MFN had the opportunity to talk to Daryl Lim, the CEO and Co-founder of Augmentus.

(?) MFN: Today, we embark on a journey with Daryl Lim, the visionary Co-founder of Augmentus. In the realm of robotic manufacturing, Augmentus stands at the forefront of innovation, reshaping the landscape of industrial automation. Daryl, thank you for joining us. To commence, could you share your personal experiences and the pain points that fueled the creation of Augmentus?

(!) D. L.: Certainly. The inception of Augmentus is intertwined with the challenges myself and my co-founders faced during our careers in developing robotics solutions for multinational corporations. The painstaking hours spent on programming and integrating various robot hardware served as a catalyst for envisioning an AI robotics system that could seamlessly automate industrial robots, eradicating the need for intricate coding and minimizing downtimes.

The frustration we experienced was not just a technical hurdle; it was a realization that the existing methods in industrial automation were far from efficient. The traditional approach to robot programming was marked by complexity, fragmentation, and substantial costs. We aimed to develop a solution that not only tackles these challenges but also completely revolutionizes the automation paradigm.

(?) MFN: The approach you're describing is undoubtedly groundbreaking. Could you provide a more in-depth explanation of how Augmentus operates and the profound impact it has on manufacturing efficiency?

(!) D. L.: Augmentus pioneers intelligent, no-code computer vision and robot motion planning, enabling industrial robot programming in minutes instead of days.

Our proprietary technology serves as the eyes and the brains of any industrial robot. Augmentus’ 3D cameras capture the relevant spatial information and this data is fed into its AI model. The platform then recommends an optimal path for the robot to move along to perform its task, accounting for complex surfaces. This eliminates the need for technical expertise and lengthy downtime when reprogramming robotic tools. Augmentus enables manufacturers to reduce process automation time from an average of four weeks to just 15 minutes while significantly improving accuracy and efficiency, reducing costs by over 70%.

(?) MFN: Those are indeed impressive results. Can you share a more nuanced real-world use case that vividly exemplifies Augmentus in action?

(!) D. L.: Let's delve into a compelling collaboration that vividly demonstrates Augmentus' adaptability and versatility – our partnership with Abrasive Engineering, the experts in blasting and shot peening machines and services. 

In industries where high-mix and small-batch runs are the norm, downtime and reduced productivity prevail. Conventional systems struggle with the adaptability and precision required for handling intricate geometries, exacerbating challenges. The constant battle against high deviations leads to precision issues, errors, and inefficiencies, compounding the industry's pain points.

Recognizing the potential, we collaborated to develop an automated sandblasting room. Featuring a ceiling-mounted robot and the Augmentus system, they can effortlessly program their blasting robot for any required parts. Employing machine vision, the Augmentus system performs 3D scans with up to 0.05mm precision, enhancing robots with intelligence and adaptability. 

The auto-generated paths generated by our technology have proven invaluable, drastically reducing process development time. Our offline motion planning facilitates a simulated preview of the work environment before deployment, minimizing downtime and preempting risks associated with errors and collisions.

Our technology eliminates the need to teach robots, empowering non-technical operators to swiftly plan robot paths and trajectories. This significantly reduces programming time from days to just a few hours.

This use case not only highlights Augmentus' flexibility in diverse industrial applications but also underscores its role in democratizing automation. By allowing non-experts to control and optimize complex processes, we're breaking down traditional barriers that often hinder the adoption of advanced technologies in manufacturing.

(?) MFN: It's always enlightening to see tangible applications of advanced technology. Shifting gears a bit, what's on the horizon for Augmentus in terms of global expansion and future initiatives?

(!) D. L.: Our vision extends far beyond creating a transformative technology; it's about ensuring its accessibility on a global scale. As part of our strategic expansion plans, we are committed to establishing a presence in the United States, Europe, and greater Asia by the end of the year. This move aims not only to better support our existing customers in the region but also to tap into the immense potential and diverse industrial landscape that the U.S. offers.

In tandem with our global expansion, we are gearing up to launch the Augmentus System Partner (ASP) program. This initiative is not merely a growth strategy; it's a commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem. The ASP program is designed to establish Augmentus Experience Centres across five countries by the middle of next year. These centers will serve as hubs for innovation, education, and hands-on exploration of our technology, creating a network of excellence in the field of robotic automation.

(?) MFN: Exciting times ahead. Can you provide a more detailed glimpse into the future developments at Augmentus, including upcoming features and technological advancements?

(!) D. L.: Our journey is a continuous pursuit of excellence, and we are deeply invested in pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One of our ongoing developments that I'm particularly excited about is synchronous multi-axis automated path planning. This feature represents a leap forward in our mission to make automation more accessible and user-friendly.

Synchronous path planning will empower operators to automate very complex processes that involve multiple external axes which are common in peening, thermal spraying, blasting, and finishing applications. This development is slated to be ready by the later half of 2024, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of applications.

Furthermore, we are exploring advanced applications of our technology, ensuring that Augmentus remains at the forefront of innovation. We are actively researching and developing solutions that leverage vision-based systems to address a broader range of industrial challenges. Our aim is not only to stay ahead of the curve but to actively contribute to shaping the future of automation.

(?) MFN: Thank you for sharing, Daryl. To bring our conversation to a comprehensive close, let's delve into the pivotal question: why should businesses seriously consider adopting Augmentus?

(!) D. L.: The decision to adopt a transformative technology like Augmentus goes beyond the realm of mere business strategy; it's a strategic imperative for staying competitive in the evolving landscape of industrial automation. Augmentus stands out by democratizing robotic programming, simplifying a traditionally complex process. Businesses stand to gain immensely from streamlined automation efforts, reduced programming barriers, and the unlocking of the full potential of robotic systems.

Augmentus is not just a tool; it's a catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and longevity. By embracing Augmentus, businesses position themselves at the forefront of a technological revolution, where automation is not just a necessity but a dynamic force driving progress. It's an investment in the future, ensuring adaptability, resilience, and a sustainable path towards excellence.

(?) MFN: Thank you, Daryl, for providing these profound insights into Augmentus and the future of robotics. For our esteemed audience, if you're eager to experience the revolution in robotic programming, consider scheduling a personalized demo with Augmentus today. Explore the possibilities that this cutting-edge technology holds for the future of industrial automation and position your business for unparalleled success in the years to come.

MFN would like to thank Daryl Lim for this interview!

For Information: 

Augmentus Pte. Ltd.

81 Science Park Dr, #01-01

118257 Singapore 

Daryl Lim, CEO and Co-founder

Tel. +65.9737.7223

E-mail: daryllim@augmentus.tech

www.augmentus.tech