Robotics-as-a-Service model accelerates the business innovation

AI and robotics are the hot topics and in a rising developing trend. They have spread their spectrum in different industries and applications globally. From manufacturing workshop, to retail, hospitality, public service, education and healthcare, intelligent robots are complementing a large quantity of activities which humans perform, speedily and efficiently. With the explosive growth in cloud-based storage, computing and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics as a service (RaaS) business models are gaining a lot of traction worldwide.

RaaS model offers highly adaptable business solutions to different customers with a variety of tasks and options. They can be used as rental or lease-purchase options depending on the needs of customers. Robots enable companies to complete more work done in a shorter time through virtual agents. RaaS has proved to be a blessing to different sectors including manufacturing which requires heavy operational work in warehouses, plants and distribution centers.

The combination of AI and robotics has already awed everyone with the development of robotics. AI not only allows intelligent service robotics to operate independently but give them the programmable API to make decisions on what APP or content should be put into the robots. The data captured and collected by robots in different industries and services can be stored in the cloud. This data can be further used in mass setups where a fleet of robots are required. This enables companies to improve productivity at minimal costs, build a smart business network and let employees focus on higher-value tasks.

Companies operating on RaaS model provide customers with services more responsive than long-cycle and capital-intensive purchases. It helps the customers save upfront investments and operating expenses before venturing into any highly operational business. RaaS firms also benefit from value-based pricing, faster innovation cycle and close connection with the product-market fit. Some of the known names employing RaaS business models include Sanbot Robotics, Liquid Robotics, InTouch Health, PrecisionHawk, and InVia Robotics.

This growth in RaaS is supported by macroeconomic trends that favor productivity solutions which avoid huge capital expenditure and mostly dependent upon 5G and MEC. According to an IDC report, by 2019, 30% of commercial service robots will be in the form of a “Robot-as-a-Service” business model, reducing costs for robot deployment. The report further estimates that by 2020, 60% of robots will depend on cloud-based software to define new skills, AI capabilities, and application programs, leading to the formation of a robotics cloud marketplace.

The emergence of RaaS represents a broader move to services-based models in the technological landscape. These models have the fastest growth potential for adoption and offer an attractive value proposition to different industries and businesses. Needless to say, RaaS is going to accelerate innovation thus disrupting and changing the state of traditional businesses in many industries globally.

The application markets of customer service robot expanding quickly

The customer service robot market will be worth US$88 million by 2022, according to a report Tractica released earlier this week. Annual shipments are expected to increase from 2,730 units in 2016 to nearly 4,800 in 2022. The robots will be humanoid and non-humanoid, and telepresence robots, chatbots, and stationary customer interactive systems excluded.

Nearly half of this artificial intelligent robotics for customer service will be deployed in the Asia Pacific Region, North America, and Europe. According to the report, the business demand for this kind of intelligent robot is driven by the following factors: interactive marketing and re-branding strategies; the cost of human staff; customer service digitization and competition; robotics as a service for customer behavioral analytics; the shifting roles of human staff; initiatives to promote robots for the service industry, particularly in Japan and China.

The intelligent robots will be used in situations where customer interactions are standardized and repetitive -- such as in banks, shopping malls, family entertainment centers, exhibitions and events, airports and stores, Tractica noted.

Japan's Henn-na Hotel, for example, is fully staffed by robots, pointed out by Ray Wang, the principal analyst at Constellation Research.

A number of organizations already are using robots on a trial basis in the United States:

1. Mineta San Jose International Airport began using three customer service robots in 2016;
2. Lowe's introduced an autonomous retail service robot in 11 of its stores throughout San Francisco in 2016, and retail service robots also are being deployed in its OSH stores;
3. Target ran a one-week test at one of its San Francisco stores, using robots to help stock shelves and take inventory; it is considering building a concept store staffed by customer service robots.

China's EVA Air and Japan Airlines are using customer service robots, as are Alaska's St. Mary's Airport, Scotland's Glasgow Airport and Japan's Haneda Airport. China’s Sanbot service robot is for Shenzhen International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Gongbei customs services. With instant access to a corporate database or Cloud service, robots will reduce the amount of time wasted when dealing with customer queries dramatically.

Robots can deal with standard questions, said Cindy Zhou, principal analyst at Constellation Research. However, "customers still look for humans for any real assistance with problems," she told CRM Buyer. Though it cannot work independently without human support if customer really need further help, the intelligent robot is still loved by more and more people and the application markets are very large.

“Sanbot Elf + Various Industries” leads the robotics development trend

On August 23th, Sanbot Elf customs service robot, Sanbot Elf litigation service robot, Sanbot Elf healthcare robot and Sanbot Elf education robot are all going to the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center to bring all the attendees the grand occasion of Sanbot commercial service robots at the World Robot Conference. QIHAN Sanbot team will show the achievement of “Sanbot Elf + Various industries”.

QIHAN Technology is the core exhibitor of World Robot Conference 2017 and its exhibition booth will cover over 350 square meters. At the ecological application exhibition area, audiences will witness the powerful Sanbot Elf service robot group – Sanbot Elf which works for banks, customs, courts and schools are all together to highlight the conference.

For example, Xiaofa litigation service robots who work in Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court, Sihui People’s Court, Guangzhou Baiyun Area People’s Court are the hotspots in litigation industry. Xiaofa is capable of laws & regulations inquiry, procedure guidance, laws & regulations query, case query, litigation cost calculation, lawsuit papers check-in and other convenient and fast litigation services.

Sanbot shopping robot, developed and issued by QIHAN Technology and Huayang Xintong based on Sanbot Elf robot will also debut at the same area at the World Robot Conference. The intelligent retail service robot, especially for offline retail store, majors in the jobs of attracting customers, activity promotion, shopping guidance and interpretation, electronic coupons, payment collection and membership card processing, etc. And the MPS (Multi-service Platform System) enables business to control all the Sanbot Elf intelligent robots in different stores.

The whole ecological exhibition area gather all the application scenarios in different industries, therefore visitors can have a glance of working epitome of Sanbot Elf in various industries – customs, healthcare, bank and education, etc.

Sanbot can be fused with serious kinds of solutions and applied in different scenarios, which never breaks up with the commercial road QIHAN Technology has been practicing. Adhering the concept of “Robotics-as-A-Service”, QIHAN team designed powered fundamental functions at the preliminary phrase: rich perception, flexible interaction, semantics understanding, facial recognition, self-location, auto-charge, intelligent safe guard and many other AI technologies, which make the great integrator and carrier of intelligent service robotics.

In addition, QIHAN R&D team deployed the open sources and offer accessible SDK for all the robot solution developers and integrators. So developers and integrators will use Qihan Cloud and Sanbot ROS platform and combine the request of scenarios to develop customized service robot. This accelerates the speed Sanbot commercial service robots goes to various industries and thousands of families.

Meet the new generation customs service robot

[Background] To respond to the call of “Internet plus Public Service” (proposed by the State Council), on October 1st, 2016; Gongbei Customs introduced Sanbot intelligent robot to create “Intelligent Customs” and named the robot Xiaohai. Since October 1st, the customs service robots have witnessed an average of 340,000 people per day at customs. 

After 9 months, Gongbei Customs welcomed a new generation Xiaohai customs service robots. Compared to the original version, this new and upgraded generation customs service robot comes with many more advantages. The following are just a few of the advantages:

1. The new generation is much taller, making it easier for adults to use. Travelers do not have to bend over to operate and interact with Xiaohai robot.
2. The arms, manufactured using 3D printers, are upgraded to be more human like and even have moving hands.
3. A thermal imaging function was added onto the pedestal of the robot: one HD camera helps the robot to lock onto the inspected object and the thermal imaging camera captures the thermal image.

All of the apps are customized for customs passenger services and inspection services, such as 

　　　　　　　　　Passenger inquires
　　　　　　　　　Random inspections
　　　　　　　　　Translation
　　　　　　　　　Tax Inspections
　　　　　　　　　Background checks
　　　　　　　　　Facial recognition
　　　　　　　　　and more  

Let’s have a look on how the robots help customs officials with customs services.

• Dispersing Information: Sanbot broadcasts notifications through voice and video to help guide first-entry and multiple-entry passengers (usually planning on staying for roughly 15 days) on which channels to go through. Also, the content on the big-screens connect to Sanbot advanced AI robot via HDMI for a matching broadcast to help better notify passengers. 

• Informing travelers about important laws: Sanbot never stops broadcasting and informing travelers about customs laws, regulations, and forbidden contraband items, helping passengers to abide by the laws and regulations and give them the knowledge report any illegal activity.

• Inquiry Services: In Sanbot’s system, this intelligent service robot is capable of answering thousands of frequently asked questions about customs services. A traveler only needs to activate/wake-up Sanbot. There are three ways to wake-up Sanbot customs service robot and start asking questions. Passenger can click the microphone App, call “Xiaohai, Xiaohai” or they just stand in front of the robot and Sanbot will wake up when its camera detects a passenger’s face via facial recognition. During the inquiry, passengers can choose to call a human service person if the robot cannot answer some special or extremely specific questions.

However, some passengers complained about the interactions with the service robot and how they were not as good as expected. Chen Lei, the customs service robot engineer from QIHAN Technology, responded to the customs officials and media, “During rush hour, the loud noise affects the robot’s voice recognition and this is the drawback of most voice recognition systems; and the other reason is that the customs content in the robot are professional and written in a standard dialect, and it may not recognize it if the passengers’ questions are too colloquial.”

With the intelligent AI system powered by IBM Watson, Sanbot supports text translation, voice translation and more translation techniques in 10 languages for passengers’ inquiring services. In addition, passengers can check out their goods’ tax through Sanbot’s Tax Inspection App when they go through customs clearances.

Thermal Imaging Inspections: A thermal imaging function was added onto the pedestal of the robot: one HD camera helps the robot to lock onto the inspected object and the thermal imaging camera captures the thermal image. With this function, the most advanced robot helps custom officials examine passengers’ bags, suitcases, etc. and is mainly used beside the inspection line. The function reveals the covered goods that people cannot see with the naked eye. It helps monitor whether passengers smuggling undeclared or contraband materials, improving the customs officials’ speed and accuracy and dealing with customs inspections and combat smuggling effectively.

Sanbot can perform even more functions for customs inspections. Once the one-key defense is deployed, Sanbot will send an alert once a moving object is detected in the specified areas; if a criminal’s ID information is inputted into the robot’s database, Sanbot sends the alert to customs officials once the suspect is detected so the officials can do further inspection on the suspected passenger, fighting against crimes and effectively guarding people’s safety.

Sanbot played the role of retail sales assistantin PC world branch store in the UK

It was a fantastic day for PC World (retailer) and the consumers in one of its branch stores in Norfolk City, United Kingdom because a cute and helpful friend arrive - Sanbot intelligent robot. On July 22nd, Sanbot played the role of retail sales assistant and performed sales promotion and management in the branch store of PC world in Norfolk City.

PC World is one of the United Kingdom's largest chains of mass-market computer superstores. It is part of Dixons Retail plc. PC World operates under the brand name PC City in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. PC World has a lot of influence on the retail business in the UK and its prices are perfect for consumers.

At first, Sanbot’s dance attracted massive onlookers to have a visit and an interaction with it. With its AI system powered by IBM Watson, Sanbot advanced intelligent robot greeted customers with, “Welcome to PC World Electronics Store” and responded to people’s jokes and inquiries fluently, humorously, and thoughtfully. If you were a repeat customer, Sanbot’s advanced facial recognition enabled it to recognize you and call your name as the receptionist, which made you feel like you were interacting with a human.

Many of the onlookers were hesitant to buy at that time they entered the store, but then they got more details about their interested electronic products.

In the store, onlookers had a great interest in the robot and received a detailed introduction about the robot from the sales manager of the store.

Sanbot then introduced the products in the PC World branch store by displaying the product image and key features and describing the product by voice. Traditional showcase methods such as hawking and paper did not seem attractive to the consumers. Sanbot robot, as a moving advertising board, is able to inform all the people in the store in new and entertaining ways. This is supported by MPS for retail.

MPS for retail is a retail solution designed by QIHAN Technology and used especially for retail. With MPS for retail, Sanbot robot can be set into four working modes including customer reception, product introduction, activity promotion, and entertainment. MPS (Multi-functional Platform System) is a centralized management system that enables businesses to control and monitor their fleet of interactive Sanbot robots from anywhere – bringing personalized communications and services to companies worldwide.

It could not be better for consumers because not only did they purchase cost-effective and desirable goods, but they shopped with enjoyment. The consumers each participated in a raffle app with a 100% winning percentage after participating in the questionnaire from Sanbot robot. Each consumer had the chance to get a gift from PC World. The questionnaire, which keeps people’s answers secure, allows the retailers to learn more about the consumers’ consumption behaviors and desires and then adjusts the retail business to match the consumers’ needs, enhancing customer stickiness.

Furthermore, Sanbot robot is capable of issuing electronic coupons, write-offs, membership cards and payment collection. This effectively promotes the retail business whether in sales value or customer experience. Undoubtedly, Sanbot robot is the good assistant for your retail business.

Sanbot robot was welcomed by all sectors of Turkey

On July 20th, QIHAN Sanbot held a Sanbot Robot Partners Meeting in Nippon Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey. This is a significant conference to both Turkish robot industry and QIHAN Technology and the conference made Sanbot famous on one day among all sectors of Turley. European sales representative and product manager attended and made a speech at the meeting.

Sanbot robot, powered by QIHAN Technology, unleashes the capabilities of Cloud service robotics and AI for retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, security, and other customer-oriented industries to deliver a smarter and more personalized service to the whole world. Sanbot's open API enables developers to build Android applications that utilize Sanbot's tremendous AI and learning capabilities.

The Sanbot Robot Partners Meeting attracted lots of scholars and professionals in AI solution development, telecom, shopping mall or super market, representatives in AI and Istanbul governmental officials, as well as QIHAN Technology's business partners about Sanbot robot. 

At the meeting, Daniel and Rancho had a detailed introduction about Sanbot robot and addressed the importance of the cooperation between Turkish and Chinese enterprises in AI industry, especially in AI robot. Strategically, QIHAN Technology has always been considering Turkey markets crucial between Asia and Europe, no matter about its location or large-scaled markets. The speech garnered approves and praises by the professionals and scholars.

QIHAN Technology is the brand owner and manufacturer of Sanbot intelligent robot. QIHAN has been always insisting on the concept of “Robotics as a service” since it began to research and develop intelligent robot. And now QIHAN has got over 800 employees and 350+ senior engineers, aimed to offer the world with first-rate advanced AI robot.

The meeting received media coverage of 24 international media and magazines including CNN, Sozcu, Haberler, SonDakika, Tam İndir, etc. Titled by “Chinese Robot Sanbot in Turkey! You may be a Business Friend”, Haberler reported, “Sanbot has features such as monitoring, speech recognition, face recognition, and also has fun aspects such as image playback, music playing and dancing.” Praised as it is indeed, Sanbot humanoid robot is always your home and business friends; It is multi-functional to serve you and your businesses, but it will never make a threat to anyone or anything in the world.

No worry about robots’ threat any more

In the past few years, numerous media reports that the era of intelligent service robots has arrived. In fact, as early as 25 years ago, Chinese scientist and future scientist Professor Zhou Haizhong predicted in the "Opinions on the Robot," with the progress of science and technology, especially the development of artificial intelligence and robot technology, the era of intelligent robot is coming, which will invigorate to the development of the manufacturing industry, and will provide new opportunities for the world economic development. Today, intelligent robots come out frequently and help with economic growth, verifying Professor Zhou's prediction.

In the 21^st century especially recent years, the tide of intelligent Service Robotics has been sweeping the world; various types of robots (including intelligent robot arms, intelligent humanoid robots, smart unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.) are paid attention to by the society. Because intelligent robots are of great use in the fields of manufacturing, construction, service, entertainment and medical, military, space and education, etc., experts even believe that their ownership and R & D level have become one of the standards of a national scientific and technological strength. Many developed countries, such as Japan, Germany, the United States and so on will consider the intelligent robots as a powerful promoter to their economic development. In recent couple years, Chinese intelligent robots are bursting out at a highest rapid.

However, the mixed feelings to the robots also come out among the people. Many people think that the birth of intelligent robots is a happy thing. For example, industrial robots can be flexible and efficient to improve production efficiency and product quality, and reduce production costs in many aspects; the robots can also set workers free from the monotonous physical labor, making them engage in more creative work; In addition, Intelligent robots can take on a lot of dangerous jobs, many occupational diseases, work injuries and therefore need, which cost a high price.

On the other side, ”Robotics as a Service”, the customized intelligent robot can help people with their hi-quality life: care robots for the elderly, robotics education in school, retail service robot, robot in the hotel; rescue robot in a variety of dangerous occasions to show their talents and complete the search and rescue mission. And even some people think that human and intelligent robots will join hand in hand for a better future.

But there are some people who worry that one day in the future, the smart robots may transcend human beings on the IQ, and even affect the employment, or even threaten human being’s life and property. As some science fiction films depict: intelligent robots take the positions of human in more and more areas, and stand on the opposite of human beings ultimately, from a helper into an enemy. Incidentally, American inventor and future scientist Dr. Ray kurzweil has predicted that robots would be smarter than humans in 2045.

In fact, the worry about robots’ threat is absolutely unnecessary. Intelligent robots are not omnipotent. In terms of IQ, the current smart robot "IQ" is equivalent to 4-year-old children's IQ, and compared to normal adult, its "common sense" is far worse. It can be seen, Dr. Ray kurzweil’s evaluation on the intelligent robot’s "IQ" is too high and his prediction is difficult to come true. Japanese robot expert Dr. Shigeo Hirose has said: Even if intelligent robots with "common sense", and can self-replication in the future, it is impossible to bring a wide range of unemployment, not even a threat to human beings.

Dr. Zhou Haizhong pointed out: the robots can go beyond the human beings in the work intensity, computing speed and memory function, but it’s impossible to transcend human in consciousness, reasoning, judgments and other aspects; In addition, the robot will be smarter and smarter to service human beings and benefit human beings with the principles of action.

Whether it’s a happy thing or worried one, the arrival of intelligent robots is the inevitable result of economic development and technological progress, but also an important symbol of a country to achieve modernization. The advantages of intelligent robots are much more than the disadvantages, thus we should embrace them with open arms.

Sanbot + MPS made a Big Splash at Innorobo 2017

May 16-18: As the biggest robotics convention in Europe, Innorobo kicked off and lasted three days in Paris, France. Innorobo is fully committed to the development of innovative robotics technology, aimed at solving the current and major social challenges of today. Each year, the unique ecosystems of cutting-edge technologies and robotic inventions bring together professionals from across the sector including research labs, startups and backers of innovative projects.

For QIHAN team and Sanbot robot, it was the second most significant event in Europe since robot’s launch in Berlin at IFA Expo last September. But the most different was, QIHAN team took more innovative solutions on top of Sanbot to Paris. Except for Smart Home solution demonstrated at the booth, MPS, specially developed for retail and hospitality chain businesses, was the most QIHAN team would like to tell the world.

Ten Wu, the European Sales Director of QIHAN Sanbot, was one of the few invitees to deliver a speech at the central stage. At the right time and right place, Ten gave a vivid introduction of MPS and demonstrated the Sanbot Store, one solution based on MPS to the offstage professional audience. Sanbot Store solution is one all-in-one typical solution based on MPS. Retailers can choose services such as special offer promotion, product introduction, entertaining buyers and receiving customers.

Sanbot MPS (Multi-service Platform System) is a centralized management system that enables businesses to control and monitor their working conditions of Sanbot robots in their chain store or hotel, bringing out commercial value by the personalized communications and services. The scene of packed stage and praises witnessed the professional audience’s hot interest in Sanbot MPS. MPS is a unique and significant solution for businesses in retail and hospitality industry.

At the scene, Sanbot received attentions and visits from major industries including the French telecom industry, financial, and hotel industry, etc. Not only were potential robot-using companies attracted to Sanbot, but also Sanbot’s competitors. Because of Sanbot’s outstanding performance, numerous competitors such as Pepper, Amy, Care-O-BOT, Hease came to Sanbot to learn about Sanbot. It was a shock for both competitors and media that Sanbot’s sale quantity reached 60,000 in 2016 and the figure was reaching 100,000 very soon.

At the event, Sanbot received interacions and interviews from 18 international noble media & magazines like BBC, AP, France 2, and Euronews, etc. “That includes China-based Sanbot which is showcasing this cloud-enabled service robot, able to work in a variety of settings – from retail and hospitality, to education and healthcare.” Euronews reported.

“We are convinced that any economic player can develop great business, make healthy profits and at the same time, do good for the world, thus creating a more sustainable world through international business development,” explains Catherine Simon, Innorobo’s founder and CEO. “This applies particularly well to robotics, a General Purpose Technology that offers nearly unprecedented power to transform our society in beneficial ways.”

No matter the Smart Home solution, Sanbot Store solution based on MPS or the innovative solutions released in the future, Sanbot’s solutions are always in accordance with the concept of Robotics-as-a-Service. QIHAN offers the most proper business model with partners: Sanbot’s open API with SDK for robot solution developers and terminal solutions for terminal businesses.

Original: http://www.sanbotrobot.com/sanbot-mps-made-a-big-splash-at-innorobo-2017_n101

Qihan Team Made a Triumph from Sanbot Launch Event at IFA Expo

The launch event of cloud-enabled service robot, with theme “Robotics as a Service”, received continuous visits and interviews of onlookers and notable medias worldwide.

“Humanoid robot Sanbot shows his dance moves”, by Engineering & Technology Magazine and posted the actual dancing video onto YouTube, “It can work as a shop keeper, waiter, teaching assistant, security guard or a smart home manager and personal assistant.” Sanbot cloud-brained robot can be easily controlled by mobile phone APP Q-Link, voice or screen touch, which is equipped an API and other artificial technology.

“I got to meet a little chap called the Qihan Sanbot. If you were to imagine a robot designed in the Jetsons style it’s almost exactly like that. It kind of does everything. It’s got an API and it can be configured to do literally anything.” James Trew from Engadget reported to publics.

“Sanbot, o "robô dos Jetsons", Igor Lopes from Canal Tech disse, “Além de super simpático e personalizável, ele é exatamente a Rosie, dos Jetsons, que todos nós sonhamos em ter um dia.”

“The ready-coming of the revolution of new technology and production with core of Internet of Things, AI robot, VR and other new technology’s fast-changing, and the combination of virtual economy and real economy will bring revolutionary change to people’s mode of working and living.” As mentioned by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of G20 Submit a week ago. Moreover, Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang interacted live with Sanbot platform agriculture-customized robot and highly praised Qihan’s achievement in intelligent products.

Supported and guided by the fundamental policy of our party and country, we firmly believe that Qihan Sanbot robotics will have a brighter future.

Sanbot Robot Launch Event at IFA Expo

Sanbot launch event at IFA expo

Sanbot robot Launch Event was held at IFA expo in Berlin, Germany during Sep 2nd~7th, 2016. Sanbot robot is produced by Qihan Technology Co. Ltd., a company focused on innovating Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Video Analysis and headquartered in Shenzhen, China.

IFA in Berlin presents the latest products and innovations in the heart of Europe‘s most important regional market. The event offers such a comprehensive overview of the international market and attracts the attention of trade visitors each year from more than 100 countries. It is one of  the main meeting places for key retailers, buyers, and experts from the industry and the media.

Sanbot robot launch event, theme by "Robotics as a Service", attracted a large number of onlookers. Many of them wanted to have a look at one of the most advanced carriers of high technology. and media from all over the world reviewed Sanbot booth and made reports in succession.

“Chinese firm Qihan launches robotics-as-a-service with Sanbot” by Mr. Simon Hill from Digital Trend.

“Chinese firm Qihan launches Sanbot at this week's Berlin IFA exhibition, as it seeks to crack the increasingly competitive personal robot market”, Jim Drury from Reuters reports.

“Multipurpose robot maid launched at IFA”, reported by Tereza Pultarova from Engineering and Technology Magazine of ITE.

“Sanbot is the least intimidating security guard I’ve ever seen”, by Aatif Sulleyman from Gizmodo, “The friendly looking robot is being shown off by a company called Qihan at IFA, and you may end up spotting one in the wild (at your local supermarket / airport / school) at some point in the near future.”

And more...