How to read robot introduction examples
Case studies are not blueprints that can be copied directly. Whether or not it will be helpful depends on whether you can read the unwritten assumptions.
There are things that are not written in the case.
Many of the published case studies are structured around successful results. Of course, there's no reason to bother writing about the parts where you failed.
Therefore, when reading a case study, you need to pay as much attention to what is not written as to what is written. How long did it take to prepare? Who was running it? What did you change when things didn't go well? This comes into play when you apply it to your company.
It is a common story that the same robot was installed based on past precedents, only to be stopped because there was no one to operate it.
Viewpoint 1: Is the purpose the same as your company?
Even with the same robot, the conditions for success are completely different if the robot is introduced for the purpose of attracting customers and for the purpose of replacing work. When it comes to attracting customers, it is valuable to stand out, but when it comes to work replacement, it is not necessary to stand out, and the value is to continue moving steadily.
When reading a case study, first identify what the implementation was intended for. If the purpose is different, the method of selecting an robot, the evaluation index, and the way of thinking about investment will not be helpful.
Viewpoint 2: Are the site conditions similar?
- amount and movement of people
- Safety and operations will differ between environments where visitors are crowded and environments where people are sparse.
- noise and lighting
- This is directly connected to voice recognition and camera performance. The example in a quiet exhibition room does not apply to a busy store.
- floor surface and area
- When moving a vehicle, differences in level and flooring will affect its driving performance.
- Operating time
- For events lasting several hours a day and permanent installations throughout business hours, charging and maintenance designs will change.
Viewpoint 3: Who is operating it?
What is most often overlooked in cases is the operational structure. What can be achieved at a site where a technician is stationed full-time is completely different from what can be achieved at a site where a store staff member operates the system with one hand.
Please check whether your company can provide the same system. If you are not prepared, the result will not be the same as the case. It is necessary to consider other options, such as outsourcing operations or having them respond remotely.
Who will be in charge of starting up, charging, and responding to problems? If this is not decided, the introduction will not continue no matter how good the robot is.
Perspective 4: Where did you start?
Even in cases where only the finished product is presented, many start small and expand. Start with one machine, one floor, and one task, and expand after confirming the effects. This order is actually common.
The same order is valid when considering your own company. First, we rented it for a short period of time and put it on site to see the reactions and issues. After evaluating the operation, we decide whether to install it permanently or add more units.
Aiming for perfection from the beginning not only increases your investment, but also prevents you from turning back when unexpected problems arise.
How to handle overseas cases
There are more examples of the use of humanoids overseas, and there is also a wealth of useful information. However, applying it as is is dangerous.
The size of the facility, the behavior of visitors, the concept of safety, and the level of labor costs. If the preconditions are different, the same policy will not work. It is necessary to use overseas cases as a reference for ``what can be done'' and ``how to operate'' should be redesigned based on domestic conditions.
At our company, we post the actual work we have done, such as the implementation of imitation learning and VLA, and remote/body-sharing telepresence, on our achievements page. Please also take a look.
Frequently asked questions
There are no cases close to our company.
This is often the case when the application is new. In that case, rather than looking for case studies, it is more reliable to rent the product for a short period and actually check it out on site. Even after a few days of installation, the difference between expectations and reality can be seen considerably.
Could you introduce an implementation example?
Our achievements page includes imitation learning/VLA implementation and remote control initiatives. We will provide information that is close to your individual situation to the extent that we can discuss it during your consultation.
Where should I start at the consideration stage?
Decide specifically what tasks you want to be assigned. There is plenty of time to compare robot once this has been decided. You can consult with us even if the application is not yet decided.
I would like materials to pass internal approval.
If you let us know the purpose, location, period, and number of units, we will provide you with a configuration plan and a quote. Starting with a short-term PoC will make it easier to get approval.
Consult on how to proceed with implementation
Please let us know the work you would like to do, the installation location, and the desired timing. Rather than following the examples of other companies, we will propose a method that suits your company's conditions. You can also consult with us about trying it out for a short period of time.
Consult on how to proceed with implementation