Technical expert and first-time entrepreneur Maharajan Veerabahu is passionate about creating new technological teams and generating goods. As the vice-president and co-founder of e-con Systems, he makes sure that the business owns every product it develops, produces, distributes, or sells. A pioneer in embedded vision systems for a variety of goods and a provider of end-to-end OEM camera solutions, e-con Systems was established in 2003. Over the previous 20 years, the company has experienced considerable expansion, with revenue turnovers exceeding 200 Crores. e-con Systems is based in Chennai, has a sales office there, 535 staff members, and a presence through distributors and representatives all over the world. The goal of the organisation is to improve how machines see and comprehend the world.
Tell us how your business is advancing AI and robotics and how it is helping its customers.
To deliver embedded vision systems and modules that may be integrated with their designs, e-con Systems collaborates with clients in a range of industries. To carry out certain tasks and develop over time, these systems can be employed in conjunction with robots and other AI-driven equipment. A design win occurs when a visual system is successfully integrated into a product. To far, e-con Systems has won more than 300 design competitions.
What robotics trends are most likely to emerge in 2023?
Robotics is a future sector that is quickly growing because to more competent AI and embedded vision systems. In the upcoming year and beyond, we might observe the following trends in the industry: Self-driving vehicles that travel along a predetermined path or only in a specific area are referred to as guided automated vehicles (GAVs). They can traverse their environment and follow predetermined pathways thanks to sensors, cameras, and other technology. GAVs are used to move goods and materials in a number of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and retail. Robotics Cybersecurity entails defending robots and the systems that are connected to them against online dangers including virus, ransomware, and hacking. Robots must be secured because they frequently handle sensitive information and complete essential duties in sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and the military.
The fusion of robotics and the Internet of Things is known as the “Internet of Robotic Things” (IoRT) (IoT).
In order to provide remote monitoring, control, and communication, it entails connecting robots to the internet and other technology. The IoRT enables increased productivity and efficiency in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Robotics as a Service (RaaS) is a business concept that enables companies to employ robotics on demand as opposed to having to own and operate their own robotic equipment. As a result, companies can swiftly and effectively grow their operations in response to shifting market conditions. Self-driving robots that can explore their environment and carry out tasks without human assistance are called autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). They are frequently used to automate procedures, convey items, and carry out duties like disinfection in the manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality sectors. Robotics that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise tasks in real time is referred to as intelligent or adaptive robotics.
Assistive Robots: These are robots created to support and enhance human capabilities. AI-powered robots can sense their environment and freely move, making them valuable in production, logistics, and customer service. They frequently aid with chores including lifting and transferring patients, helping with daily tasks, and offering instructional support in the fields of healthcare, elder care, and education.
Tell us about the innovations you’ve made in embedded cameras during the year 2022. We have had a really fruitful year. With cutting-edge features like surround view, long-distance transmission, depth detection, and AI-vision for low light circumstances, we created and released 6 new camera models. We will keep up the same zest and fervour and expect to continue creating cutting-edge products for our customers in the upcoming year as well.
How is the industry as a whole changing in terms of AI and robotics today? Which global trends do you think are the most significant ones?
In the past, it was thought that machine learning, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) existed apart from one another. However, we now realise that all three must develop simultaneously in order to produce goods that are valuable to end users. Smarter embedded vision systems, which make it possible to extract important data from the real world, are at the heart of this advancement. To enable more advanced and efficient machines in the future, it is critical to concentrate on the creation and innovation of smarter embedded vision and AI systems in the existing environment.
What major developments are promoting the development of AI and machine learning?
The development of machine learning algorithms, the availability of data, the increase in computer power, the demand for automation, and other developments have all contributed to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in recent years. To enhance operations and boost efficiency, these technologies are being utilised in a number of sectors, including healthcare, banking, retail, and manufacturing. These businesses can benefit greatly from the usage of AI systems since they have the capacity to analyse vast volumes of data and make judgements based on that analysis. As organisations look to benefit from what AI and machine learning have to offer, this increased use of these technologies is spurring additional investment and research in the sector.
In what ways will cutting-edge technologies change robotics in 2023?
The area of robotics is projected to undergo a considerable transformation in the near future thanks to technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, cutting-edge wireless technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and human-robot collaboration. These technologies will make it possible for robots to work more intelligently and effectively, to communicate and collaborate more effectively, to gather and analyse data from many sources, and to work in novel and creative ways alongside people. Advanced and sophisticated robots with a wide range of applications in many industries will be created as a result of the integration of these technologies.
What are your goals in terms of influencing the paradigm change in the AI/robotics industry in 2023?
An growth in attempts to promote hardware manufacture and export in India as well as a rise in hardware development-focused companies have occurred in recent years. As a result, it is anticipated that the Indian hardware industry would prosper, and these businesses may become excellent partners for the sale of camera modules. In the foreseeable future, e-con Systems expects both the industry and the firm to grow quickly. Embedded camera systems were only used in a small number of devices a decade ago, but they are now widely used in a wide range of products, including cars, doorbells, phones, and even vacuum cleaners. It is anticipated that the number of machines having vision sensing capabilities will increase significantly in the future.
