Many businesses and organisations are looking for new ways to automate but want help to get started. That’s why Odense Robotics hosts innovation boards. These one-day sessions bring end users and automation suppliers together to explore automation opportunities within a specific area. Odense Robotics has held several innovation boards in recent months and more are on the way this year.
The purpose of innovation boards is clear: to provide businesses and organisations with a fast-track way of exploring ways in which Danish robotics and automation solutions can help them enhance efficiency, reduce manual labour and increase productivity.
Innovation boards do this by connecting businesses and organisations with robotics and automation companies in an informal one-day session. Businesses discuss specific challenges and solutions with several Danish robotics and automation companies at the same time. It’s a fast-track way to gain inspiration – simplifying what for many can be a complex and lengthy process.
Odense Robotics has facilitated innovation boards with Novo Nordisk, Liftra, Glade Groensager, Jydsk Plade Bearbejdnings Center and the construction industry in recent months. Each time, it’s clear that the close dialogue between businesses and robotics companies is key to understanding the many possibilities that robotics and automation technology can bring.
“It’s important for us to get the industry to see the opportunities within automation and to be curious about what the future holds. Development is moving incredibly quickly at the moment, and it’s a progression that companies need to embrace if they are to stay competitive against external forces. What’s unique about this event is that we gather within the industry itself, not in a conference room. Instead, it’s very down-to-earth, and you can chat with technology suppliers in an informal environment,” says Jesper Heltzen, Chief Consultant from Business Viborg.
Participants have the chance to see technologies in action. This provides attendees with valuable insights into how they can implement similar solutions in their own environments.
“Great initiative! We’ve had a look at a couple of really interesting palletising robots. Lots of good ideas for what we could consider investing in for the future,” says Torben Roll, COO from Nordic Greens.
Pictures from the innovation board days.
Showcasing solutions
The innovation boards not only provide end users with the opportunity to learn about new automation solutions, but also enable Danish robotics and automation companies to showcase their solutions and expertise to potential customers – forging important connections and new business opportunities.
“We participate because we enjoy seeing real businesses with real problems and having the chance to discuss challenges with companies that are eager to engage. Here, we have the opportunity to speak with a wide variety of industries and talk about what we’re passionate about – production optimisation. The attendees have chosen to be here to see something new and gain inspiration. We’ve had many serious inquiries, and we’ve already scheduled a number of meetings,” says Morten Bodilsen, CEO at CesTek Automation.
And because sessions are typically tailored to include just a small number of relevant companies, there is plenty of opportunity to forge valuable relations.
“It’s an opportunity for us to connect with companies that are curious about what we do. Instead of a large trade fair where everything feels scattered, this setup enables us to meet more at eye level and makes much more sense. We’ve gained some great contacts. It’s a beneficial event, one that should definitely be held more frequently,” says Torben Bang, Project Sales Manager from Migatronic Automation.
Odense Robotics is planning to host two innovation boards before the summer. Keep an eye on our website, where details will be announced.
If you are interested in hosting an innovation board as a way of exploring automation solutions, please contact Marie-Louise Tuemand Larsen, Corporate partnerships, at + 45 30 73 61 12, mtl@odenserobotics.dk.