Accenture invests 500.000 euros in Dutch robotics innovation hub

Thursday, July 14, 2016
News
Robots are used in healthcare in a growing variety of ways, like care robots that support elderly people, or children with diabetics. One such projects is ROSE, built by Heemskerk Innovative Technology. This remote controlled robot can assist caretakers by handing out water to elderly people in nursing homes and giving these eldery an easy way to stay in touch with care professionals. But combined research into AI technology is even more important, according to both parties.

Establishing industry best practices

To support Accenture’s Artificial Intelligence business, Accenture and RoboValley will conduct joint robotics research that will establish industry best practices for incorporating robotics into large enterprises, including developing proof-of-concepts and cutting-edge industry use cases. Both parties will also host innovation workshops for clients to explore new opportunities to use robotics to augment their current workforce and create new opportunities to grow their businesses.

Frank Rennings, managing director and Technology lead at Accenture Netherlands, points out that developments in the area of robotics are moving ultra-fast. “Organizations are recognizing its importance in driving us into the fourth industrial revolution and are increasingly leveraging the technology to make business operations more efficient and to enhance customer service. We strongly believe in the concept of RoboValley, with research, entrepreneurs and startups all in one place, as part of our commitment to open innovation. Our collaboration will help us speed innovation and bring new applications to market faster.”

Arthur de Crook, Business Development Manager at RoboValley says about the co-operation with Accenture: “Through Accenture’s international network, RoboValley will have direct access to a large number of companies faced with robotization issues. The collaboration also enables us to increase our visibility as an international knowledge center. Together with Accenture and our 170 robotics researchers, we will be publishing global reports on the latest developments in robotics.”

Accenture is a worldwide active professional services companies, providing consulting and outsourcing services. RoboValley is an innovation hub for robotics located at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. In RoboValley, over 170 robotics researchers from various disciplines work closely with other experts, entrepreneurs and decision-makers in both the public and private sectors. In addition to more established robotics companies, RoboValley houses 30 robotics startups. It is expected that, in the coming ten years, 15,000 to 25,000 jobs will be created in RoboValley.