Qualcomm plunges into the robotics market with new platform

Qualcomm is taking a giant dive into robotics. At its 5G Summit occasion, the corporate introduced a brand new robotics platform that serves as an off-the-shelf developer equipment for creating autonomous cellular robots (AMRs) and drones, using 5G and edge AI for next-gen autonomy.

In sensible phrases, this might set off large modifications within the increasing AMR market and the upstart enterprise drone market. At the moment, the area is dominated by a handful of robotics corporations that construct AMRs or drone-in-a-box options and lease them on an as-a-service mannequin. A sturdy developer’s equipment and underlying robotics structure from Qualcomm might open up the taking part in subject, resulting in extra customer-specific customization and enterprise in-house robotics growth. 

“Constructing on the profitable progress and traction of Qualcomm Applied sciences’ main robotics options, our expanded roadmap of options will assist carry enhanced AI and 5G applied sciences to help smarter, safer, and extra superior improvements throughout robotics, drones, and clever machines,”stated Dev Singh, Senior Director of Enterprise Growth and Head of Autonomous Robotics, Drones and Clever Machines at Qualcomm Applied sciences, Inc. 

Qualcomm is utilizing the 5G rollout as its entry level into robotics. Due to the velocity and bandwidth 5G affords, it would have main implications for autonomous programs. One of many present constraints of real-world autonomy is that on-board data-processing energy is pricey — and coordination throughout a number of autonomous platforms is extremely depending on excessive velocity networks. Cloud-based options bridge the hole, however community points have throttled growth and deployment. 

The arrival of 5G is predicted to provoke a brand new section of autonomous programs growth, together with enterprise drones. After years of sluggish motion, the FAA is signaling broader acceptance of business drone use, setting the desk for the business to take off in a giant approach. 

Qualcomm has taken notice, and its RB6 platform makes it a brand new, highly effective participant within the robotics market. The expansible platform brings edge AI and video processing capabilities (important for navigation and machine imaginative and prescient) by the Qualcomm AI Engine, with help for 70–200 Trillion-Operations-Per-Second (TOPS). 

The combination of 5G and AI makes the platform preferrred for builders in industrial use instances throughout sectors like authorities service functions, logistics, healthcare, retail, warehousing, agriculture, building, and utilities. These are all anticipated progress areas for robotics.

Along with the robotics platform, Qualcomm additionally unveiled a reference design of an AMR referred to as RB5 AMR, which is a small wheeled robotic designed to ship packages and deal with supplies.