What are workplace robots?

Designed and built to work with and/or for humans, workplace robots are robots that are deployed where people work to optimize resources, improve safety/comfort, and increase productivity through workplace augmentation and/or automation. The workplace can be defined as anywhere people do work – from hospitals to warehouses to enterprise office settings, and more.

 

What is the difference between workplace robots and industrial robots?

Workplace robots are not the same as industrial robots, and the main reason is use case. Although workplace robots can automate processes, they are used in non-industrial environments and don’t serve the same “move item, pick up/put down, assemble item” purpose. Workplace robots are more about enabling broader, people-related processes such as observation, monitoring, environmental testing, reporting, collaboration and remote connection via robot, etc.

 

What is Ava Robotics, and how did it get started?

Ava began as an independent company in 2016 after spinning out from iRobot. When iRobot shifted its business model to concentrate solely on the Roomba and consumer robotics, Ava took the opportunity to continue a mission and vision for robots designed and built to work with and for people in the workplace.

 

How do Ava Robots work?

Our robots are autonomous, mobile robots that share the same Ava “base” technology. The intelligent navigation, sensors/cameras, and mobility features all sit in the base portion of the robot. Users log in to the IOS app or web experience to access and schedule sessions/routes with Ava and then use the UI to interact with Ava in real-time. 

 

Is an Ava Robot an iRobot?

Despite being initially incubated and having technical roots at iRobot, Ava is not an iRobot like the Roomba. Ava is an independent, private company with our own robots and associated services.

 

What does a workplace need in order for an Ava Robot to work?

The short answer is a dedicated space and a standard outlet for charging, as well as a reliable WiFi connection. For more detailed guides and product documentation for users, administrators and robot caretakers: https://www.avarobotics.com/documents.

 

Who uses and operates Ava Robots within a business?

Ava managers and users vary depending on the use cases for the robots. Often a technical team member is involved in the onboarding process, but not always. Our customer users range from innovation officers, sales and marketing managers, building/facilities management, security staff, etc. The important takeaway is that you don’t have to be in IT management to use or benefit from Ava Robots. Intelligent mobility offers a lot of efficiencies and drives outcomes across a business.

 

What type of robot does Ava offer?

 

• The Ava Robot

 

What kind of businesses use Ava Robots?

Large hospitals, enterprise technology offices, retail environments, education settings, manufacturing floors, government facilities, and more all use Ava Robots. The  Ava Robot can cut across industries and can serve a variety of workplace settings.

 

What is Ava’s mission?

We see the next area of growth for robotics in the workplace, with robots designed to work with and for people. We see the future workplace as one striking a balance between automation and augmentation, maximizing human resources, productivity, safety, and comfort. We want to lead companies into the next versions of their workplaces with robotics technology that focuses on end-user experience, seamless integration with existing IT systems, and both cultural and operational expansion. We want to partner with workplace technology leaders who can make Ava Robots recognizable, understood, and available to their partners and customers.

 

Does Ava “watch” or “listen” like a Siri, Alexa, or Google Home?

No. Ava Robots in general are not designed to absorb data in the same way Siri, Alexa, or Google devices do to gather information they overhear. Seamless IT integration means adhering to your safety and security protocols and infrastructures.

 

How long will it take to get Ava up and running in your workplace?

Setting up an Ava Robot is an easy process. Typically, the robot can be set up and active in just a few hours. After “unboxing,” our team works with you as Ava learns the environment. Once this process is complete, your admin will have access to our customer support team for any questions along the way.

 

Is it easy to use an Ava Robot?

Users log in to the Ava app to start a session and the robot navigates, does its job, and returns back to charge entirely on its own. The major perk of being fully autonomous is that users don’t need to “drive” the robot. After Ava learns and maps your environment, you tell it where to go, and it goes. This means fewer devices and less space for human error. Ava’s cameras do the heavy-lifting and take obstacles, such as other machines, people, or staircases, into account.

 

Are Ava Robots intended to replace people in the workplace?

Ava’s mission is actually the exact opposite: we want to give more power to people so they can do their jobs better, more efficiently, and with more satisfaction. At its core, Ava promotes more authentic human connection in an increasingly remote, digital world.

 

Can Ava Robots also be for consumer use?

To date, Ava Robots are being used solely as a business mobile solution. There are other smaller-scale products that are more suitable for homes and similar applications.

 

When you say Ava is “fully autonomous,” what does that mean?

Being fully autonomous means the user tells Ava where to go, and the robot automatically goes there. There is no driving and steering involved. Users can adjust the robot to sit, stand, zoom in, etc., but Ava takes care of navigation. Ava learns the local environment to create a realistic map of the area. Built-in collision avoidance makes for a safe journey around people and objects, and cliff sensors prevent problems with stairs.

 

Can only technical/IT staff use Ava?

Although IT may serve as admins and managers for Ava, anyone, from a CEO to an intern can
use Ava.

 

Can the robot be used in outdoor settings?

To date, Ava is being used in settings where there is a smooth floor – carpet, concrete, tile, etc. Currently, Ava’s usage hasn’t been outdoors or all-terrain – but when we get some robot-ready-treads, you’ll be the first to know!

 

What industries does Ava serve?

We serve companies across industries, including corporate enterprise, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, technology, hospitality, financial services, higher education, government, telecommunications, and more.