ARTPARK@IISc and Nokia have partnered to showcase two innovative use cases i.e. robotic telepresence and advanced network-enabled perception as a “Third Eye” to automate manual warehousing processes
Most individuals were under impression that robots can only be used for exotic applications alone, while Bangalore-based not-for-profit foundation, AI & Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) @ the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Nokia came together to demonstrate two new use cases, which can touch people’s lives, by simplifying things at work. They implemented AI and ML advancements and next-generation networks to invent applications in robotic teleportation and advanced warehouse automation.
Robotic teleportation:
Remote work or a hybrid-work model offers employees more flexibility and helps them to promote a healthy work-life balance. But web conferencing and video conferencing utilized for business communications do not meet the requirements of today’s hybrid world. The first use case includes AHAM Robotics, a venture incubated at ARTPARK, demonstrating a robotic teleportation solution that provides real-time, virtual teleportation that allows untethered collaboration between people in different geographical locations. This enables users to move around during the meeting physically, and permits more versatile interactions and use cases than the usual web meetings. The demos allowed visitors in IMC to enjoy live interactions with exhibitors in IISc via robotic teleportation
Advanced warehouse automation:
Warehouse automation includes machines and robots to improve speed, productivity, and accuracy and reduce labor costs. In the second use case, ARTPARK described how blind robots can still work autonomously by using advanced network-enabled perception. Such technologies, enabled by advanced, low latency, and ultra-reliable services in 5G, will help cost-effective and efficient automation of warehousing functions. The demo showed how a simple robot with no in-built vision capability, could still use cameras installed outside (third eye) and have meaningful interactions with visitors.
Prof. Bharadwaj Amrutur, Research Head, ARTPARK, Professor, IISc, “As workplaces move towards a more hybrid setup, we will need tools to digitize global business communications to ensure productivity and profitability. This is where robotic teleportation comes into play. They offer both technological benefits and collaboration advantages, benefiting businesses and clients alike. Although video conferencing emerged as a savior during the pandemic, allowing businesses to interact virtually, it won’t be enough to cater to the rapidly evolving needs of today’s hybrid world. AHAM Robotics, incubated at ARTPARK, aims to address this challenge by making the best of AI & robotics innovations to help businesses bridge their collaboration gaps.”
