Robots called next-generation devices are gradually being put to practical use.
However, it takes a long research period and various costs to fully put it into practical use, so the reality is that companies that develop robots are burdened with considerable risks.
We heard that there is a solution that makes it easier and more efficient to develop robots , and we talked to Shinji Kojima, general manager of the NB division of VAIO Corporation , who is in charge of developing the ” robot general-purpose platform .”
What is a “robot general-purpose platform”?
It is a comprehensive solution platform that provides all functions such as hardware, software, solutions, cloud services, support, and various servers for companies considering robot development and provision of robot services .
It provides an optimal environment for companies considering robot development and robot services, and by using this service, it becomes possible to develop robots efficiently in a short time.
There are two pieces of hardware on the platform, each optimized for the functionality required of the robot.
“Middle”
More multifunctional customization is possible, such as face recognition, LCD screen mounting, and robot operation.
It has already been introduced in the EMS business, and the development of products equipped with this hardware is still in progress.
“Simple”
It is hardware that provides necessary and sufficient functions as a communication robot whose main purpose is dialogue.
It functions as a communication robot simply by embedding common hardware originally developed by VAIO in the housing such as a stuffed animal.
EMS … Electronic equipment manufacturing contract service
Interview with Mr. Shinji Kojima, General Manager of NB Division
–Are there any backgrounds in developing the “robot general-purpose platform”?
“VAIO designs and manufactures personal computers, but I thought that if we could make PCs, we could also make other IT / IoT related products. Let’s make products that meet the demands of the world. it is an opportunity that was.
at present, in order to save the companies that suffer the realization of ideas, we are also doing EMS business to carry out the design and manufacture received a request from the outside.
When VAIO was under the umbrella of Sony, there was a time when it was in charge of designing and manufacturing “aibo”, and a company that knew about it asked me if I could make a robot, so I started the robot design and manufacturing business. It was decided.
A typical example is the mass production of “Palmi”, the design and manufacture of “KIROBO mini” and “Ganchelge Haro”, and the business of contracting the design and manufacture of robots in earnest because it was very responsive. started. Therefore, I thought that we could provide a platform for companies that have difficulty developing robots in-house, so we launched the current [general-purpose robot platform] . ”
Some of the robots involved in the development of the EMS business
aibo … Pet robot
Palmi developed by Sony Corporation… Self-supporting communication robot developed by FUJISOFT [DMM. Make ROBOTS Product by FUJISOFT]
KIROBO mini … Toyota Motor’s palm-sized communication partner robot Gunshelge
Haro … Bandai shares Company’s “Mobile Suit Gundam” AI Robot
–Please tell us about the features of the platform.
“It will be a comprehensive solution platform that provides all functions such as hardware, software, solutions, cloud services, support, and various servers required for robot development and service operation.
Until now, it was difficult for one company to carry out all the functions required for robot development, and it would take time and money to create a system to collaborate with multiple companies, so the dream of a company that wants to develop a robot will come true. Had a high hurdle.
Therefore, taking advantage of VAIO’s experience in manufacturing robots, we have a track record of collaborating on software and cloud services, and by collaborating with other companies that have reliable knowledge, we can create a [robot general-purpose platform] . It is now possible to provide it. As a partner called “VAIO Technical Partner”, the companies that cooperate with each other cooperate with the alliance and cooperate in promoting the platform.
In order to operate and operate the robot, not only initial settings but also post-sales service, support and product maintenance are required.
The best feature is that it is possible to undertake all in one step on the platform provided by VAIO, including such detailed parts . In terms of customer support, I believe that the experience and know-how cultivated over many years with VAIO personal computers is being utilized. ”
――What kind of people would you like to use the platform?
“I am not particularly conscious of the target, but not only companies that already have development technology, but also companies that have nothing to do with robot development have said that they want to entrust the reception work to robots.
At Robodex, we received many questions such as “How to develop a robot?”, But I think that the companies that are asked may have some problems in development.
We hope that such companies will use it. ”
Robodex : An exhibition where all technologies that promote the realization of a robot society, including robot development technology for various purposes, IT, and AI technology, are exhibited (3rd January 16-18, 2019)
――Please tell us about your future outlook.
“Robots are said to be the third device after personal computers and smartphones, and in fact, various companies are developing and exploring robots. However, we believe that it has not been established what kind of robots will become widespread. By
having companies who want to do something with robots adopt VAIO’s [Robot General-Purpose Platform], we can lower the hurdles for entering the difficult field of robots, activate robot development, and further expand our business. I would like to expand it, and I don’t know if it’s a big dream, but I hope VAIO can help expand the base of the domestic robot business as much as possible.
Since this [robot general-purpose platform] is just a platform, I would like you to think of it as the core architecture of robots. Based on this architecture, it can be freely customized.
Therefore, it can be used not only as a robot but also as an IoT device. We would like our customers to freely use it as an
IoT platform that can be used not only for robots but also for various IoT devices .
――Are there anything you would like to send to the outside?
“VAIO has been entrusted with the design and manufacture of various hardware in addition to PCs, and has accumulated considerable know-how. We propose and propose various solutions including voice systems, including service and support aspects. We will continue to make further efforts so that we can provide it.
Normally, there is a process of “planning → design → trial production → production” until the product is completed, but usually there are many restrictions at the design or production stage. There is a risk that a product different from the one originally planned will be created. At
VAIO, not only design but also all members involved in mass production such as procurement, manufacturing, support, etc. enter from the initial stage and product planning Therefore, the first prototype will be completed in a nearly completed form.
“There is no rework of prototypes, time and cost can be saved, and we can provide products as mass-produced products as the customer thought.” This is VAIO’s original production method “upstream design” .
The customer asked, “Is this really a prototype? I am often surprised, and I can see that the satisfaction level is high . VAIO will continue to evolve with the aim of producing higher quality and higher quality products. ”
About servo motors for robots
Mr. Kojima also talked about “VAIO’s original motor” after an interview with Future Media.
Most of the robots manufactured in the world use commercially available motors as they are, and there are only a few cases where robot-specific motors are used.
Probably because of this, when the robot operates, a loud mechanical noise such as “Gee” is often generated, which makes some people feel uncomfortable.
Especially in the case of communication robots, the operating noise of the motor interferes with voice recognition.
Therefore, VAIO has developed a motor exclusively for robots with low operating noise.
Please watch the video below.
This motor is VAIO’s original motor, and is a motor dedicated to robots with less peculiar mechanical noise.
“We have received many inquiries from companies that visited Robodex, and we would like to be able to cooperate with our customers according to demand,” said Mr. Kojima.
VAIO’s EMS business has grown as a new pillar of business after the personal computer business.
With the provision of VAIO’s [general-purpose robot platform] , if a system that enables low-cost and quick business development becomes widespread, the “new form of manufacturing” will accelerate and communication robots will become widespread.
VAIO Co., Ltd. took over the PC business from Sony Corporation and was established on July 1, 2014.
We also provide PC business, contract development, solution business, and related services.
VAIO Corporation Corporate Site:
About VAIO Corporation EMS Business:
VAIO Corporation Official Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VAIO .corporation /
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Related image
Mr. Shinji Kojima (General Manager, NB Division, VAIO Co., Ltd.) who was interviewed
A dialogue robot is completed simply by embedding it in the “Simple Hardware” stuffed animal of the robot general-purpose platform exhibited for reference at Robodex.