ROBOTICS and ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS

ANVIV Mechatronics Inc. (AMI) was founded in 2006 to operate in the domain of Robotics and Automation. AMI has operated in parallel with Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) a company established in 1982 by the founder of AMI also operating in the domain of Robotics and Automation. ESI has been acquired by a foreign consortium in 2015. AMI operations were ceased between 2015 and 2019 as stipulated by the sale of ESI. 

In June 2019 AMI has restarted its business operations focused on embodiment of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics and Automation.  Currently AMI is developing technology and products for a range of autonomous robotic-based domestic, institutional and commercial operations.

AMI is recruiting to increase its expert manpower roster.

AMI is currently focused on technology and product developments.

A positive cashflow is expected by the end of 2028.

BUSINESS

CURRENT

OVERVIEW

In the most recent decade Artificial intelligence (AI) has been very frequently associated with searches of autonomous robotic solutions for complex applications, leading to AI-based Machine Learning embodiment in the Robotics and Automation domain. While AI has not yet reached its full potential, as it continues to advance, the field of Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics will advance alongside with it.

In the context of autonomous robotic systems, AI is a paradigm that is expected to allow robots to perform complex tasks that cannot be performed with the state-of-the-art knowhow. AI provides means of capturing and implementing requirements that, due to operational autonomy, are continuously changing and are only partially known leading to robots that can autonomously operate in the presence of changes and related uncertainties.

AMI business focuses on applications where the key feature is the autonomy of the robot in the execution of tasks underlying the emergence of ‘Intelligent Robots’ that would co-exist with humans in such a way that both would mutually benefit from their association.

There is a wide range of applications that present very significant business opportunities in the domain of Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics. This is the basis for AMI‘s current business plan, product developments and future business growth.

o INTELLIGENT ROBOTICS AREAS WITH POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS GROWTH

  • Intelligent Homes
  • Intelligent Institutions
  • Intelligent Commerce
  • Robot as a Service (RaaS)
  • Personal Robots

o STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  • AMI’s current business plan is the development of a product for the technology and business sector of Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics for Home Care, Institutional Care and Commercial Enterprises.
  • The technology of AMI‘s Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics product is in-house developed as a merger of advanced robotic engineering (based on AMI heritage) and artificial intelligence tools adapted for this product embodiment.
  • AMI is aiming to launch the 1st product version in the 1st quarter of 2028.

o OPPORTUNITY

  • The technology sector of Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics for Home Care, Institutional Care and Commercial Enterprises is part of the widely diversified domain of Consumer Robots. AMI’s target market is the mass markets that offer significant robotics business opportunities.
  • AMI’s generic product, the ROBOBUTLER, is an AI-embedded mobile robot with one or two robotic arms that would autonomously perform the following operations:
  • bed making
  • dishwasher loading/unloading
  • washer and dryer loading/unloading
  • items fetching for tidying living or operating quarters 
  • AMI’s sister company ESI RAI Inc. is working on extending the ROBOBUTLER to perform the following operations:
  • human bathing, human dressing, 
  • ironing, laundry folding, fabric sewing
  • table setting, kitchen operations (cooking)
  • cleaning/wiping, vacuuming, surface decontamination
  • Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics is a $146.4B Market. The proposed generic product with a penetration of only 1% would generate revenue of $1.83B over a 9-year period.  This period is divided: 2-year product development; 1-year transition to marketing, sales & manufacturing; 6-year revenue generating growing annually by approximately 300%.
  • Business profitability is estimated to grow from 4% in the 4th year to 25% in the 9th year.

o MANAGEMENT

  • Experienced management team led by the Founder and CEO – Andrew Goldenberg Ph.D.
    • founder (1982) of the field of Robotics at the University of Toronto; Professor until 2011; Professor Emeritus to date
    • founder (1982) and CEO of Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) – all shares acquired by a foreign company in May 2015
    • President of Virtek Engineering Science Inc. (VESI)  2000 – 2001, a high-technology company formed through the acquisition of part of ESI by Virtek Vision International Ltd., a publicly listed company
    • Founder (2006) and CEO of ANVIV Mechatronics Inc. ANVIV operations were stopped between May 2015 and May 2019 as a covenant of ESI acquisition
    • CTO of publicly listed SuperRobotics Ltd. of Hong Kong (acquirer of ESI) from May 2015 to May 2019
    • CEO of re-started ANVIV since June 2019.
  • Other Senior Management Personnel being recruited:
  • COO & President
  • CFO
  • Director Administration
  • VP Strategic Business Development
  • VP Marketing
  • VP Technology and Product Development
  • Director Production

o COMPETITION

  • There is no competitor offering the same capability as the ROBOBUTLER that can perform at least four critical robotic tasks for home and institutional care and commercial enterprises.
  • There are competitors offering products that can perform only one task.
  • The Intellectual Property related to AMI‘s product is being filed for protection in 10 – 12 major markets.

o RISKS

  • Business: low mass markets acceptance of the product and product pricing out of affordable purchasing ability of the mass markets.
  • Technology: reliability of the product operation and availability of service for uninterrupted 24-hour operation.

o EXPECTATION OF SUCCESS

  • To date current producers of Consumer Robots, have not provided products that are economically viable in terms of the number of critical tasks their robots can perform, the mass-affordability in terms of pricing, and consistency in terms of operating reliability.
  • AMI will introduce to the market of Autonomous AI-Embedded Robotics products that are: 1. capable of performing multiple tasks; 2. priced commensurately with the market’s pricing affordability; and 3. provided with sustainable reliability and service arrangements that prevent interruption of use.
  • Management team has considerable in-depth and recorded expertise in the domain of Robotics and Automation and in-depth know-how in AI-Embedded Robotics. The expertise has been evidenced in both, business and academic domains.
  • All key team members have post-graduate degrees and working experience in robotics and automation and artificial intelligence.
  • The business and technology development strategy and marketing will be led by experts who would join the corporation to ensure fulfillment of business expectations and achievement of ROI targets of the proposed business.

o INVESTMENT

  • Funding of US$10.20M for a 20% stake is required for 3 phases:
    •  1st Phase product development of 12-month duration.
    •  2nd Phase product development of 12-month duration.
    •  3rd Phase completion of development and start of manufacturing, marketing, and sales.

o TECHNOLOGY: AI-EMBEDDED DOMAINS FOR INTELLIGENT ROBOTICS

  • Semantic and Cognitive Robots
  • Image Processing
  • Autonomous Navigation
  • Machine Learning 
  • Modeless Control
  • Obstacle Detection & Avoidance
  • Object Detection & Recognition
  • Object Grasping & Manipulation                                               
  • Use of Database on Cloud
  • Face Detection & Recognition
  • Voice Communication

HERITAGE

AMI’s heritage is expressed by a series of products and technology developments in the domain of Robotics and Automation effected in conjunction with Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) over the period 1982 – 20​​15. The products and technologies are subdivided into four categories: 

I. Space Exploration

Technology and product development work in this domain has been performed on three major projects to advance the state-of-the-art in planetary rovers and manipulators to be used to perform Earth-based analog Moon and Mars missions for training space-bound human resources. The main client was Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The projects are:

  • SMA: Small Manipulator Arm for detailed terrain samples fetching and manipulation
  • PMM: Planetary Medium Manipulator for planetary long reach mission studies.
  • MRPTA: Micro‐Rover Platform with Tooling Arm for planetary missions

SMA 

The arm is suitable for material handling and assembly in planetary missions as well as for terrestrial robotic-based custom automation, service robots, and research & development. SMA can perform while mounted on a mobile platform for autonomous navigation, while performing precise visual servo-supported applications indoor and outdoor, and be operated in remote and closed loop control modes. 

SMA is modular, light weight, high payload-to-weight ratio, operated with advanced control system including force control, visual servo control. It has an open software architecture. SMA has six joints, links, payload interface, electronics (drivers and controller), harness, user interface software, and operator control unit.

The main features of SMA are: 

·       Manipulator: Five joint modules (four single-joint rotary modules and one double-joint linear module), one link module, payload interface module, and avionics module. The double-joint module is the wrist; it has increased structural stiffness and reduced mass.

·       Link Modules: Made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic to maximize the stiffness-to-mass ratio, or aluminum to reduce the cost. To protect against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), the carbon-fiber link is coated with a 50 μ nickel alloy layer. It also provides increased impact protection.

·       High Payload-to-Weight Ratio: The weight is 18.5 kg and payload capacity 17.5 kg; thus, a high payload-to-weight ratio. With all accessories and the electronics box, the weight of the system is 30 kg. In selected parts of the workspace the arm can manipulate payloads >50 kg.

·       Advanced Control Methods: task space impedance control and visual servo; joint level motion control with adaptive friction compensation and gravitation compensation.

PMM 

The arm mounted on mobile platforms is suitable for space, security and defense applications, and for large size manufacturing operations, robotic-based custom automation, and large service robots. The PMM can be operated in remote and automatic control modes, perform autonomous navigation, operate in EMC Environments, perform indoor and outdoor tasks, and be used for R&D.

The main features of PMM are: 

·       Manipulator: Eight modules: Turret, Shoulder, Upper Arm, Elbow, Lower Arm, Wrist, Automatic End Effector Exchanger (AEEE), and Avionics. The turret provides azimuth motion, while the shoulder, elbow and wrist each provide pitch and roll. The AEEE interface is used to load autonomously tools and other payloads onto the arm. 

·       Joint Modules: Each joint has a motor-side incremental encoder, an output-side absolute encoder, and a torque sensor. The sensors provide feedback to the motor driver located in the joint module. The joints are back drivable.

·       Lightweight and High-Stiffness Links: stiffness-to-mass ratio of the two links is maximized using carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). To protect against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) the links are coated in a 50μ nickel alloy layer. This provides an exceptionally stiff, damage-tolerant and lightweight structure. This layer also provides the CFRP with increased impact protection. 

·       Automatic End-effector/Tool Exchanger Module (AEEE): includes the drive mechanism for the tool exchanger, 3 cameras and associated auxiliary lighting, a 6-DOF force and torque sensor, and a standardized mechanical, electrical and communications interface for a range of payload tools. This module can be easily replaced with ordinary end effectors or any custom-made end effector.

MRPTA 

MRPTA is a small and light-weight mobile robot, consisting of multiple track-wheel flipper-based configurations for different terrains: small or large wheel, long track with proprietary flippers, short track without flipper, wheeled configurations with wheel flippers. All the configurations can be quickly interchanged in the field by one person. The powerful transmission chain provides excellent mobility with enough speed. 

MRPTA is an all-weather all-terrain mobile robot for indoor (buildings, public institutions, airports, homes) and outdoor environments (obstacle-cluttered terrains, ditches, gravel, snow, mud, sand). It can be controlled in tele-operation or autonomous navigation modes; can be used for surveillance and reconnaissance in harsh environments; has wireless communication system and provides a line of sight range in excess of 1 Km; has a tether-aided tele-operated mode for navigation on very steep slopes (>65°). The modes of operations are (i) Tele-operation; (ii) Autonomous navigation; (iii) Tether-aided tele-operation.

The main features of MRPTA are:

·       Platform and Mobility: excellent mobility on different terrains. This capability is obtained from its multiple configurations: wheel or track configuration with proprietary flippers. The flipper can move to front or back to facilitate control of the center of gravity. The patented flipper mechanism is much lighter than additional front and back flippers and provides full control of center of gravity.

·       Autonomous Navigation Module: includes a dedicated processor, several sensors (Gyro, Inclinometer, IMU, LIDAR), and a Tilt Unit to facilitate the laser scanning of LIDAR. Differential GPS is not necessary for MRPTA’s autonomous navigation, although it is an option. The autonomous navigation module detects and avoids obstacles, generate paths and local maps.
·       Advanced Visual Module: accepts traditional analogue and digital cameras signals. The camera is mounted on a Pan-and-Tilt Unit on a Perception Mast to achieve full field vision.

·       Open Architecture: includes the Platform Motion Control System (PMCS) such that users can develop their own navigation modules to control MRPTA. The open architecture is achieved with an open protocol, Ethernet port and TCP/IP protocol, and standard USB ports. Each processor has a VGA monitor port, and a USB port for mouse/keyboard for further development.

II. Security Robots

Technology and product development work has been performed on three major projects to advance the state-of-the-art in mobile navigation with a patented adaptive tracking system. The main clients were the security and police forces including RCMP.

  • TRACKER I: Small light-weight mobile robot with terrain-adaptable track
  • TRACKER II: Enhanced Tracker I with autonomous navigation capability
  • XBOT: Very small mobile robot for accessing narrow locations

TRACKER I

TRACKER I has excellent mobility over a variety of uneven terrains through its LMA-based patented technology of variable track geometry that allows the mobile robot’s center of gravity to be positioned by the operator during missions. This provides excellent stability during motions that require relocation of the center of mass such as in ascent and descent of stairs, slopes, and obstacles, passing over ditches, and general navigation.

The main features of TRACKER I:

  • Modular system: the focus in the design of this robot. With the modules the system can be re-configured as a 4-wheel or 6-wheel robot as well as a short-tracked robot or a long-tracked robot with an articulated track.
  • Modular platform: it consists of Core Module, Power Module, Head Module, Upgrade Module, Flipper Module, and Transmission Module. They are all plug-and-play modules; easy to maintain and change during the mission.
  • Modular transmission: it consists of two modules on left and right sides of the vehicle. They are plug-and-play modules.
  • Modular power system: it includes Lithium-Polymer battery, DC-DC converters, and a power meter.
  • Multi-purpose sensing: internal sensors embedded in the Head Module; external sensors are attached through interfaces.
  • Auxiliary modules: Arm Module, PTZ Arm Module, and Fiber Optic Cable Module. They are all plug-and-play modules.

TRACKER II

TRACKER II is a TRACKER I with autonomous navigation capability.

XBOT

XBOT is a small, affordable, versatile mobile robot consisting of a standard platform, multiple application kits, and OCU (Operation Control Unit). XBOT can be configured for different applications when equipped with application kits.

The main features of XBOT:

  • Standard platform is a small and light and designed for narrow spaces. The total weight of the platform (including the flipper and long track) is 17.25Kg, and therefore one-man portable. The platform is a self-contained, consisting of traction and flipper motors, power distribution unit and power supply, video input and quad output, and multiple interface ports for PTZ, manipulator arm, sensors, lights, and cameras.
  • Platform has excellent mobility with its proprietary planetary flipper mechanism. The planetary flipper can rotate to front and back to change location of center of gravity. With the help of the planetary flippers, XBOT can climb easily 45° stairs and slope climbing has been tested up to 51°. XBOT uses the quick change for wheel and track kit, and this configuration change can be done in the field in 15 minutes by one person.

Platform has a hierarchical control structure: a Primitive Controller for motion control and camera switch, and a Central Controller for high level control. The Primitive Controller is firmware; the Central Controller can be re-configured according to user’s requirements, for example, a high-performance processor board for autonomous navigation, or a high cost-efficiency processor board for normal remote control tasks. All the resources can be opened to users for further development and reconfiguration for different applications.

III. Control of Critical Real-Time

In the context of critical real-time control several projects with application on diverse industrial sectors have been pursued. The sectors and projects listed below.

Inspection and Repair of Nuclear Plants infrastructure 

  • AARM: Robot Arm for Inspection and Repairs in Nuclear Reactors
  • LMR: Long-Reach Modular Robot for Nuclear Reactors maintenance


Maintenance and Repair of Underground Gas Pipes 

  • CISBOT:  Robots for Repair and Inspection of Natural Gas Underground Pipes
  • KEYHOLE: Robots for External Service of Underground Gas Pipes 


Laboratory Automation

  • HTBP: High-Throughput Bioassay Processor for Nuclear Reactor
  • HDR: High-Density Replicator of Bacteria Colonies in Bio Laboratory
  • AS: Auto-Sampler for Mass Spectrometer in Bio Laboratory 


Forestry Operation

  • TJ1: Hydraulic Remote Manipulator for Tree Pruning 


Meat Grading

  • APGS: Automatic Pork Grading System in Abattoirs 


Tire Grading

  • ATCA: Automatic Tire Case Analyzer for Tire Recycling 


Manufacturing

  • Tire Grading

IV. Human-Rated Systems

In the context of human-rated systems several projects with applications on Medical Robotics and Personal Robots have been pursued. The sectors and projects are:

Medical Robots 

  • MRI-G: MRI-Guided Robot-Assisted In-Bore General Surgery
  • MIEM: Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Robot for Neurosurgery
  • MRI-P: MRI-Guided Robot-Assisted In-Bore Prostate Surgery

Personal Service Robots 

  • VCTR: Video Conferencing and Telepresence
  • HAR: Home Assistance Robot
  • HRR: Host & Receptionist Robot
  • PSP: Patrolling and Security Robot  efficiency processor board for normal remote control tasks. All the resources can be opened to users for further development and reconfiguration for different applications.

PRODUCTS

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

AMI’s ROBOBUTLER – one or two-arm autonomous mobile robot can perform the following operations: 

  • bed making
  • dishwasher loading/unloading meal utensils 
  • laundry sorting and washer/dryer loading/unloading
  • items fetching for tidying living or operating quarters 

ESI RAI Inc. extends the ROBOBUTLER capability to perform the following operations:

  • human bathing, human dressing 
  • ironing, laundry folding, fabric sewing
  • meal table setting, kitchen operations (cooking)
  • cleaning/wiping, vacuuming, surface decontamination

ROBOBUTLER  can be trained to assist in emergency situations, such as those involving senior care

ROBOBUTLER is connected to data bases through a network to allow sharing of information about tasks, images, objects

ROBOBUTLER self-adapts to various operational settings and routines through its machine intelligence capability

PRODUCT FEATURES

Functionality

  • Autonomous Navigation: to reach selected target objects from any location
  • Obstacle Avoidance: to identify static and dynamic obstacles on the path and avoid them
  • Image Classification: to recognize objects or persons in images and classify them
  • Object Tracking: to detect and track objects using visual sensing and database
  • Face Recognition: to identify human faces from earlier encounters or data base
  • Voice Communication: to command grasping and manipulating an object and perform a chore
  • Arm(s) Motion: to handle tools, grasp and manipulate objects and perform chores
  • Machine Learning: to perform complex chores by Imitation and Reinforcement Learning
  • Control: to execute in closed loop through Model Free using AI methods

Technology

  • Machine Learning: Imitation Learning and Reinforcement Learning
  • Image Classification: Image Processing 
  • Voice Communication: Natural Language Processor
  • Face Recognition: Off-the-shelve products
  • Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance: Laser and Video 
  • Grasping & Manipulation: Machine Learning
  • Control System: Optimal Control, Dynamic Motion Primitives

Delivered Product

  • Adaptable mobile robot track for terrain variations
  • An intelligent mobile robot with robotic arms that can perform human-like tasks 
  • Control through intelligent software-based AI methodologies developed in-house 
  • Agile mobile robot to maneuver around obstacles and fit in narrow spaces 
  • Modular and adaptable robot end effector for grasping items of different sizes and shapes
  • Elevation mechanism on the mobile base to adapt the height during operation

SERVICES

AMI provides the following professional services:

  • Consulting for investments in robotics-related technology domains
  • Development of complete robotic system prototypes of novel robotic applications
  • Development of custom robotics for a wide variety of applications

Information can be obtained by contacting Andrew Goldenberg at golden@anviv.com or 416-346-1581

INFORMATION

FOUNDER

Founder’s Professional Biography

Dr. Goldenberg is the founder of the field of Robotics at University of Toronto where he has been since 1982 as a Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, cross appointed in the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, and previously cross-appointed in the Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is currently a Professor Emeritus. Dr. Goldenberg is also an Adjunct Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Guest Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, P.R. China.   

Dr. Goldenberg has supervised to-date the largest number of graduate students in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (49 PhD and 67 MASc). He has an exceptional publication record with over 11000 citations (128 archival journal papers, 294 papers in major conferences, 15 book chapters and 85 patents granted and applied). 

From 1975-1981 Dr. Goldenberg has been an employee of SPAR Aerospace Ltd., of Toronto, working on the development of the first Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (Canadarm). 

He is the founder of Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) – www.esit.com, established in 1982. ESI is a high-technology company involved in the development of robotics-based automation and technology. Under his leadership the company has achieved significant growth and a global leading role in a wide range of industrial sectors. From 2000 – 2001 Dr. Goldenberg was also the President of Virtek Engineering Science Inc. (VESI), a high-technology company formed after the acquisition of part of ESI by Virtek Vision International Ltd., a publicly listed company. Dr. Goldenberg is also President of Anviv Mechatronics Inc. (AMI), which he founded in 2006. Anviv is a high-technology company involved in the development of mechatronics products. In May 2015 ESI has been acquired by a Chinese consortium located in Shenzhen, P.R. China. He has been the President of ESI after the acquisition until the Chinese consortium became a public company listed in Hong Kong. Dr. Goldenberg has been the Chief Technology Officer of the public company until May 12, 2019. Dr. Goldenberg left the public company in May 2019. 

As of May 2019, Dr. Goldenberg has returned to the University on part-time basis to work on graduate research in the use of Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Robotics, focusing on Personal Service Robots. This is his domain of research and business.

Dr. Goldenberg is a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), a Fellow of The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a Member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEng), and a Designated Consulting Engineer in Ontario. He is the recipient of the 2010 PEO Engineering Medal for Entrepreneurship, the 2013 EIC Sir John Kennedy Medal for Outstanding Merit in the Engineering Profession and the 2016 IEEE A.G.L. McNaughton Gold Medal for Exemplary Contributions to the Engineering Profession.    

Dr. Goldenberg is a former editor of the archival international journal IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation, and a member of the editorial boards of Robotics, Robotics in Japan, Journal of Robotics, Robotics Journal, Scientific World Journal, Industrial Engineering and Management Journal, SOJ Robotics and Automation and International Journal of Automation and Computing.    

Dr. Goldenberg obtained his PhD in 1976 at the University of Toronto, and his M.A.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, in 1969 and 1972, respectively. Dr. Goldenberg was born in Bucharest, Romania.

Download: [Andrew Goldenberg A Robotics Trailblazer]

COLLABORATIONS

EMPLOYMENT

AMI is currently seeking experts with background and advanced professional experience in technology and product development of AI-Embedded Robotics products. 

Interested persons should submit their credentials to the contact point.

CONTACT

✉ info@anviv.com

☎　416-346-1581

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