IONA’s Post

Autonomous Platforms Will Change The Industry Forever 🛸 Steve Jobs would have been proud. He always praised embedded systems as the only way to create great products at Apple. This is especially true when developing complex technology that must perform consistently without human intervention. Traditionally, the roles in manufacturing were split: manufacturers built the products, and operators used them. This segmentation parallels the digital world’s separation between platforms and optimisation layers. The Integrated Platform In this new era, platforms integrate their operational capacity, meaning optimisation and functionality are inseparable. One without the other is incomplete and cannot function properly - or legally (e.g. BVLOS). The Evolving Roles and Value Creation - Manufacturer 1.0: Focus: Meeting regulatory safety standards for drivers or pilots. Role: "safe and ready to operate" ->e.g. General Motors - Manufacturer 2.0: Focus: Developing autonomous platforms. Role: "safe and ready to service" -> e.g. General Motors acquired Cruise For example, a manufacturer 1.0 knows how to build safe vehicles for human operators. However, when the safety requirement shifts from the human to the system itself, the manufacturer’s role changes. They must now create an autonomous system that meets all regulatory standards. A manufacturer 2.0 views the vehicle as a combination of components and materials, but their primary role is to develop the autonomous platform that operates the vehicle. Customers can use this platform autonomously, but the real value comes from integrating optimisation into the system, making it work seamlessly. NB: "manufacturer" here doesn't mean you need to open factories. You can have a very scalable assembly model from various suppliers, but the architecture will be yours and you are defined as the 'OEM'. Simplifying the Concept Think of it this way: in the past, a car company built a car, and a taxi company operated it. Now, the car company not only builds the car but also the autonomous driving system. The taxi company simply uses the car e.g. what prevents the car company to create a ride-hailing app and replace the taxi company completely? Breaking news: Tesla just announced a ride-hailing app. --- To illustrate, enjoy this blue sky take off of our Sonnet Quad Platform at IONA - the embedded solution for logistics providers to turn last-mile and rural logistics into their most profitable segment 😉 #startup #drone #logistics #aerospace #autonomous #bvlos #dronedleivery #innovation #sustainable #europe #takeoff