True Robotics, a team of Thai innovators who drive robotic technology under True Corporation , not only uses the robots they create to facilitate people, but also uses them to drive sustainability in society in various dimensions.
Although the term “robot” was coined only a hundred years ago, throughout the past hundred years, humanity has come up with many new innovations that have transformed our world time and time again. Today, robot technology has come a long way. They have various functions and have become an integral part of everyone’s lives.
Nowadays, robots are helping in the industrial sector. Almost every modern factory has mechanical tools as components of the production line and in daily life. We have everything from cleaning robots, food serving robots, lawn care robots, home doctor robots, and even robot dogs.
We invite you to get to know True Robotics, a team of Thai innovators who are driving robotic technology under True Corporation. Dr. Thiraphol Thanomsakyuthi, Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, has a vision to create innovations to meet the needs of the future world. They must look for new trends or technologies that are disrupting existing businesses and align with the direction of the True Group, which is transforming itself into a “tech company” and a complete digital organization. They not only use the robots they create to facilitate people, but also use them to drive sustainability in society in various dimensions. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, robots have played an important role in many hospitals nationwide.
How are the innovators using their skills to make a difference in the world? What do their robots look like and what are their cool features? Naphawan Chaon, a new generation robot developer, Senior Product Executive of True Robotics, will be giving us a tour of the lab and telling us about it.
Building robots in a Thai context
True Robotics was established with the goal of developing robots made by Thais, especially service robots that have various uses depending on the application of technology. It started by partnering with robot companies abroad.
“In the past, Thailand was a buyer of technology, including various robots that had to be imported. However, this era is the era where we have to start inventing our own innovations to design them to work in line with the Thai way of life as much as possible. Therefore, we have to research and develop software and hardware robots that are Thai. In addition to internal development, True Group also uses the open innovation management model, collaborating with 9 leading universities to establish True Lab to create an ecosystem as a space to develop student potential through mechanisms supporting research funds and transferring knowledge to enhance innovative skills and facilitate innovation creation, creating research works that are beneficial to society and Thailand.”
Mr. Naphawan explained that software refers to programs or sets of instructions written to control the robot. It is something embedded inside and cannot be directly touched. Meanwhile, hardware is the various parts that make up the robot. It has a visible and tangible form.
To make it more visual, the team’s mission is to “revamp” the robot’s appearance and internal programs to be consistent with usage in a Thai context, suitable for Thai people, in order to be a solution to solve some problems for Thai society.
Intelligence comes with function
The agile robot that greets us is Temi, a mobile service robot equipped with sensors and LIDAR, a technology that detects and predicts the distance of objects, allowing Temi to create a precise map of its surroundings.
“Since Temi can move on his own without human control, he can navigate or transport items to the places we command. We see this type of robot as a helper in restaurants, bringing food to tables that are set up precisely, without confusion.”
Mr. Naphawan explained and pointed out the camera and large screen for displaying information and interacting with humans, which is equipped with the Android operating system. “In terms of software, our development team upgraded the Temi robot to communicate in Thai language, including installing a 5G signal receiver for use outside the premises, allowing it to communicate via video call like a smartphone.
“On the hardware side, I have been working on developing additional accessories for Temi to add more functionality to its transport. We have designed trays, baskets, and boxes that are sized to fit packages, to increase safety when transporting particularly fragile items such as medicines and medical supplies.”
Operation to stop the spread of the virus for the nation
It may seem strange to see wheeled robots in hospitals, but that’s what’s happening during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we all know, the risks for medical personnel when working closely with infected patients who are in quarantine, our team realized that Temi could help reduce this risk for doctors and nurses. Therefore, we sent Temi to be an assistant in hospitals and quarantine facilities, delivering medicines, food, and various medical supplies. We have developed additional equipment to help ensure safe and secure transportation.”
Mr. Naphawan said that initially, Temi had to follow the staff around so that the sensors and LIDAR could draw a map of the room and the patient’s bed. Then, when it was time to actually operate, the staff could click on a point on the map to choose which bed they wanted Temi to deliver the items to. It would walk back and forth on its own without needing to be controlled. Or if the staff wanted to give manual commands via smartphone, they could do that too.
Another area of operation for Temi during the COVID-19 outbreak was in shopping malls where people had to go out to shop out of necessity. The True Robotics team installed an additional temperature measuring kit for Temi to run around and measure the temperature of people around her. If anyone had a high body temperature, they could take the next step immediately.
The roboticists behind the future
In addition to Temi, there is also the Homey robot, which was developed 100% by the Thai developer team from True Robotics to be a home companion, updating news and controlling various devices for the new generation who often live alone. They have also collaborated with various partners to create a sustainable future world with people and technology, whether it be upgrading cities with innovation, bringing technology to manage agricultural systems, using MR, AR and VR technology, and online platforms.
In the education sector, including upgrading industries and smart retail stores with a new-age store management system that combines technologies in various fields, both AI and Analytic, and importantly, upgrading people’s quality of life in terms of health and well-being (Health & Wellness) with technology.
Today, we can clearly see that robots are really part of our daily lives. All household items are produced in factories using robots. Everyone’s helpers, from home, work, shops to hospitals, all have robots as their assistants.
“From a robot developer’s perspective, we certainly feel proud when our inventions are useful to people, make human life easier, and help solve some social problems. Everyone has different expertise. For me, our team and robotics are what we are good at. We would like to use this strength to create sustainability for society and people.”
We adapt, the world changes. The Next Generation: Robotic technology improves sustainable life.
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We adjust, the world changes The Next Generation because we all can “change” the world for the better. Meet many ideas and actions from the new generation who have risen up to “adjust” their thinking and take action to jointly create a sustainable world.
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