DEVELOPMENT

The company RoboTech Vision Ltd. was founded in 2013 and its managers are three graduates of the Robotics Department. Initially, they were successful individually in various fields of industry and IT, but after graduation they decided to join forces and start the development of the robotics industry in Slovakia as well. Initially, the company focused on software and application development. Initial smaller projects financed the development in the field of mobile robotics, which is the main focus of the company today. Gradually, the team managed to develop the first platforms, namely the mobile robot Androver I and its later successor Androver II.

A year after the company was founded, its executive managers designed the first robot called Androver I. The project was created from the idea of ​​connecting a rover to a smartphone with the Android OS and using device sensors to develop autonomous navigation algorithms. However, the company eventually decided to develop autonomous navigation on the larger, more durable Androver II model. Thanks to its smaller size, Androver I later found application on a simulated ESA space mission, where it was one of the best projects. Its goal was to survey volcanic terrain in Hawaii, which simulated the surface of the Moon.

In 2016, RoboTech Vision participated in the development of a military simulation software. The company was a supplier of the system, which is based on the principle of laser game, but serves for a very realistic training of professional troops in outdoor conditions. The main task was to display in real time on the map the GPS location, status and detailed information about 500 soldiers equipped with special vests. The simulation software is still used today by several foreign military units and helped the company to finance the development of the Androver II robotic platform.

Since 2017, the company has been developing the Androver II mobile robot from the ground up. The prototype of a four-wheeled robot served as a platform for the development of autonomous navigation algorithms on the road and in the vineyard. Androver II later won first place in an international competition in the autonomous driving category. The robot was exceptional with its double-suspension Ackerman chassis, which ensured easier passage through the terrain. The use of BLDC HUB motors was also innovative, thanks to which the robot had a quiet and maintenance-free operation. Androver II embodied the acquired know-how of the company and also served for presentation purposes. For example, it underwent tests at ESA.

RoboTech Vision was eager to develop universal algorithms that could be easily applied to a wide range of devices. Therefore, a year after developing the Androver II robot, the company decided to adapt its autonomous navigation algorithms also to devices with differentiated kinematics. It used a Husky A200 mobile robot from the Canadian company Clearpath. RoboTech Vision also began developing artificial intelligence that recognizes objects, faces, and voice commands. Intelligent algorithms were tested on two robotic platforms. Thus, the company wanted to develop a universal device that would achieve a high level of autonomy and intelligence.

After developing intelligent algorithms for robots, the company decided to apply software elements to other devices. One example was the intelligent security system. In addition to recognizing people, faces, vehicles or their license plates, the system was able to open door locks and monitor people entering the building. If needed, the system could be connected to an autonomous robot or drone. Thus, the company began to look into developing autonomous navigation algorithms for drones. This year, the company began adapting its navigation algorithms for robots and agriculture. One example is autonomous navigation of a robot in a vineyard.

RoboTech Vision realized that it was not only necessary to develop a universal algorithm, but also a universal device that could be easily attached to a robot and give it its own “eyes and mind.” Therefore, the RTV sensor Box was developed, which allows the robot to plan a route, autonomously travel to its destination even through complex intersections, perform path segmentation, detect static and dynamic obstacles, or detect objects. The sensor combines a 360 ° camera, a front camera and a 3D scanner. The individual parts of the sensor are calibrated to each other, ensuring high output accuracy.

After developing the universal sensor, the company also sought to develop robotic platforms based on the findings of the test platforms, on which all the intelligent software can be used. For example, the company developed the Caster robotic platform, which was used in combination with a germicidal UVC lamp as a disinfection solution. This provides the company with solutions for both outdoor and indoor use, which can also be modified by open R&D platforms into fully autonomous devices if required.