Singapore’s First Autonomous Delivery Robot in Use – The Making of Design with OTSAW

2021.03.24

Singapore, March 24th, 2021 – Final Aim is proud to announce that our design supporting startup OTSAW has officially launched Singapore’s first-ever autonomous last-mile delivery robot in use, “Camello.” In collaboration with large industrial businesses such as NTUC FairPrice and DHL, the robot will be in service in Singapore to provide on-demand parcel and grocery delivery. On 11th February 2021, grand launch event was held, in grace by Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling and Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, Ministry of Health Government Whip, and vice-chairman of Pasir Ris-Punggol Town.

The robot design provided by Final Aim to OTSAW challenges inefficiency issues that Singapore faces in the last-mile of the logistic chain, which accounts for a large proportion of shipment cost and complexity of operations. With many design features such as compact dimensions that are perfectly optimized to the Singapore urban environment, easy-to-use cargo space, and user-friendly interface & sleek styling, the robot is expected to build an ecosystem that provides a new delivery chain to improve customer experience and help businesses gain better efficiency and profitability over time.

Images from OTSAW (Link)





Behind The Scenes: Design Development Story

As part of the business partnership, Final Aim has supported its design from the ground up, starting from project and product definition, concept making, design creation, development to the final manufacturing.

Upon a series of discussions of project and product definitions, the actual product design development kicked off parallelly. With high expectations from the Singaporean government, large industrial stakeholders, and citizens, the team of Final Aim and OTSAW tackled challenges to make Singapore’s first-ever autonomous delivery robot a social everyday reality.
To realize a harmonious presence and seamless user experience, all kinds of possibilities were visualized and discussed from basic dimensions, component layout, functional features, and impressive look and feel.

Rapid visualization and verification using hand-drawn sketches and 3D CG renderings

Intensive discussions between Final Aim and OTSAW team

Between Final Aim, OTSAW, and the manufacturing partner, the robot “Camello” was finalized and became a reality through quick and pragmatic development, utilizing various design and prototyping tools like online collaborative 3D CAD software to rapid 3D printing.

Grand launch event with the Government officials and key industry leaders

About OTSAW Digital PTE LTD
OTSAW Digital PTE LTD was founded to improve business processes, safety, and everyday lives.
With a global team that spreads from Singapore to Silicon Valley, the company builds robotics solutions for security, delivery, and mobility applications, implementing our self-driving and artificial intelligence technologies into OTSAW’s cutting edge machines.
URL: http://www.otsaw.com/

About Final Aim, Inc.
Company Name: Final Aim, Inc.
Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Business Description: Zero-to-one support with design and technology
URL: https://final-aim.com
Founders: Masafumi Asakura, Chief Executive Officer / Yasuhide Yokoi, Chief Design Officer
Contact E-mail: contact@final-aim.com

Why Sony Partnered with Final Aim by Design? – Nikkei BP Media Coverage

2021.01.21

The partnership between Sony Design Consulting Inc. and Final Aim, Inc. has been covered by Nikkei BP, the flagship publication of economical and financial media.

Article URL (Jp): https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/column/18/01537/00001/

Final Aim and Sony Design Consulting formed a partnership to conduct joint research on creative and design support for startups on November 24th, 2020.

New release: https://final-aim.com/joint-research-sony-design-consulting

Nikkei BP covered in detail the background, aim, and future plan of the collaboration, and how this partnership could bring impact to the startup and the design industry.

Final Aim and Sony Design Consulting Partner to Conduct Joint Research – Tokyo, Japan

2020.11.24

Tokyo, Japan, November 24th, 2020 – Final Aim, Inc. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, CEO Masafumi Asakura, and CDO Yasuhide Yokoi) and Sony Design Consulting Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO Yutaka Hasegawa) today announced they are partnering to conduct joint research on creative and design support for startups.

In recent years, there has been strong growth in startups worldwide, including US and Japan. More venture capitals, corporate venture capitals, and institutional investors are offering financial supplies to startups, and startup promotional supports are now widely available by accelerators, incubators, media, co-working space owners, and governmental offices.

Furthermore, in addition to the software industry, startups are expanding to various domains such as the hardware industry including IoT, robotics, autonomous mobilities, and aerospace, to the intellectual property industry in contents and entertainment sectors. It is critical for startups today to develop and manage with a comprehensive approach.

While a comprehensive approach is accelerating its need, there remains a gap in startup business management and its design development caused by missing consolidated understanding or knowledge in every phase from theory to practice.

Having this as a challenge we share, Final Aim and Sony Design Consulting have formed joint research to explore creative and design development methodology and practices that ensure rapid growth of startups business and equity financing.

This partnership aims to get rid of various gaps in startup development and design, promote aggressive investment to design, and contribute to a resilient and sustainable ecosystem for startups.

Major Research Agenda
1. Explore and clarify the impact and effectiveness of design development in startups.
2. Propose effective design approaches and practices for startup growth.
3. Establish industrial standard of contracts and fees optimal to design in startups.

Publication of the Joint Research Activity
The team will launch an exclusive website for this joint research with regular publication of progress and result. Organizing events are in our scope to encourgae open discussion in presentation and workshops. Details will be announced upon progress.

Sony Design Consulting

About Sony Design Consulting
Company Name: Sony Design Consulting Inc.
Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Director: Representative Chief Executive Officer, Yutaka Hasegawa
Business Description: Design consulting / Design management / Design service / Other related services
Website: https://www.sonydesignconsulting.com/

About Final Aim
Company Name: Final Aim, Inc.
Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Founders: Masafumi Asakura, Chief Executive Officer / Yasuhide Yokoi, Chief Design Officer
Business Description: Zero-to-one support with design and technology
Website: https://final-aim.com
Contact: contact@final-aim.com

Final Aim Filed the Third Patent Application for Smart Contract in Digital Manufacturing

2020.08.28

Realizing IP-secured digital manufacturing supply chain with smart contract and machine learning technology

Tokyo Japan, Aug 28, 2020 – Final Aim, Inc. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, CEO Masafumi Asakura, and CDO Yasuhide Yokoi), proudly announce that we applied to our 3rd patent (No. 2020-142217) on Aug 26, 2020. This is to further extend our technology and platform in the new field of digital manufacturing supply chain.

Our company mission is to support a zero-to-one step with technology for new business category creation and job opportunity generation following it.
Since our foundation in December 2019, our global challenge has expanded from Japan to Singapore, Indonesia and to Africa in autonomous mobilities, robotics and digital manufacturing where we enable a zero-to-one for startups, new business development departments in large corporations and research labs in universities.

In Singapore, for instance, we inked the partnership with OTSAW Digital PTE LTD, a self-driving mobility startup, and in Indonesia, PT. Yasunli Abadi Utama Plastik., with 40 years of expertise, more than 5,000 employees and 6 factories, became one of our great business partners.

> Fight Against COVID-19 – Final Aim Collaborated with OTSAW by Design to Develop Disinfection Robot – Singapore
https://final-aim.com/fight-against-covid-19-final-aim-collaborated-with-otsaw

> Announcing a Business and Design Partnership with Yasunli – Jakarta, Indonesia
https://final-aim.com/business-and-design-partnership-with-yasunli-jakarta-indonesia

We also formed a partnership with BionicM Inc., a startup from the University of Tokyo that specializes in powered prostheses. Furthermore, we have recently partnered with ICMG PTE. LTD., a global innovation accelerator that carries out a variety of projects ranging from business evaluations, to searching for specific partnerships such as multinational corporations, startups, accelerators, governments and universities.

> Final Aim Announced a Partnership with BionicM – Tokyo, Japan
https://final-aim.com/final-aim-partnership-bionicm

> Final Aim Announced a Co-Creation Partnership with ICMG – Singapore & Tokyo, Japan
https://final-aim.com/partnership-with-icmg

In these zero-to-one creations in autonomous mobilities, robotics and other hardwares with startups and multinational corporations, we found challenges in the digital manufacturing supply chain area that relates to security of intellectual property (IP) such as design rights.

New ideas and business creation come to require fast building of the manufacturing process and supply chain to meet demands timely.
But still, the risk remains critical associated with qualifying, validating and managing manufacturing contract relationships in the field of IP, such as design rights.
This becomes even more complicated as existing procedure is often delivered through a multi-tier manufacturing supply chain with external partners.

We highly prioritize transparency of IP security in the digital manufacturing supply chain where various professional partners take a part.
And now we are pleased to announce, after a series of our challenges, that we filed the patent to secure IP visibility by utilizing smart contract and machine learning technology.

The technology and system filed in this patent can be applied in additive manufacturing, injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal processing and other fabrication technologies.

Final Aim has already been in the phase of trials and proof of concept (PoC) of the smart contract technology, and has filed two patents related to smart contract and machine learning technologies applying IP management, and valuation and scoring management.

> Final Aim Filed Patent for Intellectual Property Management System
https://final-aim.com/final-aim-filed-patent-for-intellectual-property-management-system

> Final Aim Filed the Second Patent Application for Smart Contract in Startups and New Business Developments
https://final-aim.com/final-aim-filed-the-second-patent-application-for-smart-contracts-in-startups-and-new-business-developments

Final Aim continues focusing on blockchain, smart contract, machine learning and additive manufacturing for strategic innovations for zero-one business creations.


[What is Smart Contract?]
A smart contract is a computer protocol intended to digitally facilitate, verify, or enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract. Smart contracts allow the performance of credible transactions without third parties.
These transactions are trackable and irreversible. Proponents of smart contracts claim that many kinds of contractual clauses may be made partially or fully self-executing, self-enforcing, or both.
The aim of smart contracts is to provide security that is superior to traditional contract law and to reduce other transaction costs associated with contracting. Various cryptocurrencies have implemented types of smart contracts.
Being a part of blockchain technology, a Smart contract is now being widely tested in POC (Proof of Concept) projects, especially in managing contracts and documents.
Its market size is 67 trillion yen (reference: Government Chief Information Officers’ Portal, Japan, 2016.5.20).

[What is Blockchain?]
A blockchain, originally block chain, is a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked using cryptography.
Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. By design, a blockchain is resistant to modification of the data.
It is “an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way”.
For use as a distributed ledger, a blockchain is typically managed by a peer-to-peer network collectively adhering to a protocol for inter-node communication and validating new blocks.
Once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration of all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus of the network majority.


Masafumi Asakura, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Final Aim, Inc.
Starting his career in corporate financing for a venture company at Mizuho Bank, Ltd.,. Asakura engaged in the global planning department in Recruit Career Co., Ltd., and after moved to Singapore for taking 2 CEO positions.
Joining a machine learning and 3D printer startup company, he operated M&A as a COO to become listed with the 1st section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. His professional experiences vary in Head of Product Manager, Executive Officer, Business Planning Executive Officer and International Business Development Executive Officer.
Currently Asakura engages in supporting startups and entrepreneurs as an angel investor and advisor.

Yasuhide Yokoi, Co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Final Aim, Inc.
Born in Japan and raised in Australia. After graduating from Tama Art University, and finishing Samsung Design Membership, Yokoi worked for the product design department at Nikon Corporation, and then became a startup member of a machine learning and 3D printer company.
Currently engages in design and hardware development support for startups and open innovation projects for large corporations.
His support varies in creating new business, service and product designing.
Received awards are iF, reddot, GOOD DESIGN AWARD and more.

About Final Aim, Inc.
Company Name: Final Aim, Inc.
Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Business Description: Zero-to-one support with design and technology
URL: https://final-aim.com
Founders: Masafumi Asakura, Chief Executive Officer / Yasuhide Yokoi, Chief Design Officer
Partners: OTSAW, Yasunli, BionicM, ICMG
Contact E-mail: m-asakura@final-aim.com

Final Aim Announced a Co-Creation Partnership with ICMG – Singapore & Tokyo, Japan

2020.07.27

Singapore & Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2020 – Final Aim, Inc. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, CEO Masafumi Asakura, and CDO Yasuhide Yokoi), is proud to announce that the company has partnered with ICMG (Intellectual Capital Management Group) PTE. LTD.
Final Aim will partner as an Evangelist in the ICMG Innovation Platform to co-create and promote innovation worldwide.

Final Aim’s mission is to support a zero-to-one step with technology for new business category creation and job opportunity generation following to it.
Since our foundation in December 2019, our global challenge has expanded from Japan to Singapore, Indonesia and to Africa in autonomous mobilities, robotics and digital manufacturing where we enable a zero-to-one for startups, new business development departments in large corporations and research labs in universities.

“Business partnership with a Singaporean robotics startup OTSAW Digital PTE. LTD.”
>> https://final-aim.com/business-partnership-with-otsaw

“Fight Against COVID-19 – Collaborated by design to develop disinfection robot in Singapore”
>> https://final-aim.com/fight-against-covid-19-final-aim-collaborated-with-otsaw

“Collaborated by design to develop autonomous delivery robot in Singapore”
>> https://final-aim.com/final-aim-collaborated-with-otsaw-autonomous-delivery-robot

“Partnership with a powered prosthetic legs startup BionicM, incubated from the University of Tokyo”
>> https://final-aim.com/final-aim-partnership-bionicm

“Partnership with Yasunli, one of the largest plastic manufacturers in Indonesia”
>> https://final-aim.com/business-and-design-partnership-with-yasunli-jakarta-indonesia

COVID-19 disinfection robot – Collaboration with OTSAW, Singapore

ICMG carries out a variety of global projects ranging from business evaluations (financial evaluation, intellectual capital evaluation, business feasibility evaluation), to searching for specific partnerships such as multinational corporations, startups, accelerators, governments and universities.
Its mission is to promote industry-government-academia cooperation projects worldwide, by working with global networks in over 20 countries, five overseas subsidiaries and 23 global business partners including Japan, Singapore, Silicon Valley, Shanghai, Bangalore and Sweden.

ICMG global networks

Based on the mutual sympathy with ICMG for each other’s goals, Final Aim has decided to participate as an Evangelist for the ICMG Innovation Platform. Final Aim will co-create and promote innovation worldwide such as organizing joint sessions to the worldwide partners on the platform.

ICMG Co-Creation Partners

About ICMG PTE. LTD.
ICMG PTE. LTD. is a leading management consulting company based in Singapore with ICMG Group’s global footprint in Tokyo, Shanghai, Bangalore and Silicon Valley.
ICMG focuses on corporate leadership development, corporate innovation and new business creation driven by intellectual capital management to achieve sustainable growth in emerging and globalising markets for clients including major Tokyo Stock Exchange listed companies.
In September 2018, ICMG led a joint program, “ICMG Corporate Innovation Summit”, with a Singapore government agency for the SWITCH (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology) event including ICMG clients and Singapore’s cutting-edge venture companies.
For more information, refer to:
SG website: https://www.icmg.com.sg/
Japan website: https://www.icmg.co.jp/en/

About Final Aim, Inc.
Company Name: Final Aim, Inc.
Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Business Description: Zero-to-one support with design and technology
URL: https://final-aim.com
Founders: Masafumi Asakura, Chief Executive Officer / Yasuhide Yokoi, Chief Design Officer
Partners: OTSAW, Yasunli, BionicM, ICMG
Contact E-mail: m-asakura@final-aim.com

New Company Launched – “Final Aim, Inc.”

2020.01.06

We would like to inform that we have established our company, “Final Aim, Inc.”

We are a hands-on design & technology firm. We cooperate with startups, labs, and MNCs, accelerating ambitious ideas & technologies to great design & business.

To realize new industries, we will support business development from scratch, and by this, we consider we can create a better world where those who strive can continue to challenge, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or academic background.

Moreover, we believe in the power of design, technology, and human talent, and we put these as our team’s core values.

Mount Fuji, Japan – One of the most iconic Final Aims

For the vision we aim, we now welcome business partners in various fields around the world.
Also, we are open to new crew members, who are passionate and love to strive all over the globe.
It goes without saying that it is essential to involve various partners and crews to reach the highest “Final Aim”.

About the Founders

Masafumi Asakura | Chief Executive Officer

Masafumi Asakura – from Japan – was the COO at an AI and 3D printing startup in Tokyo, Japan which succeeded in being acquired by a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September 2017. He was in charge of not only as a COO but also as an Executive Director of Global Business Development. From the experience of the M&A, he has been advising not only Japanese but also international startups.

The total funding amount of the AI and 3D printing startup was about US$9.4M, and Masafumi was in charge as an Executive Director of Finance, Product Management and Business until the closing of M&A. The startup provides IoT and AI solutions to manufacturing customers, and supports digital creators for worldwide activities, and participated in industry-government-academia research for cutting-edge technologies.

In Tokyo, Japan

To tackle global challenges in the AI and 3D printing industries, he gathered and led members from all over the world such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, Indonesia, and Germany.

In Jakarta, Indonesia

Previously, Masafumi lived in Singapore for about 3 years and experienced two companies. One was in charge as a Managing Director, and the other was in charge as a CEO. He succeeded in several M&As and alliances in ASEAN. He began his career in Singapore at Reeracoen Singapore Pte, Ltd. He gathered fellows from all over the world and built a multinational team, including Ireland, Spain, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and Singapore.

in Singapore

Prior to joining Reeracoen Singapore Pte, Ltd., Masafumi served as a project manager at Recruit Career Co., Ltd in Tokyo, and was engaged in developing global HR systems for a recruitment consultant, in Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The initial start of his career was at Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., and was engaged in financial analysis and business analysis in Japan.

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/masafumi-asakura-3494a929/

Yasuhide Yokoi | Chief Design Officer

Yasuhide Yokoi – “Yasu”, born in Japan, grew up in Australia – is an industrial designer highly oriented to designing sweet spots between business, technologies and user insights, sculpting them to the maximum of its potential.
He possesses deep know-how on creating meaningful user experience by form, colors, materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes.

He has collaborated with various types of clients⁠ – from early startups to MNCs – and a wide range of industries such as automotive, digital appliances, furniture and industrial equipments.
MNC clients that have worked with include Toyota, Honda, Nikon, Olympus, Microsoft, Autodesk, Kokuyo, Dentsu and Hakuhodo.
Received multiple design awards: iF, Red Dot, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, etc.

Full design portfolio: https://www.yasuhideyokoi.com/

About Final Aim

Final Aim, Inc. is a firm provides hands-on design & technology.
The company cooperates with startups, labs, and MNCs, accelerating ambitious ideas & technologies to realize great design & business.

Headquarter Location: Tokyo, Japan
Founders: Masafumi Asakura, Yasuhide Yokoi
Founded Date: December 2019
Services: Business Design / Industrial Design / UI & Software Design / Technology Strategy / Financial Strategy / IP Strategy
URL: https://final-aim.com
Contact: Masafumi Asakura (m-asakura@final-aim.com)

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