To expedite the development of artificial intelligence systems in robotics, ABB Robotics announced Monday that it is launching a global competition. Submissions for systems and ideas in three categories are welcome for the 2024 Robotics AI Startup Challenge: autonomous decision-making, skill acquisition, and natural language programming.
According to the Zurich-based corporation, the goal of its most recent challenge is to encourage creativity and cooperation between it and forward-thinking startups across the globe.
“Innovation has been at the heart of ABB since the foundation of our robotics business 50 years ago, and we recognize the immense potential of startups and scaleups in driving technological advancement,” stated Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics. “The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge is an opportunity for us to partner with the most creative and forward-thinking minds in the field, as we work together to shape the future of robotics and automation.”
Following a prior ABB challenge, Sevensense was acquired in January. The Swiss business created 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) with the help of AI. Based on the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics in 2021, ABB stated that it intends to completely incorporate Sevensense’s technology into its AMR portfolio.
ABB stated that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to build the next generation of robots, which would be more efficient, intuitive, adaptive, and user-friendly. This will enable the business to change industries in order to increase end users’ resilience and make work more fulfilling for workers.
ABB Invites Applications for its Robotics AI Startup Challenge
In addition to working directly with ABB’s experts, participants in the 2024 Robotics AI Startup Challenge will have access to cutting-edge robotics technologies and the company’s extensive global network of partners and customers. The winner team will receive a $30,000 cash award and the opportunity to work with ABB to explore collaborative go-to-market plans and investment prospects in a long-term collaboration.
Application for the challenge is now available. Startups with robots and AI experience are invited to submit proposals by June 12, 2024. The challenge website has further details about the contest.
According to ABB, the competition is a component of their larger Innovation Ecosystem, which is “motivated by cooperation and the revolutionary possibilities of new technologies.” According to the company, it has developed programs to find, assist, and grow promising new businesses in various sectors.
The objective of ABB is to “create a more sustainable and productive future,” and it believes that such partnerships with forward-thinking companies will aid in the introduction of new systems to the market. Over 11,000 workers from over 53 countries work for ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation. The company’s modular industrial robot arms earned it the 2024 RBR Robotics Innovation Award.