The Hong Kong Smart Government Innovation Lab announced the launch of a new solution. The innovation is now ready to be acquired by companies and institutions.
Solution description
The solution, called the Office Delivery Robot, can navigate in the indoor environment autonomously by SLAM technology. The robot uses advanced algorithms and can navigate without the need for ground markings, bar codes, and tracks.
The robot benefits from quick activation technology wherein there is no need for identification and signal receivers. Various top modules are designed for delivering different goods and items, such as beverage and paper files, from one location to another location on the same floor.
The robot can follow the person to a designated location and maintain a safe distance of 1-1.5 meters. It will return to its original location by navigating along its own pre-set route. The robot can navigate its way through interference by humans – when a person passes its path, the robot can maintain its course and reach its target destination.
The robot’s navigation system uses a 3D camera and two 270-degree diagonally placed optical radar detection scanning functions to achieve better path planning and collision avoidance in an unstructured environment. Pre-records the waypoint in a known map, the robot can travel to pre-defined destinations.
With the application of Office Delivery Robot, less effort of Workman is required and thus to help improve office efficiency and productivity. The robot can be tailor-made corresponding to customer’s requirements such as adding digital locks.
Application Areas
The solution can be applied in the areas of Commerce and Industry, Employment and Labour as well as in the Food sector.
Technologies Used
The robot employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation.
Use Case
The Office Delivery robot can navigate autonomously and follow a pre-set route to deliver goods and items. It helps to save the time and effort of working staff. In addition, the robot is able to deliver several goods in one trip which is more efficient. With its locking system, the robot can prevent users from taking the wrong items and the system ensures traceability. The robot is user-friendly meaning it can be easily set-up and operated. As it utilizes SLAM technology, no additional markings or tags are required to be installed at the site which saves the cost and time for implementation.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the robot can also aid in the maintenance of social distancing and prevent avoidable interactions that might result in the spread of the virus.
The solution was developed by a Hong Kong-based start-up that was founded in 2015. The firm focuses on developing people-centric robotic applications in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, retailing and education sectors.
About the Smart Government Innovation Lab
In 2018, the Government established the Smart Government Innovation Lab to explore hi-tech products such as AI and relevant technologies, including machine learning, big data analytics, cognitive systems and intelligent agent, as well as blockchain and robotics from firms, especially local start-ups.
The Lab is always on the lookout for innovation and technology (I&T) solutions that are conducive to enhancing public services or their operational effectiveness. I&T suppliers are encouraged to regularly visit the Lab’s website to check on the current business and operational needs in public service delivery and propose innovative solutions or product suggestions to address them.
