Avular: fertile ground for the new generation of robots
- 8 min reading time
In the 1970s, the very first robots entered the job market. Heavy-duty crane jibs were being recruited to take over heavy and repetitive work from humans. They swung right into action in their roles, but suspicion also filled the workplace. The concern was that these rock-solid crane arms would render our own flesh and blood obsolete. It didn’t quite pan out that way. Quite the opposite, robots have actually boosted productivity and economic growth. And that is exactly how it will be with the new generation of robots, according to Albert Maas of Avular. In fact: “Robotics is urgently needed to overcome the critical labour shortage. In every field, from hospitality and cleaning to the medical world. It can provide care workers with a helping hand, for instance, to reduce their workload.”
Text: Paul van Vugt Photography: Eddie Mol
Albert welcomes us to Avular’s new home. The renovated ‘glass cathedral’ at Strijp-T, where Philips employees once blew glass for light bulbs. GEVA Vastgoed renovated its distinctive external façade and helped build the world’s largest test space for drones. Albert himself took on the multi-layered design and stylish decoration of the property. Partly out of enthusiasm, but also partly to keep costs down. And yes, that is a must. Because this property represents a forward step into the future for Avular. A future where robots that fly and drive are as commonplace as our smartphones are today.
Albert: “We think it’s important that to have breathed new life into this building. In terms of our own business, of course, but also by restoring a building that’s a part of the history of this region. Everyone can see all the amazing things that are happening here now. Shaping the future of robotics. This is the ultimate location for us to grow in. An environment that can accommodate our lofty ambitions. We desperately need that space, because the US and China are still somewhat ahead in our field. Substantial investments are needed, and that money doesn’t exactly just flow here in Europe.”
Making robotics trendy and hot
One of the major challenges that Albert has highlighted is our sector’s lacklustre image. “Robotics isn’t exactly a very trendy sector in Europe. Even though it’s absolutely going to happen here over the next few decades. Robots will make all the difference in terms of labour shortages, which will only get worse. We’ve got everything in place to make it happen. From mechatronics know how and AI to financial power. But compared to the US and China, Europe still needs to take bold steps when it comes to investing. The sense of urgency is lacking.”
“I sometimes compare robotics to the automotive industry 15 years ago. At that time, the debate was whether electric cars would be the future. Elon Musk took the lead and said he would prove it a success, after which the whole world rushed to follow him. In Europe, we’re missing Musk’s kind of decisiveness. That means venture capital is lagging behind. There’s huge demand for European companies and financiers to compete for the future of robotics on our continent. Billions are needed to get it off the ground. There’s still a long way to go, but fortunately we’re starting to see a change. A growing number of wealthy players are embracing the idea of long-term investment.”
Social acceptance
Albert sees another challenge in addition to the lack of boldness: accepting the fact that we will soon be working alongside robots. People and businesses need to understand that robots will have a hand in enhancing our prosperity. Just like the internet has done. There is an explanation for the lack of social acceptance when it comes to robots. Albert: “The people who build robot are techies. Technical thinkers. But if the aim is for robots to work with humans, you need to involve other sectors. Specialists who can make us aware of the pain points we’ll encounter in practice. Who’ll show us how we can succeed in making robots our colleagues. How they can complement our lives, just like smartphones and laptops have now become extensions of ourselves. Robots will soon become exactly the same. And on a massive scale like that. Thankfully, there are already a lot of frontrunners from different industries and this bodes well for the future. We still see potential in this area, too. In addition to powerful financiers, innovators from specific sectors can also make a difference if they are willing to step off the beaten path. Together, we can make this a reality.”
“Being a pioneer means leading people towards a vision of the future. That requires imagination.”
“You can see our precursors in a few industries. For example, in logistics, where Amazon has invested heavily. Robots started handling products in warehouses here a long time ago, putting parcels where they needed to go. Nowadays, robots are even packing products and unloading containers. Every single aspect in that chain is automated. They are setting the standards and serve as an example for other sectors. But that’s easier said than done.” “Being a pioneer means leading people towards a vision of the future. In something that doesn’t really exist yet for their sector. That requires imagination, so that financial backers and companies can see the future trajectory clearly ahead. Fortunately, as a region, we are strong in that regard. Take the Design Academy for instance, which bridges the gap between product design and engineering. And as far as the technology itself, there’s also no need for concern. We’re now able to produce as cheaply as in Asia, but with much better quality. The fusion of technology, knowledge and design that we have in Brainport alone is worth its weight in gold.”
Space to cultivate talent
On top of the ‘golden triangle’ of technology, knowledge and design, you also need fertile ground to sow innovativeness. A place where talented people can develop. Where they are given the freedom to experiment. Where they can fine-tune their ambitions. Before landing in the nutrient-rich soil of Strijp-T, Albert had found that place in the village of Breskens, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
“I always felt the drive to create something incredible. I wanted to inspire others. Exercise the grey matter.”
“I was living a life outdoors, surrounded by a family of doers. My father made sails and most of the family was artistically inclined. It also had the itch to build. I chose a vocational programme in metal technology, but there was more in store for me. I was making projects happen, building a robot for what was then the famous Battlebots programme. I always felt the drive to create something incredible. I wanted to inspire others. Exercise the grey matter. That ambition ultimately led me to TU/e.” “With the help of Professor Maarten Steinbuch, I set up a TU racing team and witnessed a host of exciting developments around me. In electrical engineering, software, mechanical engineering… amazing things were happening in every single field. But I also saw that everything was relatively disjointed. Everyone stayed in their own separate lanes, and there was little space to bring it all together. I wanted to unite those worlds. Because I firmly believe that mathematicians, for example, have a lot to offer mechanical engineers. And vice versa.”
“The entourage that surrounds Formula 1 cars was always a major inspiration for me. One team works toward the same goal with so much passion and laser focus. Being able to achieve that with our team of students was what drove me. Our project was a 100% electric race car with super fast charging capabilities. A captivating showpiece that served as a tangible inspiration for society as a whole. But there was one downside: a true racing car requires a massive amount of capital. And that’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re a practical dreamer like I am.” “I think boldly, but more than anything I want to actually achieve those dreams. That drive led me to robotics and creating Avular. Robotics is a blue ocean where there’s so much yet to achieve. Something that can benefit society as a whole. The road to achieving that is a long one. And it also requires a properly balanced team that can compete with Chinese and US robotics giants like DJI.”
Security and innovation
“The Chinese company DJI has reigned supreme in the drone arena for many years. Yet we are seeing a trend of increasing demand for European drones. For instance, government agencies prefer European drones over their Chinese counterparts for security reasons. Ensuring data privacy plays an important role here. This is why we have deliberately chosen to develop the hardware and software in-house, which allows us to guarantee security. That applies to our flying and driving robotics, too.”
“We equip all of our robots with an autonomy kit. This kit allows the vehicle to understand the space it occupies, to behave appropriately in it, and to do its job autonomously. That autonomous touch makes our product unique and applicable to a wide range of product/market combinations. In every conceivable work environment where labour is scarce. This product/market combination has the potential to become very successful if the cost of the robot and the tasks it performs can offset the work that’s taken off your hands.”
“A cleaning robot that not only cleans floors but toilets as well. Or a construction robot that can drill holes and plaster walls. This kind of versatility will make robotics scalable and affordable.”
“One of the technical challenges in our complex robotic systems is the use of large language models such as Open Ai (Chat GPT). These models use an enormous amount of computing power, which is currently being funded by the Microsofts and Googles of the world. But at some point, the bill will come due. In order to make our robots affordable as well be able to solve complex tasks, we’re creating robots that do smart things autonomously, with much less computing power. That helps us keep this crucial component local and therefore more cost-efficient. That’s the strategy we’re taking to soon enter European mass markets. Coupled with a strong belief in the future of multifunctional robots. For example, a cleaning robot that not only clean floors but also toilets. Or a construction robot that can drill holes and plaster walls. These kinds of combinations will make robotics scalable and affordable.”
Technology and design
The technology for this new generation of robots is there. And so is urgency in the labour market. Albert also points out another tough condition needed for robotics to succeed: appeal. Design that adds colour to the tech world. A kind of sexiness. “This ambition stems partly from my personal background. My upbringing in an artistic family. Apart from that, I’m convinced that the design factor is a game-changer for robotics. Starting with a creative workplace you want to be in, just like our new place. This is where the talents and techies that are shaping our future are at. So having a top-notch environment is key. It should feel like you’re walking into the Nike headquarters. And the same goes for our products. They’ll have to be gorgeous and nice to work with. Because when technology and design go hand in hand, the world is at your feet. Just like with Apple and Tesla – everything comes together in their products. Because it works great on a technical level. Because you want to be seen using it. And because soon, we will simply not be able to live without it in our lives.”