Why an optimistic approach to automation can spark innovation

In most cases, these are new ways of working that diverge considerably from traditional approaches. It’s our job to ensure that efficiency gains don’t compromise on performance or resilience. And we always work to reduce carbon footprints when creating new automation solutions. 

Tharsus has recently been singled out for its innovation in pioneering Bump, to help workplaces navigate COVID-19 distancing measures. Could you tell us a little bit more about this technology and its aims?

Bump was developed in just 12 weeks at the height of the pandemic in anticipation of its impact on businesses being able to operate safely. The aim was to create a way to inform effective social-distancing behaviour and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

Bump comprises of wearable and static devices, which use sophisticated Radio Frequency (RF) technology to alert wearers when they are getting too close to another person.

It creates a Personal Motion System for wearers, emitting a beeping sound to alert those within two metres of one another and turning a vibrant shade of red until enough space has been created. 

Bump devices also compile wearer data, which allow organisations to identify which wearers have interacted with each other in the event of a positive case and take rapid action to prevent further transmission and local outbreaks.

Bump has since received a President’s Special Award for Pandemic Service from the Royal Academy of Engineering* and played a key role in enabling the Virgin Money London Marathon to take place in 2020. 

What do you think makes a company innovative and, can you provide any examples of innovation initiatives that Tharsus has taken in recent years, aside from Bump?

For me, innovation is about the quest for better. It requires constant questioning and challenging of traditional approaches. No two customers are the same. To deliver, it’s important to understand their world and the challenges that they face.  

We’re always looking for ways that machines can turn challenges into opportunities by enabling our customers to do more — whether that’s increasing output, and supporting business growth, or helping them become more resilient in the face of external challenges.

Our data team is at the heart of this, working with the wider busiess to assess challenges and solve customer problems. This ability to combine data science, modelling and software development is what allows us to build truly intelligent technology solutions at scale. It means we think wider, aim higher and create the technology that is transformative for our customers. 

Innovation is central to what we do at Tharsus. Strategic Machines are focussed on tackling automation challenges, business problems and strategic hurdles for customers so that they continue to innovate and make a real impact across their industries. 

Whether it’s the weed zapping bots that we’ve developed alongside Small Robot Co. or the bots leading production at Ocado warehouses, all of our collaborations focus on employing existing and emerging technology to create game-changing solutions that allow our customers to innovate at scale.