ITRI TODAY Spring issue 2021

AI and Robotics Innovations to Make Life Safer and Smarter

AI and Robotics are always the spotlights of CES. For this year’s virtual format, ITRI showcased its Dual Arm Robot System (DARS), Self-Learning Battery Management System, and UVC LED Water Sterilizer System HydroNovation. These innovations demonstrate how technology helps people in their day-to-day life, creating safer and smarter environments.

Dual Arm Robot System (DARS)

ITRI’s DARS has two slim robot arms and human-like hands. It mimics human dexterity with high precision to perform diverse tasks, such as playing an electric piano. It features advanced sensor technologies and machine learning algorithms for maximum versatility and completes various tasks for humans without using specifically designed tools. The robot’s hands have five fingers and are designed with shape adaptability, enabling them to handle a variety of objects like balls, name cards, mobile phones and plastic bottles. Applications of DARS include healthcare, professional services, smart manufacturing and hazardous environments.

The unique features of DARS include seven-axis robot arms, which greatly increase freedom of movement over common six-axis robots; three-foot-long arms that reach far and perform versatile tasks; and human-like hands with five fingers that overcome the limitations of traditional robotic grippers with only two to three “fingers,” which can only grasp fixed-shape or hard objects.

Self-Learning Battery Management System (SL-BMS)

This is the first battery management system to use a self-learning algorithm that provides correct readings of battery aging, remaining and restricted power for electric vehicles (EVs). SL-BMS ensures a margin of error below 5% in calculating energy consumption and range estimation. It also reduces range anxiety by transferring state of charge (SOC) into accurate remaining mileage and mileage with restricted power mode information. This helps reduce range anxiety, the fear of not having enough power to reach the destination.

SL-BMS minimizes maintenance costs, optimizes the use of both in-service and retired batteries, and can be used for large-scale energy storage systems in addition to EVs. With cell balancing, charging, and discharging strategies, SL-BMS extends battery life by over 20% and increases efficiency of utilizing battery capacity by 50%, boosting EV driving range and reducing charging frequency. It also offers real-time battery health check, ensures vehicle safety and saves time and resources for recycling of power batteries. SL-BMS not only helps users avoid situations like battery overheating or power failure caused by long hours of driving at full speed, but also guarantees optimized battery endurance.

SL-BMS maintains a safe state during electric vehicle operation, while allowing the battery's capacity to be fully discharged. The system emits a power cut warning signal before the battery is completely depleted to reduce safety concerns.

UVC LED Water Sterilizer System HydroNovation

The UVC LED Water Sterilizer System HydroNovation is proven for supplying 99.9 percent pathogen-free water. The system is easy to install and can be used in different applications including humanitarian assistance and disaster rescue. It is also ideal in providing sanitized drinking water for homes, schools and offices.

The sanitizing component used in ITRI’s water sterilizer system is UVC LED. Compared to bulky, fragile mercury-vapor ultraviolet lamps that demand high voltage to operate, UVC LED is non-hazardous and can be powered by batteries. The system is energy-efficient, and the on-off switch is controlled by the water flowing through the sterilizer.

ITRI is cooperating with Kemflo Group, a maker of water filters and dispensers, to embed the innovative UVC LED water sterilizer system in its water filtration products under the brand HydroNovation. ITRI has also been working with Tzu Chi Foundation, a not-for-profit organization active in humanitarian rescues, on field trials for simulating emergency situations or challenging hygienic conditions.