How is a robot like a smartphone? Both are platforms that can be programmed for multiple tasks. However, mobile apps allow users to tap a wide range of activities, while robots typically require experienced engineers for specialized applications by industry. By contrast, Doosan Robotics Inc. said its Dart-Suite provides a "holistic and democratized environment for users of all types.

The robot ecosystem is intended to enable users of collaborative robots to download an app, install it, and use it, all without prior expert knowledge. The company added that Dart-Suite allows for multi-tasking.

For example, a coffee shop could use a single cobot to act as a barista in the morning, prepare lunch menus at midday, and serve beer as a bartender in the evening, said Doosan. In addition, Dart-Suite allows robots to be used across fields, such as food and beverage, logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing, it said.

Doosan Robotics noted that Dart-Suite, which it developed last year, has an integrated development environment (IDE) that allows customers to create modules for their specific needs. The IDE includes drag-and-drop artificial intelligence functionality to reduce the time of development by as much as 80%, as well as to cut the cost of integration.

While many robots today get software updates through wired connections or USB, Dart-Suite provides over-the-air (OTA) updates for easier management of operating systems and software, according to Doosan.

The company developed a recycling system with Dart-Suite that it dubbed "Oscar the Sorter," which was later recognized by the Consumer Technology Association. TDK Qeexo applied machine learning and vision plus the compliant grippers to materials handling.

Dart-Suite can increase the range and number of tasks that cobots can do, expanding the number of industries that can deploy automation, said Doosan Robotics.