Move Digital plans to manufacture robots for the home

Move Digital Ltd., a developer of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, this week announced its strategic expansion into the field of robotics manufacturing. The company said it is committed to using advanced technologies to enhance everyday living.

“Our expansion into robotics manufacturing represents a significant milestone for Move Digital,” said Kristof Schöffling, CEO of Move Digital. “We are committed to developing innovative solutions that not only harness the power of AI and blockchain, but also bring tangible benefits to households worldwide.”

Northampton, U.K.-based Move Digital said it specializes in developing technologies for business-to-business (B2B) applications and to improve the quality of life. The company‘s services include facilitating digital payments, digital identity protections, streamlining supply chain operations, and data security.

Move Digital to set up production in China, Vietnam

The global robotics industry could grow from $46 billion in 2024 to $169.8 billion by 2032, projected Benchmark International. Advances in AI and machine learning are driving this surge by enabling robots to perform increasingly complex tasks autonomously, noted Move Digital.

The company said its entry into this dynamic market aligns with these trends, as it seeks to develop AI-enabled robots equipped with digital manufacturing systems.

Building upon its recent endeavors to strengthen consultancy services for governments, global leaders, and family offices—particularly in Tokyo, Monaco, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore—Move Digital is now targeting the household robotics sector. The company said it plans to establish state-of-the-art factories in China and Vietnam.

“By establishing production facilities in China and Vietnam, we are strategically positioned to leverage regional expertise and resources, ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in our robotics products,” Schöffling said.

In line with its commitment to innovation, Move Digital plans to implement flexible, modular production cells that are digitally connected. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) will network and serve these cells.

These AI-powered systems will undertake tasks such as assembly and material handling, relieving people from these duties and enabling more rewarding activities, said Move Digital.

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Household robots present challenges for robotics developers

Move Digital aims to take on a particularly challenging area of robotics: home robots. While iRobot‘s Roombas and other robotic vacuums have become relatively commonplace, the home robot market has struggled to grow outside of this segment.

There are a few different strategies robotics developers have taken in this space. There are robots like Amazon Astro, a “multi-purpose” home robot. Astro is essentially an Alexa on wheels that can be used for home monitoring, videoconferencing with family and friends, entertaining children, and more.

There are also robots geared specifically toward aiding disabled people in their homes. For example,Hello Robot currently offers Stretch 3, a mobile manipulator. This now open-sourced robot uses its arm to help end users regain some agency and independence with some basic in-home tasks. The tasks include retrieving a pair of pants from the floor or even helping to dress in the morning.

So far, Stretch 3 has mostly found use in research, but Hello Robot obtained a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to help commercialize its mobile manipulator.

And, of course, there are humanoid robots. While humanoids have barely started to find their way into commercial facilities, some companies are already setting their sights on bringing them into homes as well.

In August, 1X Technologies AS unveiled the NEO Beta prototype of its humanoid as it prepares for pilot deployments in select homes.