NEWS

USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY
IN ROBOTICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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• Consulting and support services for AI and robotics system integration
• Change in software architecture increases efficiency and performance
  in robotics and mechanical engineering
• CEO talks about humanoid robots and safety at Robotics Summit in Boston

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Böblingen/Boston, May 06, 2024 - Synapticon, provider of integrated motion solutions, has announced the launch of Synapticon Intelligence at the Robotics Summit in Boston. This specialized systems integration and AI consulting business unit underscores Synapticon's commitment to advancing the development of control systems in the face of rapid advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and automation.

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 "At events in the USA, such as the Robotics Summit and Automate, but also in Germany at the Hannover Messe, we see that mastering new technologies in the field of AI is becoming a future-critical skill for robot and machine manufacturers," reports Nikolai Ensslen, CEO and co-founder of Synapticon. "Operating successfully in this new environment requires not only deep technological expertise, but also a creative understanding of how these innovations can be used to redefine productivity, profitability and safety."

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Ensslen and his robotics and integrated motion control experts are seeing a shift in robotics software architecture from traditional approaches based on discrete, traditional software components to integrated AI models based on neural networks. This shift is not limited to software, but is also impacting hardware development, moving from traditional CPUs and DSPs to neuromorphic computing and other technologies better suited to the requirements of AI.  

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Synapticon Intelligence's services are based on developments that are currently still coming primarily from Silicon Valley. Various open and closed source projects such as NVIDIA's GR00T, Google's RT-2 or the developments of specialized start-ups such as Physical Intelligence or Scaled Foundations aim to create universal foundation models for robot capabilities that achieve a new level of learning and interaction capabilities in robots. These "Robot Action Models" are intended to enable humanoid robots to learn from human demonstrations, use reinforcement learning and generate robot movements as output to the input of video data. Synapticon Intelligence wants to support robot manufacturers and machine builders in embedding such AI technologies in their control systems in order to increase their capabilities and efficiency.

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From start-up to technology leader to consultant

With over a decade of experience in the further development of hardware and software in robotics and automation, Synapticon has a wealth of experience. The company's AI technology enabled the world's first wireless autonomous lawn mowing robot, the most efficient and adaptive e-bike drives, smart fitness equipment, and the compact and safe motion control products it is known for today.  

With the transformation towards increasingly sophisticated AI-based systems, the issue of functional safety is also reaching a whole new level. As an established provider of certified robot safety, Synapticon understands this critical challenge that arises in the context of intelligent and humanoid robots. The functional safety of robots, especially robots equipped with advanced AI and eventually artificial general intelligence (AGI), requires a nuanced and forward-thinking approach that involves not only safely stopping and safely limiting motion, but also safely monitoring a system's behavior.

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No AI in robotics without functional safety

Synapticon Intelligence is dedicated to pioneering solutions that not only meet current safety standards, but also anticipate future regulations and challenges. The goal is to achieve a level of intrinsic safety that enables humanoid robots and other advanced robotic systems to operate seamlessly and safely alongside humans in a variety of environments.

"We are seeing a strong trend towards integrated, AI-controlled systems. These will enable more autonomous, efficient and versatile robots in the future. Technology leaders such as Tesla and NVIDIA are already tapping into the potential of end-to-end AI control and neuromorphic computing in robotics," reports Nikolai Ensslen. "The founding of Synapticon Intelligence is a response to these technological trends and offers expertise and solutions that utilize the latest advances in AI and robotics to meet the new requirements."

The goal of Synapticon Intelligence and its consulting teams is to guide companies through the complexities of integrating advanced AI into their systems while realizing the highest safety standards. The new business unit draws on Synapticon's extensive experience in developing certified safety systems for robots and offers comprehensive expertise to companies navigating the complexities of functional safety certification for intelligent machines.

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Announcement at Robotics Summit in Boston

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Synapticon Intelligence was officially launched at the Robotics Summit in Boston on May 1, 2024, where CEO Nikolai Ensslen gave a presentation titled "Intelligent Humanoids: The Final Challenge for Functional Safety Certification". His presentation outlined the state of the art in robot safety, best practices and new technologies that promise to meet the functional safety challenge of universally intelligent humanoid robots.

Synapticon itself was an exhibitor at the Robotics Summit, showcasing its products and solutions that enable its customers to revolutionize various industries through robotics and automation.

"Over the past six years, we have focused exclusively on the development and market launch of our versatile standard products. We are now very successful with this business and have a large number of customers all over the world who entrust us with their most promising products," says Ensslen, explaining the strategic move. "It is not uncommon for us to provide advice and support far beyond the core topic of motion control, in the areas of design, integration, system consolidation, performance optimization and across the entire software stack. We are now bundling these skills and activities in the unique Synapticon Intelligence offering."

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