How can you overcome challenges in emerging markets with robotics and automation?

When you step in the road of robotic and automation you need to prepare for global changes in production. When you install new technologies all processes should be integrated into new systems. In other cases robotisation do not achieve wanted results.

Mechanical engineering relies heavily on analysis of systems, data, problems etc. Strong math, science and analytical abilities are key. Be Comfortable with Software and Programming Proficiency in CAD, simulation software, programming languages like Python etc. is required for tasks like design, modeling, analysis. Build Robust Technical Knowledge Having in-depth knowledge of engineering sciences - statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials etc. is foundational. Focus on Continuous Learning Learning new skills, staying updated on technological advances is crucial for success as the field evolves rapidly.

Perhaps, robotics and automation should be able to communicate in regional languages with the user. These should be used as an amplifier rather than a substitute for human efforts. Making these more acceptable to the society, especially in developing economies.

Language, language, language! Technical documentation and user's manuals are hard enough to write clearly in your native language. Spend the time to get the translation right. There are plenty of videos out there of people doing crazy things because 'that's what the instructions said'. It gets worse when translated. So you need to thoroughly stress test your design against weird inputs and/or make sure your translations are correct.

Even before you should have an idea why you need a robotic solution in the first place? What value(s) should it bring? If you have at least a hypothesis for the core purpose you will be able to extract the relevant local context information faster and in a better quality.

A thorough requirements management is key for all successful automaiton projects. Only if the requirements are tracked and documented continously the project can be managed properly - from buyer and seller side! Adjusting business or payment models within one project is not common and should be avoided.

Will it fit? Will it pay itself off in due time? Is there enough current available to power it? Remember that automating a process makes it faster, but that does not change the quality of delivery. Focusing on quality critical tasks might give as much return as automation implementations. Look at frustrated faces on the plant floor and you'll find out tasks to improve with ease.

Customize your robotics and automation solutions to meet local demands and preferences. Take into account the specific needs of the target market, such as product design and features. Localize user interfaces and instructions to make it accessible to a broader audience.

Involve modifying your technical specifications, such as size, weight, speed, power, or functionality, to optimize your solution for the local environment and infrastructure.

Forge partnerships with local businesses, suppliers, and distributors to navigate the local market more effectively. Collaborate with local entities to gain insights into the market and leverage their existing networks.

The ideal scenario for me is to bring a machine proven and tested from another industry into a new use. This has usually the best return and marketing becomes an easy process since there is proof of use and business. Also, automation without maintenance is nothing but an empty dead box. Business with local retailers is necessary to provide appropriate coverage, but if you're in this business you know that already ;)

True, but often neglected. The crucial question here is: Who is paying for the data collection, analysis and learnings from feedback? For a system integrators this would mean a lot of additional work - most likely unpaid (if it can not be done on the side while visiting the same client again anyway). For a producer of a robotic product it could be done in a more standardized and cost efficient way (IIoT data or surveys). Also the learnings across the fleet could be sold in software and parameter updates to the clients. In general for a product based business model feedback and discovery are important success factors which should be core activities of the product management team.

While it's easy to think about how you have to adapt your design to fit the markets, they also provide a unique point-of-view and test bed on your design. This can be leveraged to come up with new ideas, improvements, or possibly new product lines.

Overarching trends can be good guidance to look for innovation potential in the existing robotic product or offering, but also adjecant to it. Synergies with upcoming technologies and integrations in emerging innovations can be accelerators here.

Speed is key in emerging markets. The earlier and the faster a company gets acquaintend with the new environment the more likely they it is to succeed in delivering something of value before the competition arrives.

Successfully implementing robotics and automation in emerging markets requires a deep understanding of the local context and a willingness to adapt to the unique circumstances of each market. Flexibility, collaboration, and a long-term perspective are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable growth in these regions.

Overcoming challenges in emerging markets with robotics and automation involves customization, affordability, local partnerships, workforce training, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, robust maintenance, cybersecurity, scalability, and public awareness. Tailoring solutions, ensuring affordability, collaborating locally, and focusing on skill development are key strategies for successful implementation in diverse and evolving markets.