By Tupou Vaipulu
A young Tongan entrepreneur with a passion for engineering, aims to become the first robot manufacturer in Tonga, with his new company called Defiant Robotics.
The talented 24-year old Arthur Cocker, from Kolomotu'a, graduated with a degree in Mechatronic Engineering from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia, in August 2022. Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary practice that blends the disciplines of Mechanical, Electronics, Computer, and Software Engineering.
Arthur and his team recently won a USD5000 seed grant for his business plan, under the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network, a three year regional program funded by the Qatar Fund for Development QFFD and implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Arthur told Matangi Tonga that they are planning to build robots using 3D-printing technology to make the custom parts, designed for specific work roles required by his clients. Other parts, like motors and batteries, will have to be shipped in. After the manufacturing process, the team will begin assembling the product.
“Because of my passion for engineering, I want to manufacture and assemble the product here in Tonga,” he said.
Cleaning robot
Their first prototype, a robot that can be deployed to clean solar panels, will be showcased to Tonga Power Limited in April.
Arthur said that Defiant Robotics will build robots that will help in maintaining Tonga's solar farms.
“Solar farms in Tonga produce up to 15% of Tonga’s electricity. However, if there’s poor maintenance there will be a 10-20% drop in energy output and Defiant Robotics is willing to take up the challenge and come up with a way for Tonga avoid any kind of drop in energy output. Like anything else, it only works as well as you can maintain it," said Arthur.
“If we get a ‘go ahead’ from Tonga Power, then we’ll begin building and hopefully by March 2024...build 5-10 dedicated cleaning robots.”
They will monitor how well the cleaning robots perform for the next three months. Approximately 60 robots are needed to maintain one solar farm, and if the first 5-10 robots prove to be successful, they'll continue their manufacture into 2025.
Arthur has also has the ability to design and create robotic arms and legs for amputees. He can also design and create apps and websites.
