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Modern Robotics Firm Rice Robotics Secures Main Order from SoftBank
Introduction
Within the extremely aggressive enterprise robotics business, the flexibility to safe key shoppers is a vital differentiator for firms. One such firm, Rice Robotics, based mostly in Hong Kong, not too long ago secured a big order from the famend multinational conglomerate SoftBank. This partnership has paved the best way for Rice Robotics to determine itself as a significant participant within the robotics market.
Rice Robotics’ Supply Robots
Since January 2021, Rice Robotics’ distinctive robots, characterised by their cute, cartoonish blinking eyes, have been delivering merchandise from 7-Eleven to SoftBank employees on the firm’s new headquarters in Takeshiba, Tokyo. These robots have spectacular capabilities, as they’ll carry a payload of as much as 30kg and possess a space for storing measuring 39 x 27 x 34 cm.
One of many key benefits of Rice Robotics’ supply robots is their capacity to eradicate the necessity for supply employees to navigate by means of workplace buildings. As a substitute, employees can merely drop off buyer orders at a delegated spot, and the robots will autonomously retrieve them. This streamlined course of enhances effectivity and eliminates the potential challenges related to navigating complicated workplace environments. The robots have a steady working time of 12 hours and might recharge inside just one hour.
Recognition and Funding
Rice Robotics’ partnership with SoftBank, together with its profitable collaboration with different prospects, has garnered important recognition within the business. This recognition has led to the corporate securing a considerable quantity of funding. In its newest pre-Collection A funding spherical, Rice Robotics raised $7 million from notable buyers equivalent to Alibaba Entrepreneur Fund, Soul Capital, Audacy Ventures, Solar Hung Kai & Firm, and Cyberport HK. Notably, there is no such thing as a lead investor on this spherical.
With this new funding, Rice Robotics plans to broaden its operations in Japan, which is at the moment the corporate’s main income. In addition to SoftBank, Rice Robotics boasts distinguished Japanese shoppers equivalent to Toyota, Japan Publish, and Mitsui Group.
Japan as an Alternative for Robotics Corporations
Japan has emerged as a well-liked vacation spot for Chinese language robotics firms aiming to broaden internationally. This desire is primarily as a result of Japan’s growing old inhabitants and its openness to embracing new applied sciences. One other instance of a Chinese language robotics firm venturing into Japan is Syrius Robotics, which is backed by the tech big ByteDance.
Making Robots in Hong Kong
Though South China is famend for internet hosting world-leading {hardware} provide chains, Rice Robotics defies standard knowledge by manufacturing its robots in Hong Kong as an alternative of mainland China. Regardless of the abundance of factories and decrease labor prices in mainland China, Rice Robotics discovered that manufacturing in its dwelling metropolis considerably reduces the unit price of its robots. Rice Robotics’ founder and CEO, Victor Lee, revealed that the Hong Kong authorities actively seeks to draw superior manufacturing to diversify an financial system that’s regularly dropping its attraction as a monetary hub in Asia.
Rice Robotics’ Manufacturing Growth
A portion of Rice Robotics’ current funding has been invested in establishing a manufacturing plant in Hong Kong. This facility spans a formidable space of 13,000 sq. ft and has quadrupled the corporate’s annual manufacturing capability from 500 to 2,000 robots. This growth permits Rice Robotics to satisfy the rising demand for its robots in Japan and past.
Incorporating SLAM Know-how
Rice Robotics’ robots incorporate the extensively used simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) know-how for navigation. SLAM know-how compares sensor information with a given map repeatedly, enabling the system to assemble an correct and on-the-fly mannequin of the atmosphere, thereby figuring out the exact location of the robotic. With a beginning market worth of $9,000, Rice Robotics’ robots supply superior navigation capabilities, enhancing their total effectivity and efficiency.
Diversification into Disinfection Robots
Along with their line of service robots, Rice Robotics additionally provides a variety of disinfection robots. The demand for these robots surged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, much like different robotics corporations working on this sector. This diversification permits Rice Robotics to handle the evolving wants of assorted industries and cater to the growing demand for superior sanitation options.
Conclusion
Rice Robotics has showcased its prowess within the enterprise robotics area by securing a big order from SoftBank. This endorsement, coupled with the corporate’s profitable partnerships and recognition from key prospects, has propelled Rice Robotics into the highlight. With its revolutionary robots and increasing manufacturing capability, Rice Robotics is well-positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for robotics options, notably in Japan and different worldwide markets.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
1. What’s the significance of the SoftBank order for Rice Robotics?
The SoftBank order is essential for Rice Robotics because it establishes the corporate as a good participant within the enterprise robotics business. This partnership with a famend multinational conglomerate like SoftBank enhances Rice Robotics’ credibility and gives useful publicity throughout the business.
2. How do Rice Robotics’ supply robots function?
Rice Robotics’ supply robots make the most of their autonomous navigation capabilities to fetch buyer orders from designated spots inside workplace buildings. This eliminates the necessity for supply employees to navigate complicated environments, streamlining the supply course of and growing effectivity.
3. Who’re a few of Rice Robotics’ notable buyers?
Notable buyers in Rice Robotics embrace Alibaba Entrepreneur Fund, Soul Capital, Audacy Ventures, Solar Hung Kai & Firm, and Cyberport HK. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a lead investor recognized within the newest funding spherical.
4. Why does Rice Robotics manufacture its robots in Hong Kong as an alternative of mainland China?
Rice Robotics manufactures its robots in Hong Kong to decrease the unit price of manufacturing. Regardless of the presence of considerable factories and decrease labor prices in mainland China, the corporate discovered that manufacturing in its dwelling metropolis considerably reduces prices. Moreover, the Hong Kong authorities actively encourages superior manufacturing to diversify the native financial system.
5. What know-how is used for navigation in Rice Robotics’ robots?
Rice Robotics’ robots make the most of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) know-how for navigation. SLAM repeatedly compares sensor information with a given map to create an correct mannequin of the atmosphere, permitting the robots to find out their exact location.
6. Other than supply robots, what different merchandise does Rice Robotics supply?
Along with supply robots, Rice Robotics provides a variety of disinfection robots. These robots skilled elevated demand throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as there was a heightened want for superior sanitation options throughout numerous industries.
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