robots Ties with Phillips Machine Tools India to Provide the Best CNC Machine Tool Automation Solutions to Indian Manufacturers

In an effort to boost productivity and help manufacturers emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever, pioneer and leading collaborative manufacturer Universal Robots (UR) joins hands with Phillips Machine Tools India, part of Phillips Corporation, the world's largest Haas factory outlet. Together, they are all set to offer machine shops a safe, user-friendly solution to optimize uptime and enable significant advantages to manufacturers in India. This is an extension of the existing partnership between the two companies in the USA, which was first announced in August 2019.

Universal Robots joins hands with Phillips Corporation - the largest global distributor of best-selling Haas CNC machines, to help Indian manufacturers boost productivity

Cobots are niche robotic arms which are quick to deploy, have a low footprint, and easy to program, even for those who are first time robot users. They overcome common barriers to automation faced by manufacturers in India, allowing them to implement Industry 4.0 technology. Traditionally, manufacturers face significant difficulties in the loading and unloading of CNC machines, which happens to be one the most popular applications of collaborative robots. Thus, the distributor agreement between Universal Robots India and Phillips Machine Tools India will ensure the rapid deployment of cobots with Haas CNC machines to help manufacturers staffing issues and stay competitive in this time of uncertainty. It will further offer affordable solutions to new and existing manufacturers and drive them to push the envelope by adopting flexible automation and increase overall productivity.

"Universal Robots India is pleased to partner with Phillips Machine Tools India, a Haas Factory Outlet, in bringing our solutions to the Automated Machine Tending marketplace in India. With Phillips' extensive installed base and service network pan India, Universal Robots and Phillips India will bring the benefits of democratized & flexible automation to MSMEs, SMEs & OEMs as India emerges from the pandemic with a leaner but more productive & efficient manufacturing sector," shares Pradeep David, General Manager, South Asia, Universal Robots.

Universal Robots has already sold over 44,000 cobots across the globe, with more than 1,000 UR cobots for tending Haas CNC machines. Phillips Corporation has an installed base of more than 19,000 Haas CNC machines around the world. More than 60 different Haas models can be automated with Universal Robots' cobot arms. This partnership between the world's largest distributor of the leading CNC brand and the top collaborative robot brand offers a slew of advantage for India's manufacturers, combining a Haas-UR solution offered with Phillips' manufacturing expertise and application know-how to help businesses boost productivity and also prepare for the possibility of any future disruptions.

"Today, more than ever before, it's all about the competitive edge. We at Phillips Machine Tools India offer innovative, affordable solutions that create an unbeatable competitive advantage for Indian manufacturing. Phillips Automation through Universal Robots offers Cobots: collaborative robots that provide cost-effective, flexible, and safe automation solutions for a wide range of CNC machine tending tasks. With over 10,000+ CNC machines and 10 technical centres spread across India we combine our machine tool expertise and automation experience to help our customers increase their machine productivity through simple, reliable automation, the Phillips way," says Terrence Miranda, Managing Director, Phillips Machine Tools India.

The companies see tremendous potential in both, retrofitting existing installations with UR cobots, and also for getting through the door to new customers, offering turn-key solutions. After all, there is no hardwiring or complex coding involved in getting a Universal Robot to communicate with a Haas machine since UR has solutions like the VersaBuilt software that facilitates two-way communication between the UR cobot and the CNC. This means UR cobots can easily execute any machining program stored on the Haas CNC directly through the cobot's own teach pendant, maintaining all Haas safety interlock features. The partnership, thus, endeavors to take manufacturing in India to a whole new level, especially empowering those who are new to automation with a solution that enables Make in India with skyrocketed efficiency and quality.

Watch UR cobots tend a wide range of Haas CNC machines here.

About Universal Robots
Universal Robots was founded in 2005 to make robot technology accessible to all by developing small, user-friendly, reasonably priced, flexible industrial robots that are safe to work with. Since the first collaborative robot (cobot) was launched in 2008, the company has experienced considerable growth with the user-friendly cobot now sold worldwide. The company, which is a part of Teradyne Inc., is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and has subsidiaries and regional offices in the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, China, India, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mexico.

For more information, please visit www.universal-robots.com or read our blog at www.blog.universal-robots.com/in

About Phillips Corporation
Phillips Corporation is a family-owned global manufacturing services company, partnering with customers to create legendary value by providing unparalleled expertise, innovative thinking, and solutions for those who shape the future. They partner with customers to improve competencies for applying manufacturing technology - resulting in leaps in productivity, great prosperity, and enduring competitive advantage.

Phillips Corporation globally is the World's Largest Haas Factory Outlet, combining the convenience and security of a local distributor with the strengths of an international organization.

~ Newsvoir

1st Dedicated Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Unit in India launched by Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, one of the most advanced multi-speciality tertiary care hospitals in the city and part of the Apollo Hospitals Group (BSE: 508869 / NSE: APOLLOHOSP) today announced the launch of the first dedicated Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Unit in India. A milestone in the history of cardiovascular surgery in the country, the Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Unit will offer patients with complex cardiac disease treatment with robotic assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

The Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Unit will be equipped with the advanced fourth-generation versatile ‘da Vinci Xi’ robotic surgical system and a dedicated team, led by Dr. Sathyaki P Nambala, Sr. Consultant, Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon and HoD, Robotic Cardiac Surgery Unit.

Dr. K. Hariprasad, President, Apollo Hospitals said, “Our vision has always been to bring the most advanced medical technology to India to benefit our patients. We are continuing on this path with the launch of the dedicated Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Unit, which will be the first in India to offer a full-time robotic heart surgery program. This will empower our doctors to deliver the best of cardiac care, armed with the latest in advanced medical technology.

At Apollo Hospitals, the patient is at the center of all our efforts in providing accessible and affordable world-class treatment, and the introduction of the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system is in furtherance of this objective. With 18 cases successfully treated to date with robot-assisted cardiac surgery, we are confident that the dedicated unit will change the lives of many more patients who cannot undergo conventional cardiac surgery.”

Dr. Sathyaki P Nambala, Sr. Consultant, Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon and HoD, Robotic Cardiac Surgery Unit said, “The development of a Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery program requires a tremendous amount of dedication and preparation, and we are proud to have launched a dedicated program for the first time in India."

The innovative technology of the da Vinci Xi allows complex cardiovascular surgeries to be performed through smaller incisions and precise motion control, as compared to conventional open heart surgery, which involves opening up the chest by splitting the breastplate. The robot is docked near the operation table while the cardiac surgeon sits on a console from where commands are given to operate the smooth and dexterous robotic arms with a precision that would be impossible without the robot. A high-definition camera provides a clear, 3D view of the chest to the surgeon on a console screen.

Davison PK, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore said, “The Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Program will now be accessible to patients, not just across the nation, but the world too, thus making India a one-stop destination for robotic surgery. One of the major features of the specialized unit lies is that it will help reduce strain on the surgeon, by providing excellent vision, along with an increase in comfort while performing long surgeries. Very few centers in the globe offer this service, and we are proud that Apollo Hospitals Bangalore will be the first in India."

Dr. Nambala added, “Robotic heart surgery means minimal trauma, less blood loss and less overall discomfort for the patient. Since no bones are cut, there is no instability of the breast-bone or sternum after the surgery. Small incisions lead to negligible blood loss, eliminating blood transfusion in most cases and eliminating risks of blood borne infection.

Other advantages include reduced pain, less post-operative wound infections, less post-operative scarring, and a positive effect on breathing. Recovery is rapid, with lesser hospitalization, faster mobilization and rehabilitation. Healing is usually complete in 10 days with return to normal life including driving or other activities within a few days. The reduction in chance of infection makes it an ideal procedure ideal in diabetics and older patients."

About da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System

The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System was approved by the USFDA in 2014. It operates on three principals: first, the surgeon can plan and visualize the surgery beforehand to study multiple levels and the entire process; second, the robotic guidance system will be an extension of the doctor during the process and is intended to enable execution with precision; and third, the doctor can visualize progress in real-time.

The da Vinci Xi consists of three main components: a robot, acting as remote manipulator, a control console, used by the surgeon, and an endoscopic vision cart. The da Vinci Xi provides high resolution 3D visualization, up to ten-times magnification of the operating field, movement scaling, and dual console systems for surgeon cooperation and training.

[Top Featured Image - Dr. Sathyaki P Nambala, Sr. Consultant, Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon and HoD, Robotic Cardiac Surgery Unit]

~ Newsvoir

Medtronic Introduces Mazor X Stealth Edition for Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery in India

• First Patient in India Treated at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi


• Surgical Robotics Market in India is Predicted to Grow Remarkably


• Mazor X Stealth Edition™ Will Enable Doctors to Plan Their Surgery, Provide Assistance to Execute the Plan Precisely and Visualize the Progress in Real-Time

​India Medtronic Private Limited, wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), today announced the launch of the Mazor X Stealth Edition™ that offers a fully-integrated procedural solution for surgical planning, workflow, execution and confirmation of spine surgeries. Surgeons at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, have successfully performed the first minimally invasive spine surgery in India using the Mazor X Stealth Edition™ Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery System.

The global surgical robotics market has a vast potential, and it is expected to grow to US$9.3 billion by 2025 from US$4.9 billion back in 2016 with a CAGR of 11.4%1. In India, with a rapidly growing senior population, the spine surgery rate is expected to rise. The Surgical Robotics Market in India is predicted to witness a remarkable increase from US$129.9 million in 2016 to US$372.5 million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%.1

"Minimally-invasive spinal procedures with their smaller incisions can pose a challenge to surgeons due to the limited view of the patient's anatomy. The combination of robotics and navigation provides an opportunity for not only procedural benefits but also the potential for clinical efficiency and improvement in patient outcomes,” said Dr. H.S. Chhabra, medical director, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi. “We can now perform the same spinal surgery with precision as planned along with the ability to confirm through navigation that the implant is going in the location as it was intended to.”

"We believe technology has the power to improve lives. That's why we are continually innovating novel products and procedural solutions in the area of minimally invasive therapies; to improve the quality of life for all patients. We are bringing a myriad of new technologies to India to improve access to the best treatment options for patients,” said Madan Krishnan, vice president and managing director, India Medtronic Pvt Ltd. “This year being the 40th year for Medtronic in India, we are happy to demonstrate our commitment to transforming healthcare in India with renewed vigour by launching the Mazor X Stealth Edition™ Robotic-assisted Spine Surgery System."

Co-developed between Medtronic and the recently acquired Mazor Robotics, the Mazor X Stealth Edition™ seamlessly incorporates Stealth™ software technology into the Mazor X robotic-assisted surgery platform. It is a revolutionary new technology that uses cutting-edge software to plan the surgical procedure, then uses a robotic arm to guide implants and instruments through the steps of the surgical process with precision, while simultaneously using real-time imaging feedback to ensure the plan is being carried out as desired. The Mazor X Stealth Edition™ operates on three principals: first, the surgeon can plan and visualize the surgery beforehand to study multiple levels and the entire process; second, the robotic guidance system will be an extension of the doctor during the process and is intended to enable execution with precision; and third, the doctor can visualize progress in real-time.
About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

References:
1 https://www.analyticsinsight.net/analytics-insight-estimates-indian-surgical-robotics-market-at-us129-million-by-2025/

~ BusinessWire India

Mumbai School Girls to Build, Use Robots addressing Ocean Pollution at 1st Global Challenge 2019

In two and a half weeks, a team of very young and spirited 5 teenage girls (14 yrs-18yrs), the Geared-Up Girls from 4 different schools in Mumbai will represent the country at the First Global Challenge between October 24 - 27, 2019.

The 'Geared-up Girls' Team -- from 4 schools across Mumbai comprises of the team members namely, Aarushi Shah (Bombay International School), works on robot design, construction and electrical in the team, Radhika Sekhsaria (Oberoi International School), responsible for fundraising and programming, Aayushi Nainan (Dhirubhai Ambani International School), her primary focus is on strategy and construction, Jasmehar Kochhar (Podar International School), focuses on programming and strategizing and Lavanya Iyer (Dhirubhai Ambani International School), responsible for robot construction and strategy.





It's a huge moment for us as our daughters are representing the country at a global platform. All of us parents are extremely grateful and overwhelmed at the same time. We do hope our girls can keep the nation's flag flying high. We are thankful to Stem Education Trust and First Global for their guidance and support." said Rohit Sekhsaria, Radhika Sekhsaria's father.

With more than 2,000 students from 193 countries from around the world, the 3rd edition of FIRST Global challenge is going to be held in Dubai.

The FIRST Global Challenge, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States, invites nations from across the world to send their teams to compete in a Robotics Olympics themed around the greatest challenges facing our planet.



This year, the theme is ‘ocean opportunities’ and focuses on ocean pollution that negatively impacts marine life and global populations. It seeks to educate the participating teams about taking action to preserve our oceans and also throws up a challenge to the young and budding scientists to build robots to clean up the ocean of pollutants.

"This is the first time an all-girls team has qualified to make it to the First Global Challenge. That's really encouraging for STEM education because there's a wide gender disparity in this field. It has been part exciting and part fulfilling to mentor the 5 girls who have the spunk and intelligence. Apart from preparing the team technically, we have spent a lot of time in community service, where the girls are actively spreading awareness about STEM and teaching robotics to underprivileged children. We do hope the Geared-up Girls team continues to rise and shine." said Meenal Majumdar, Mentor.

All the five girls have gone through a rigorous selection process that involved four rounds of technical interviews. They were pitted against 20 teams vying for the prestigious spot to make it to team India.

To address the huge gap that exists in STEM education, the girls have taken it upon themselves to create a world of confident and fearless girls by reducing the gender inequality in STEM. Their mission is to empower and enrich the lives of women by inspiring them to pursue STEM.

The girls are also actively involved in teaching STEM to underprivileged students of Dharavi and hearing impaired students of Sankalp. They are also raising funds to support an all-girls team to participate at the First Lego League.

IIT Madras Develops 'GraspMan' - A Robot-equivalent of A Human Hand

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) have developed a robot with grasping and locomotion abilities like a human hand that can be used for industrial purposes and in search and rescue operations, the premier institute said on Wednesday.

The multimodal robotic system named 'GraspMan' comprises a pair of graspers (machine-equivalent of human hands) that enable it to conform to the geometry of an object being grasped.



"The motivation behind this research is to make a robot, with minimum design for specific tasks, capable of navigating and manipulating across different environments," Head of the research team Prof Asokan Thondiyath said in a statement here.

Research scholar Nagamanikandan Govindan, a member of the team, said, "...The combination of locomotion and manipulation gives it an interesting features such as the ability to hold an object and walk, arm-swinging like baboons (brachiation)."

In industrial use, it can climb on pipes, hold them and assemble. Besides, in can aide machines used in
earch-and-rescue operations and locomotory applications, he added. PTI CPB

Robotic Dogs to Replace Sniffer Dogs at Indian Airports

Soon airports in India will have robotics canines/dogs with advanced features such X-Ray vision eyes to scan the luggage of passengers. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is reportedly planning to deploy robotic canines at airports across the country in an effort to boost security. CISF is paramilitary forces for India, which works for seaways, airways and some of the major installations in India including airports.

These robotic canines aka dogs will replace airport security dogs such as the German shepherds, Labradors or Belgian Malinois, which are used by the CISF in airport security.

The use of "robotic canines" came up in discussions at the Global Aviation Security Symposium 2018 held at Montreal, Canada, this week attended by CISF DG Rajesh Ranjan and additional DG M A Ganapathy, also in-charge of aviation security at airports across India.

With deployment of robotic canines, CISF aims to use the latest technologies to deal with increasing global threats to aviation, greater volumes of air travellers and new tactics used to smuggle illegal items through airports.

According an official statement to India Times, CISF has tie-up with Transport Security Administration (TSA) of the United States and also have a capacity building pact with the EU as well, which will help CISF explore a lot about new technologies and methods of securing airports across India.

Additionally, use of CT scan-based screening of hand-luggage and cabin baggage ws also discussed along with the use emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), latest explosive detectors and biometric control access at the airports.

To recall, in May this year airline Vistara has launched India's first robot at Airport named ‘RADA that uses AI technology and can assist customers, address their queries and even entertain them.

Top featured image is for representative purpose only and taken from Publinews

In Biggest Indian Hardware Startup Fundraise, Grey Orange Raises $140 Mn from Peter Thiel's Firm

California, US-based Mithril Capital Management LLC, an investment firm founded by Peter Thiel and Ajay Royan, has led a $140 million (~ Rs. 1,010 crores) Series C funding of Gurgaon-based robotics startup Grey Orange, making it the biggest fundraise by an Indian hardware startup to date. Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Mitsubishi and existing investor Blume Ventures also participated in this round. Royan from Mithril will join the Grey Orange board.

With this, Grey Orange has also become highest funded robotic startup in India and its valuation estimated to be between $400 million and $500 million, according to a report by Economic Times.

The startup will use the freshly raised capital in getting its own manufacturing supply chain and into R&D. The startup also plans to double down investments in its Boston R&D center, as well as into centers in India and Singapore.

Mithril, Japan's Mitsubishi and Binny Bansal have joined in Grey Orange as new investors. Other existing investors in the startup include Tiger Global, Flipkart, Mitsubishi and Project Verte.

Binny Bansal, Flipkart co-founder and Group CEO said, “As an entrepreneur myself, I have closely followed how Samay and Akash have built and grown GreyOrange to become an international technology company with customers across the world. I look forward to supporting and witnessing the new phase of their growth. The team will build on its strengths, especially in AI and machine learning, to launch new generation products for flexible automation.”

Founded in 2011, by Akash Gupta, Samay Kohli and Wolfgang Hoeltgen, GreyOrange is a 300+ employee startup creating hardware & software products for warehousing industry. The startup is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in India, Japan, Germany, and the US.

In September last year, we reported that Japan’s largest conglomerate Mitsubishi is considering acquiring a minority stake in GreyOrange Robotics. Since then, Mitsubishi was contemplating making an investment of less than $20 million that eventually led to this funding.

Prior to this in 2015, Grey Orange raised $30 million in a round led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from existing investors Blume Ventures. In 2013, Grey Orange Robotics received angel funding from a consortium of investors led by Blume Ventures and BITS Spark Angels followed by funding of about Rs 54 crore in the round led by Tiger Global and Blume Ventures.

With its industrial automation solutions, Grey Orange counts Aramex, DTDC, Flipkart, Jabong, Mahindra, Myntra, and Pepperfry amongst its client list. GreyOrange's products include - 'Butler' and 'Linear Sorter'. While Sorter is a conveyor belt system fitted with robotic arms and advanced tools like dimensioning and weighing modules capable of sorting up to 6,000 packages per hour, Butler is said to be an artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous robot that "optimizes the supply chain process from inventory storage and replenishment to order picking."

[caption id="attachment_126049" align="aligncenter" width="700"] GreyOrange intelligent robotics systems deliver flexible, cost-effective supply chains to expedite distribution and fulfillment processes[/caption]

Samay Kohli, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange said, “We are fortunate to have an experienced management team and investors with a common vision to build the next generation of flexible supply chain systems. Having a veteran board member and strategist like Ajay Royan join the board will help fulfill that vision faster. Fundraising events are important milestones in a company’s journey, and for GreyOrange, the funds will allow us to continue to invest in our R&D and supply chain to maintain our market-leading position.”

“As a global investor focused on emerging category leaders, Mithril is proud to partner with the GreyOrange team to advance our shared vision of a universal platform for flexible automation. As online and offline channels converge across a wide range of industries, we are excited to support robotic solutions that thoughtfully bridge the world of bits and the world of atoms, driving better health, safety and efficiency for workers and customers alike,” Ajay Royan said in a media statement.

Mithril is a global investment firm founded by Ajay Royan and Peter Thiel. The firm provide capital to leading growth companies by partnering with teams "who use technology to build transformative and durable businesses, often in industries long overdue for change", as mentioned the firm's Linkedin company page.

Peter, who chairs Mithril’s investment committee, cofounded PayPal and Palantir Technologies, which is a CIA-backed big data startup valued at $20 billion. He was the first outside investor in Facebook, and has made numerous other investments in highly successful technology companies. He created the Thiel Fellowship and established and funds the Thiel Foundation. He was educated at Stanford University.

Source - Grey Orange

In Biggest Indian Hardware Startup Fundraise, Grey Orange Raises $140 Mn from Peter Thiel's Firm

California, US-based Mithril Capital Management LLC, an investment firm founded by Peter Thiel and Ajay Royan, has led a $140 million (~ Rs. 1,010 crores) Series C funding of Gurgaon-based robotics startup Grey Orange, making it the biggest fundraise by an Indian hardware startup to date. Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Mitsubishi and existing investor Blume Ventures also participated in this round. Royan from Mithril will join the Grey Orange board.

With this, Grey Orange has also become highest funded robotic startup in India and its valuation estimated to be between $400 million and $500 million, according to a report by Economic Times.

The startup will use the freshly raised capital in getting its own manufacturing supply chain and into R&D. The startup also plans to double down investments in its Boston R&D center, as well as into centers in India and Singapore.

Mithril, Japan's Mitsubishi and Binny Bansal have joined in Grey Orange as new investors. Other existing investors in the startup include Tiger Global, Flipkart, Mitsubishi and Project Verte.

Binny Bansal, Flipkart co-founder and Group CEO said, “As an entrepreneur myself, I have closely followed how Samay and Akash have built and grown GreyOrange to become an international technology company with customers across the world. I look forward to supporting and witnessing the new phase of their growth. The team will build on its strengths, especially in AI and machine learning, to launch new generation products for flexible automation.”

Founded in 2011, by Akash Gupta, Samay Kohli and Wolfgang Hoeltgen, GreyOrange is a 300+ employee startup creating hardware & software products for warehousing industry. The startup is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in India, Japan, Germany, and the US.

In September last year, we reported that Japan’s largest conglomerate Mitsubishi is considering acquiring a minority stake in GreyOrange Robotics. Since then, Mitsubishi was contemplating making an investment of less than $20 million that eventually led to this funding.

Prior to this in 2015, Grey Orange raised $30 million in a round led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from existing investors Blume Ventures. In 2013, Grey Orange Robotics received angel funding from a consortium of investors led by Blume Ventures and BITS Spark Angels followed by funding of about Rs 54 crore in the round led by Tiger Global and Blume Ventures.

With its industrial automation solutions, Grey Orange counts Aramex, DTDC, Flipkart, Jabong, Mahindra, Myntra, and Pepperfry amongst its client list. GreyOrange's products include - 'Butler' and 'Linear Sorter'. While Sorter is a conveyor belt system fitted with robotic arms and advanced tools like dimensioning and weighing modules capable of sorting up to 6,000 packages per hour, Butler is said to be an artificial intelligence-enabled autonomous robot that "optimizes the supply chain process from inventory storage and replenishment to order picking."

[caption id="attachment_126049" align="aligncenter" width="700"] GreyOrange intelligent robotics systems deliver flexible, cost-effective supply chains to expedite distribution and fulfillment processes[/caption]

Samay Kohli, Co-Founder and CEO, GreyOrange said, “We are fortunate to have an experienced management team and investors with a common vision to build the next generation of flexible supply chain systems. Having a veteran board member and strategist like Ajay Royan join the board will help fulfill that vision faster. Fundraising events are important milestones in a company’s journey, and for GreyOrange, the funds will allow us to continue to invest in our R&D and supply chain to maintain our market-leading position.”

“As a global investor focused on emerging category leaders, Mithril is proud to partner with the GreyOrange team to advance our shared vision of a universal platform for flexible automation. As online and offline channels converge across a wide range of industries, we are excited to support robotic solutions that thoughtfully bridge the world of bits and the world of atoms, driving better health, safety and efficiency for workers and customers alike,” Ajay Royan said in a media statement.

Mithril is a global investment firm founded by Ajay Royan and Peter Thiel. The firm provide capital to leading growth companies by partnering with teams "who use technology to build transformative and durable businesses, often in industries long overdue for change", as mentioned the firm's Linkedin company page.

Peter, who chairs Mithril’s investment committee, cofounded PayPal and Palantir Technologies, which is a CIA-backed big data startup valued at $20 billion. He was the first outside investor in Facebook, and has made numerous other investments in highly successful technology companies. He created the Thiel Fellowship and established and funds the Thiel Foundation. He was educated at Stanford University.

Source - Grey Orange