Innovation Ecosystems

“No project is an island”

20/11/2023

by Nelly Dux with No Comment PhdLife

In the world of academic research, it’s common to embark on a journey with a specific destination in mind (at least that was my path). Guided by established theories and prior studies, we often believe we know where our research will take us. My recent experience with a case study on innovation ecosystems, particularly focusing on environmental sustainability, was a humbling reminder of the unpredictable nature of inquiry.

As is the beauty—and sometimes, the frustration—of qualitative research (though it’s worth noting that surprises aren’t exclusive to this methodology), I was in for some revelations, when taking a closer look at how companies carry out projects…

… As I was delving into the practices of companies engaged in green transition projects, I encountered a case that exemplifies this perfectly: the renowned CopenHill facility in Copenhagen.

Source: (Rasmus Hjortshoj, Architect Magazine: https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/copenhill_o)

CopenHill is an example of a new breed of sustainability projects that are simultaneously functional and hedonistic. With its waste-to-energy plant, ski slope, and restaurant, CopenHill epitomizes the concept of “hedonistic sustainability”, a term brought to life by Bjarke Ingels, the architect behind the facility (Estika et al., 2020). Aimed at merging environmental responsibility with pleasure and aesthetic appeal, many of these new facilities stand as a testament to the interconnectedness of green projects with the social, cultural, and environmental fabric of their communities. They are “history-dependent and organizationally-embedded units of analysis” (Engwall, 2003), each following a unique trajectory influenced by a variety of factors.

Thus, the creation of such multifaceted projects involves a collaborative effort extending beyond the realms of engineering or business. To assess their success or failure, there is an increasing need to adopt inter- or multi-disciplinary approaches, as their implementation and development cannot be fully understood or effectively managed through a single field of knowledge. Instead, it requires the collaboration and integration of diverse disciplines, as I have come to realize. For this reason, the current findings of my case study research are steering me in a more sociological direction, to better understand the complexities of the green transition. In pursuit of this, I have enrolled in an immersive three-day course at Aarhus University, where I’ll delve into various sociological theories, including Actor-Network Theory and Transition Theory, to name a few. My aim is to enrich my comprehension of the historical and environmental contexts that surround my case study.

Of course, I’m eager to share my discoveries along the way, so stay tuned for more updates and revelations!

References:

Engwall, M. (2003). No project is an island: Linking projects to history and context. Research Policy, 32(5), 789–808. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(02)00088-4

Estika, N. D., Kusuma, Y., Prameswari, D. R., & Sudradjat, I. (2020). The hedonistic sustainability concept in the works of Bjarke Ingels. ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur, 5(3), 339–346. https://doi.org/10.30822/arteks.v5i3.487

Wasen Beers, Workshop Cheers, and Cobot Gears: Stuttgart’s Workshop Fiesta

30/10/2023

by Philipp Jennes with No Comment Conference ESR Travelog Perspectives PhdLife Technology Technology

Hey everyone!

If you think life as a PhD student is just about boring books and endless research, think again! My last few weeks have been a whirlwind of cool events, amazing people, and lots of learning. Let me take you on a quick tour.

A Dive into Enabling Technologies at Stuttgart

In the heart of October, I found myself amidst the historic beauty of Stuttgart, ready to attend a workshop hosted by the University of Stuttgart. The central theme of the event revolved around enabling technologies and their pivotal role in the digital transformation.

The workshop spread over three days, promised – and delivered – a potpourri of informative sessions, panel discussions with industry stalwarts, and glimpses into the future of digital advancements. From discussing AI and data’s role in research to exploring the dynamics of enabling technologies for ecosystems was genuinely enriching.

A personal highlight for me was the chance to present my ongoing research project on the implementation of collaborative robots (or cobots) in SMEs. It’s a subject I’m deeply passionate about, as emphasized in my paper titled “Cobots in SMEs: Processes, Challenges, and Success Factors”. The feedback and interactions that followed the presentation were invaluable, offering diverse perspectives and new angles to consider in my research.

Participants at the EINST4INE Workshop in Stuttgart (Source: photo taken by Christina Theodoraki)

A Taste of Local Culture

Before the intellectual marathon began, a few colleagues and I took a cultural detour to the vibrant Wasen event in Stuttgart. It was a delightful amalgamation of tradition, laughter, and shared memories – a perfect start to an intense week.

Reaching Out to the World

Another proud moment was presenting my conference paper remotely at the IEEE TEMs conference in Lithuania. The virtual platform extended the reach of my work to a global audience. Engaging with professionals and academicians from different corners of the world brought forth a myriad of viewpoints, making the experience thoroughly enlightening.

Looking Ahead

The journey, as they say, is never-ending. As I pen down these words, I’m in the midst of preparing a poster presentation for the upcoming World Open Innovation Conference in Bilbao, Spain, this November. I’m eagerly looking forward to further collaborations, feedback, and the joy of sharing my work with a broader audience.

In the world of academia, every day brings new challenges and revelations. These events and interactions have been instrumental in shaping my thought processes and providing direction to my research. I’m grateful for these opportunities and excited for the road ahead.

Until my next update, stay curious and keep exploring!

Making Connections: My Boston Odyssey with the Academy of Management

28/08/2023

by Philipp Jennes with No Comment Conference ESR Travelog PhdLife Technology

The faint hum of discussion, the air imbued with intellectual verve, and Boston’s ever-endearing charm as the backdrop: this year’s Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM) was nothing short of enlightening.

A Beacon of Knowledge in Boston

With the banner “Putting the Worker Front and Center,” the 83rd Annual Meeting brought the academic world alive in the heart of Boston, a city recognized globally for its synergy of historic charm and intellectual prowess. The AoM’s return to Boston was a significant affair, given its reputation as the most highly attended location in previous years. Over 10,000 attendees from diverse corners of the globe congregated, epitomizing Boston’s allure as an international hotspot for research and learning.

This year’s conference was a veritable smorgasbord of academic feasting. From over 1,500 in-person sessions to the inaugural Annual Meeting Opening Reception, where attendees could engage with AoM’s past and present leaders. Notably, a cutting-edge online platform facilitated interactions, allowing participants to review the program, coordinate schedules, and immerse in spirited discussions.

A Day at the Doctoral Consortium

Among the variety of events, one that significantly resonated with my academic pursuits was the Doctoral Consortium at the Boston Hynes Convention Center. This event holds a unique significance, bridging doctoral students from across the world, facilitating discussions on a myriad of topics and workshops tailored to mold the academic leaders of tomorrow.

The day began with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and a light breakfast, providing an informal ambience for attendees to mingle. As the hours unfolded, the consortium delved into a range of sessions: from crafting job talks to understanding the emotional and mental nuances of transitioning to faculty roles. One particularly poignant segment was the Keynote Speech by Rajshree Agarwal on “Fostering your own enterprise.” Her insights, combined with the wisdom imparted by various faculty panels, made the consortium an enriching experience.

The lunchtime roundtable on research pitches was particularly close to my heart. It was here I had the opportunity to present my project, focused on understanding the interaction models of collaborative robots in organizations. The feedback from peers and mentors was invaluable, aligning with my objectives, such as exploring technology acceptance and its overarching impact on organizational performance. This consortium, coupled with the insights and critiques I received, has been instrumental in steering my research of collaborative human-robot interaction towards a clearer goal.

As dusk approached, the consortium attendees gathered for an off-site dinner at the Back Bay Social. While enjoying Boston’s tasty food and nice atmosphere, our day’s talks easily turned into friendly chats, helping us build work friendships.

Reflecting on the Odyssey

Attending the 83rd Annual Meeting of the AoM has been more than just an academic excursion; it was a journey of personal and professional growth. The myriad discussions, panels, and networking opportunities bolstered my understanding, expanded my horizons, and solidified my passion for exploring the realms of collaborative robots in organizations.

In essence, this Boston odyssey has not just been about gaining knowledge but about making connections – with academia, peers, and the deeper nuances of my own research. As I left the city, I carried with me not just memories but a renewed zeal, ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st century related to management and organizations.

Robots, Drones, and Robo-Dogs, Oh My! A Journey Through the World of Robotics

05/05/2023

by Philipp Jennes with No Comment ESR Travelog Perspectives PhdLife Publication Summary Secondment Technology Technology

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay

Hello everyone! I’m happy to share some experiences that I’ve made during the last month. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to accomplish my academic secondment at Aarhus University in Denmark and attend the European Robotics Forum in Odense with my EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas.

ERF23

The European Robotics Forum (ERF) is an annual event that brings together experts in robotics from industry, academia, and government to discuss the latest developments in the field and explore potential collaborations. The forum is organized by the European Robotics Association (ERA) and typically features keynote speeches, technical sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing the latest robotics technologies and applications.

The ERF serves as a platform for researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and knowledge on a wide range of topics related to robotics, including industrial automation, healthcare robotics, service robotics, and artificial intelligence. It is also a forum for policy makers and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving field of robotics, such as ethical and legal considerations, workforce training, and investment strategies. Even Crown Prince Frederick, His Royal Highness of Denmark, attended the event this year!

ERF with EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas — ERF23 with EINST4INE colleague Alejandra Rojas. Source: own photo.

As a visiting researcher, I was thrilled to be able to connect with so many people who are passionate about robotics and human-robot interaction. I was able to learn about the latest developments in this field. I was particularly interested in discussions surrounding collaborative robots, which are designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing and other industries. During the forum, I had the pleasure of engaging with some brilliant minds, from both the academic and practitioner side. Their contributions to the discussions were invaluable, and I learned a lot from them.

Exploring the Fascinating World of Robotics

In addition to my research on collaborative robots, I’m also fascinated by other robotic technologies such as drones and robotic dogs. These technologies are shaping our world in profound ways, and I believe they have enormous potential to improve our lives. For example, drones have the ability to conduct aerial surveys, deliver packages, and even help with search and rescue missions. Robotic dogs, on the other hand, can be used in a wide range of applications, from military and law enforcement to assisting people with disabilities. I find the intersection between these technologies and human needs to be particularly interesting, as it challenges us to think about how we can design and use robots in ways that are safe, ethical, and beneficial for society as a whole.

The Journey Goes On

Aside from the forum, I also spent time at Aarhus University, where I was conducting interviews with SMEs located around Denmark. These interviews are an important part of my research, as I’m studying the implementation of social and collaborative robots in organizations. By understanding the effects of cobots on an individual and firm-level, I hope to achieve a clearer understanding of cobot implementation processes, organizational opportunities and challenges.

Visit at AU with Agnieszka Radziwon and Cristina Marullo. Source: own photo.

Overall, my trip to Denmark was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant minds in the robotics field. I’m excited to continue my research and see what developments the future holds for human-machine interaction models. I am also looking forward to the next EINST4INE Summer school and see my ESR friends in person again. Thanks for reading!

Collaborative what?

20/05/2022

by Philipp Jennes with No Comment PhdLife

Taking a glance at collaborative robotics

Did you know that material handling is projected to be the biggest area of application for collaborative robots (cobots) in 2022?

Nowadays, the cobot market is booming, because this technology ensures a high-level of flexibility during manufacturing processes, economic benefits and individuals’ ergonomic advantages. But what are cobots in the first place? To develop a better understanding on what cobots are, it is important to consider the way they interact with workers.

The International Federation of Robotics distinguishes between four types of collaboration between robots and human workers:

The interaction can be designed in a coexistent environment, in the sense that workers and robots work together without security barriers, but the workplace is not shared. This kind of interaction represents the safest type of collaboration between robots and humans. In sequential collaboration, the robot and the human worker share a workspace but the work process and movements are designed sequentially.

Furthermore, robots and human can work in motion and at the same time, which is called cooperative collaboration. Finally, responsive collaboration represents the kind of collaboration where robots respond to workers movements in real time. This type of interaction is classified as the highest level of collaboration and sets huge emphasis on requirements for robotic sensors and worker’s safety and security standards.

Nowadays, the most applicable types of collaboration are coexistence and sequential collaboration. The integration of cobots help the workers in terms of ergonomics, as the purpose of implementation is not only to increase the production efficiency but also to reduce workers’ biomechanical overload.

Conducting research

Thus, the implementation of cobots is extremely beneficial for companies that aim to improve their manufacturing processes, but also for worker’s safety.

However, the integration of this technology can be assumed as biggest challenges for companies, because of missing methodology for the analysis of workplaces. In order to detect possible workloads and fields of application, research has to be conducted. Currently I’m synthesizing and analyzing the literature in order to develop a deep understanding of the general implementation of cobots in organizations. My goal is to cluster the knowledge gained from the review and extract factors that facilitate the integration and adoption of cobots.

The journey goes on

Personally, it is an exciting and wonderful task to delve into the subject and to be guided by different perspectives and aims. It is becoming more and more apparent that technology is not just about technology alone, but much more about people. The expansion of people’s capabilities is central here.

During the last weeks we have established task forces within the EINST4INE team in order to practice and experiment some of the usual roles of a researcher including exploring matters and being empowered on project management activities. I’m happy to be part of the task forces that are responsible for technology awareness and socializing.

I’m looking forward to attend the Summer School (Spain) during July and the Robotic Conference NordiCHI (Denmark) in October. These events certainly contribute to my research as synergy drivers and it will be great to see my EINST4INE colleagues in person again.

References:

International Federation of Robotics, Demystifying Collaborative Industrial Robots, 2018. Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20190823143255/https://ifr.org/downloads/papers/IFR_Demystifying_Collaborative_Robots.pdf

The reason why I joined Einst4ine as an early-stage researcher

05/04/2022

by Syed Ali Hassan with No Comment PhdLife

The reason why I joined Einst4ine as an early-stage researcher

To address this, I must first introduce myself. My name is Syed Ali Hassan, and I have over 4 years of experience working as a software engineer in the computer vision domain, focusing on Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality, and Deep Learning. I began my career in Pakistan, where I received my bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Mohammad Ali Jinnah University Karachi. During my bachelor’s studies, I completed several internships related to web design and development, and I began freelancing to gain hands-on experience. After finishing my final year project on a virtual reality game, I worked as an AR applications developer for Intellexal Solutions Private Limited, as a software developer in Karachi, Pakistan. During my two years at Intellexal Solutions Private Limited, I worked on various AR-based mobile applications. My interest in innovation is the reason behind joining einst4ine as an early-stage researcher. In this post I will discuss my career goals and the several reasons of joining einst4ine with the description of my master’s thesis-based robotics project.

Working with innovative technologies is one of my greatest passions.
I prefer to collaborate with specialists from various fields.
Working on a collaborative robot project could boost my professional reputation significantly.
Working with Einst4ine could help us to win Nobel prizes and awards.

I won a fully-funded scholarship in wens lab south Korea which is situated in Kumoh National Institute of Technology South Korea so I moved to Korea to complete master’s of research. During my master’s degree tenure, I developed several solutions and published several research papers related to deep learning in computer vision domain and I also developed robotics and deep learning-based projects and managed to publish the research paper; that robotics project is the main reason behind why I joined einst4ine, because that project introduced me to robotics and helped me to understand robotics with Ai. After completing my master’s degree, I worked for a year in a software development company in South Korea. Then I was chosen for a Marie Curie-based robotics project with einst4ine, funded by the European Commission. Because I had previously worked with robots, I was able to quit my Korean employment and relocate to Italy to begin my PhD in the Sant’Anna school of advanced studies bio robotics lab, where I am working on a Marie Curie-based project managed by einst4ine. Einst4ine has diverse staff from several nations, which is beneficial when we need different perspectives from professionals in various fields. During my PhD I have an opportunity to publish my work on top ranked journals and also, I will be able to nominate myself for several big awards.

Finally, I’ve been active in creative technologies since my bachelor’s degree. When I first started programming, I started with the console, which I found tedious because I prefer to have a user interface as a result of my work not a black screen as an output. When I first started working with the AR mobile app, I was ecstatic to see a result in the shape of a 3D model appear in front of me. Further, in robotics, we can test our functioning code in a real robot, when I first developed my robotics project and tested it in UAV, I decided to advance my knowledge in robotics domain and it is one of the reasons I joined the einst4ine to work with real robots. My robot’s project was a success, and the research paper was published in MDPI electronics and chosen as the cover of the MDPI electronics journal, as seen in figure 1. “An upgraded deep convolutional neural network-based autonomous road inspection technique using unmanned aerial vehicle” is presented in [1]. In this project, UAVs can fly autonomously by identifying and tracking yellow lanes on the road, as well as detecting road cracks and potholes, and sending information about road damages to a server through WIFI or 5G medium. The architecture of this project is shown in Figure 2. The jetson tx2 is the hardware that is use to run the algorithm in the UAV and it is modified and mounted on the UAV as shown in figure 3. This project increased my interest in robotics, when I read the project details of einst4ine, I found that project interesting because that is also related to robotics, and I found this European project has many partners from academia and industry both that can be helpful for me to learn from different experts to improve my profile and to start my own startup in future. This project’s architecture is depicted in Figure 2. The hardware used to run the algorithm in the UAV, as indicated in figure 3, is the Jetson tx2. When I read the project details of einst4ine, I found that project interesting because it is also related to robotics, and I discovered that this European project has many partners from academia and industry, both of which can be beneficial for me to learn from different experts in order to improve my profile and start my own startup company and research lab in the future as a professor.

Figure 1: Paper selected as a cover in MDPI electronics journal

Figure 2: Architecture of the proposed system [1]

Figure: 3 Mounted TX2 in on UAV [1]

To conclude, I personally believe that working with innovative technologies is really important as technology is changing rapidly and we must learn new things in order to stay updated. Early adoption in robotics domain will be beneficial for my career to develop a collaborative robot in future. Einst4ine has a diversified environment, with numerous experienced researchers from several countries collaborating to deliver information from various sectors and an environment conducive to achievement.

Reference:
[1] Hassan, Syed-Ali, Tariq Rahim, and Soo-Young Shin. “An Improved Deep Convolutional Neural Network-Based Autonomous Road Inspection Scheme Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” Electronics 10, no. 22 (2021): 2764.

About the Author:

I’m SYED ALI HASSAN. I have completed my graduation in Software engineering from Mohammad Ali Jinnah University-Pakistan and completed post-graduation in I.T Convergence Engineering from Kumoh National Institute Of Technology – South Korea. I have been awarded Fully funded Professor Scholarship in wens lab South Korea. I have work experience as a software engineer for more than 4 years. I have Developed Several games and AR/VR/MR based mobile applications. I won a fully-funded Marie curie scholarship funded by European commission under the organization named as einst4ine. I am working with 15 Early-stage researchers from different countries my host institute Sant’Anna Pisa Bio-Robotics lab. My responsibility is to develop robotics-based solution using collaborative robots. Below is a link of my portfolio.

http://syedalihassanzaidi.blogspot.com/2016/01/responsive-websites.html

Email: Syedali.hassan@santannapisa.it