Innovative Robotics
Story appeared in the 2021 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY EMMA BENSON, Communications Officer
Jessica Knelson (‘15)
“Being open to radical change is very important.”
Jessica stands between the COVID-19 workplace reception robot (left) and the screening robot (right).
How many people get to say they work with robots? Jessica Knelson (’15) does. She works in Toronto as the Technology Marketing Analyst at Global DWS Corporation. GlobalDWS is a leading provider of cognitive services and innovative technologies specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Service Robotics to enable the modern workplace. In the age of digital transformation, where technology is growing at a rapid rate, Global DWS helps organizations innovate and integrate advanced business solutions. “If an organization is struggling to modernize, or relies on legacy technologies or systems, GDWS provides and integrates cutting-edge technologies for our clients with the goal of optimizing and making their business processes more efficient,” Knelson elaborates.
When COVID-19 hit, GDWS saw it as an opportunity, as it impacted everyone in many ways. Although these times have been difficult, businesses have come up with extraordinary solutions and as a result, created change. The company was one of five recipients of an NGen Canada Disinfection Robot Challenge grant last year which they are using to develop their Disinfection Service Robot (DSR). “That’s the first robot that we as a company have developed—everything from hardware to software, end-to-end,” Knelson shares. The best part was that she was part of the ideation process in early March 2020. “It was really neat to be a part of,” she says. “We had our first prototype in three weeks.”
How does it work? “The DSR uses Ultraviolet C (UV-C lights) and a viral disinfection sprayer to provide multi-barrier disinfection to essential businesses and workplaces through the elimination of harmful airborne and surface-dwelling viruses and bacteria,” Knelson explains.
Since the creation of the DSR, Knelson has been busy wearing several hats at the company. “I manage the company’s marketing department and am responsible for increasing our brand awareness,” she explains. “I’m involved in some of the product development as well as market research, business development , communication, and content creation.”
When asked about product development, she shares that they are currently researching a telemedicine robot. “So, you can still be present at a location despite not being physically there,” Knelson clarifies. The company is also expanding their IoT services. “We’re working on technologies that will help create a more efficient workplace” Knelson says. “For example, you can have three robots, or any endpoint, in a building, all talking to one another through an internet connection to open doors, shut lights off, schedule meetings, anything really.”
Knelson describes a situation where an employee might want to use the boardroom. “They would ask their virtual assistant (i.e. Alexa), can I book the board room for 2:00pm? Then Alexa would confirm for the employee that the board room is booked at 2:00pm. Every aspect of the workplace is communicating with each other, lessening the chance of human error and streamlining everyone’s workflows.”
When asked about her favorite part about the position, Knelson gets excited. “I get to experience cutting edge technology every day, I am always in the room with 3D printers and other cool gadgets,” she continues. “I’ve learned many technical skills just by being part of a small, close-knit team, and how many people get to say that they’re working with robots?”
Knelson offers a bit of advice for anyone wanting to work in the technology sector. “Being open to radical change is very important; you have to be willing to try new ideas and embrace the future.” Knelson really loves robotics and automation and has a passion for augmenting the lives of those with diverseabilities through the use of technology, whether those diverseabilities are visible or not. “The world was unfortunately not built for people with disabilities, but I believe technology and automation can level the playing field. That would be amazing,” she says.
Robots may be of interest to many people, however, for others they cause worry and concern. There is fear that robots might replace many jobs, however Knelson does not believe this will be the case. “The concept of a good service robot is that it will augment someone’s job, not replace it,” she explains. “For example, a radiologist may have several X-Rays to read on a daily basis, machine learning (ML) could learn to do the basics of that for them, freeing up their time to complete the tasks that require more critical thinking.”
Many of us already use technology to make our lives easier. Asking Siri for directions or asking your Google Home to set a timer are just two of the many ways that technology helps humans. Knelson herself struggles with ADHD and can be forgetful at times. “I am very creative in my work; however, the concept of time can be difficult for me,” she explains. “Therefore, automation, for me personally, has really helped me stay on track.”
Knelson feels grateful to be working at a company where she can express her passion for technology and is eager to continue being part of the ongoing innovation in the field.