Advancing Cleaning Automation through Robotics
In an era where automation and innovation are pivotal, Kibitech, a rising star in the robotics field, has achieved significant milestones in the
Strategic Innovation Program (SIP), focusing on human-collaborative robotics. Under the guidance of the Cabinet Office's Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, Kibitech has embarked on a developmental journey to enhance cleaning automation through advanced technologies.
2023 Achievements
In 2023, Kibitech successfully established an
automatic cleaning area recognition system utilizing
RGB-D cameras. This breakthrough has enabled the system to adapt automatically to different cleaning environments, thus improving operational efficiency. The technology is designed to recognize various cleaning targets, including tables and walls, thanks to a robust image recognition AI, which is compatible with a remote support system now under design.
Furthermore, Kibitech initiated the development of a
remote cleaning support function in 2024, allowing operators to control and verify cleaning targets via robot camera feeds from afar. The practical trials using real cleaning robots validated these functionalities. Additionally, the data gathered by the robots is being utilized to enhance AI models suitable for remote operations, focusing on creating a practical deployment framework intended for field implementation in the future.
As for the
mobile manipulator technology, Kibitech has also been upgrading its capabilities. In 2023, substantial advancements were made in designing cleaning motions for flat surfaces and developing recognition methods for cleaning areas. They now boast a universal
trajectory planning algorithm applicable across various robotic configurations, validated through physical simulations.
Future Directions
Building on these innovations, 2024 will see Kibitech prototype an
omnidirectional control system that simultaneously manages both the mobile base and robotic arm, promoting efficiency even in constrained spaces. To enhance operational stability across extensive facilities, fundamental technologies for
self-positioning using camera, LiDAR, and IMU have been fortified, allowing for reliable continuance of cleaning tasks in varied environments.
Kibitech's long-term vision aims to integrate technologies such as automatic area recognition, holistic collaborative control, and remote support, crafting a practical cleaning robot system flexible enough to meet diverse operational needs.
About Kibitech
Founded in 2011 by alumni of the University of Tokyo's Humanoid Robotics Laboratory, Kibitech specializes in developing intelligent robotic systems and offering robotic control platforms. The company's name, which incorporates the term 'kibi', embodies the nuances of the human spirit, reflecting Kibitech’s commitment to harness technology for enhancing human well-being.
Company Overview
- - Name: Kibitech Inc.
- - Location: 5-7-14 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0031, Japan
- - Representatives: Maika Hayashi, Tomoaki Yoshikai
- - Founded: November 2011
- - Services:
1. Planning and development of remote control systems for robots
2. Contracted development of robotic systems