Personal Robot Industry?�

Rev. 4.0 Thursday, Feb 24, 2011�

About the author�

•  Author: CC Liu •  Blog – www.36kr.com – www.techfans.net

•  Email: pekinlcc@gmail.com •  Profile: about.me/lcc

Idea  Versions  

•  Version  0.0  h/p://www.techfans.net/?p=557    •  Version  1.0  h/p://wenku.baidu.com/view/513114a1b0717fd5360cdcca.html    

•  Version  3.0  h/p://www.slideshare.net/pekinlcc/personal-­‐robot-­‐industry    

WHERE THE IDEA CAME FROM�

We  want  robots  can  do  everything  

•  Stronger  CPU  and  ROM  •  Stronger  OS  

•  The  Result  is  :  the  price  is  higher,  and  it’s  hard  for  us  to  add  algorithms  for  these  robots  

SoluSon:  Put  these  brains  into  the  cloud  

Cloud ’Brain’ Super Computers�

PR1�PR2� PR3�

PR4

Wireless �

Cloud�

Local�

RoboEarth  Project  

FROM PC TO PR�

•  To some extent, the flourish of the PC industry is a result of clear division of labor. Software companies like Microsoft and hardware companies like HP cooperate together and carry the industry and technologies forward.

Put all the algorithms for different tasks in the cloud server�

•  If PR become the industry standard hardware platform for PR, how can we have a PR do different things without change the programs inside it?

•  We can put all the algorithms for different tasks in a cloud server. Then each time a PR want to do a new task, it just connect to the server and get the right algorithm it want. See the flow chart.�

Cloud server �

Fold  towers  

Wash  dishes  

Close  windows  

PR �PR �

PR �

PR �

……

Why not setup a company just run the cloud server and algorithms?�

•  Now, the cloud server’s role in PR industry just like the Windows in the PC industry.

•  Company A holds a cloud server, and most algorithm in this server are for housework. These algorithms are provided by programmers all around the world.

•  There can be many companies providing all kinds of algorithms that can help the PR execute all kinds tasks. �

Company A Cloud server A

Housework $200/Year�

Company B Cloud server B

Assembly line work $3000/Year�

Company ……… �

PR �

PR �

PR �PR �

PR � PR �

PR �

A CONSUMER’S SHOPPING PROCESS �

Change the brain of your robot whenever you want �

•  The cloud server are paid by days or years, the consumers can change the brain of their robot (cloud server) anytime they want.�

BENEFITS OF THE IDEA �

1: the PR can be more cheaper�

•  In this idea, the tasks are computed on the cloud in fact. So the PR don't have to be equipped a very strong CPU. The local CPU only have to collect the information on a task scene and control the PR to execute the commands sent from the server.

•  Thus, the PR can be made smaller and cheaper. �

2: Faster computing�

•  Absolutely, the cloud server’s performance on computing must be far better than a local computing system.

•  A question which the local CPU needs to compute for days can be handled in seconds.�

3: Clear division of labor �

•  Clear division of labor may cause a series of revolutions in the PR industry.

•  The hardware manufacturers produce PR just as the industry hardware. And the cloud brain companies can focus on developing new and better algorithms. �

4: Unified Control�

•  If one day, the robots really rebel, we just need to damage the cloud servers….

•  And the robot network can be controlled just as a broadcasting system.�

5: Many other advantages just like Cloud Computing �

•  Computing resources can be made well use of.

•  The computing resources can be paid by need.

•  ……………………..�

SOME OBSTACLES�

Safety �

•  Yes, safety is absolutely the most significant issue about this idea. How to keep the PR’s connection to the server safety?

•  However, we cannot give up internet because of viruses. �

Bandwidth �

•  Bandwidth will be a scarce resource in the near future.�

IN SUMMARY �

PR �

PR � PR �

PR  

Wireless connection �

Cloud system�

Local robot�

Server A� Server B�

Industrial chain �

PR industry �•  Algorithm operators •  Hardware manufacturers •  Customers �

Wireless industry�•  Operators: Android

Market •  Hardware: Droid or HTC

G1 •  Customers �

•  Local robot – Basic control module –  Information collection module: eyes etc. – Etc.

•  Cloud system – Super brain shared by thousands of robots

TO BE COMPLETED�Rev. 4.0�