Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Rhomb (Innovative modular hardware development platform)

Teaser

According to the European Commission ‘Electronic components and systems are essential for Europe’s industrial landscape. They underpin product and productivity innovation across the whole of the economy and play a critical role in addressing societal challenges. But...

Summary

According to the European Commission ‘Electronic components and systems are essential for Europe’s industrial landscape. They underpin product and productivity innovation across the whole of the economy and play a critical role in addressing societal challenges. But Europe’s industries must cope with fierce global competition, high research costs and the very fast pace of technology development’.
Innovative SMEs must assume high risks when creating new technological products based in ICT. In addition to the difficulty in finding funds to devise their products, companies must cope with a captive environment in which manufacturers are not interchangeable or fully compatible.
Rhomb is a new concept of modular technology which averts the gap between design and mass production, giving its users a wide range of options to build and develop electronic devices.
• All parts are designed to be compatible and interchangeable within the same category, following the innovative tandard of connectivity developed for Rhomb. Io.
• Allowing the use and the exchange of microprocessors and microcontrollers from different manufacturers and different architectures between the different Rhomb’s PCBs.
• Allowing the selection of modules and electronical components which best adapts to needs of the technology being developed.
• Allowing the update of technology removing obsolete components and extending its lifetime. Changing the old modules for the newer ones and update the developments in a matter of minutes.
• Allowing the use of components from different manufacturers on the same PCB or product/device based on Rhomb.io.
• Allowing the modification of final products without the need of new developments.
• Easing the use of ICT technology to those companies with less resources.
• Extending the reach of big manufacturers to new market niches which were unreachable due to development and production costs.
The objective of the feasibility study was to determine the viability of the project from an economic, legal and technical point of view. In particular, to identify key stakeholders for the successful commercialisation of Rhomb, as well as identifying the markets in which Rhomb will have a bigger impact and success.
The ambition of Tecnofingers is that Rhomb becomes the best alternative for ICT development and to broaden its reach to international markets, becoming a leader in the modular ICT market.
Rhomb.io is designed to supply the needs of the new industrial revolution.

Work performed

The business feasibility study has been completed and the main result is a complete business plan that will drive the work plan of the company for the next six years.
From the initial markets proposed: Semiconductors, systems and PC hardware, Software services, EMS/distributors, consumer electronics and communications, it has become clear that the EMS/distributor sector has the greatest potential in terms of opportunities, while systems and PC hardware being a close second.
As a result of the feedback received from potential clients and the analysis of the different markets, Tecnofingers has identified the developments needed in the product that will facilitate the commercialization in the selected markets. In relation to the characteristics of Rhomb it is key to keep the compatibility of Rhomb with other technologies allowing a slow migration towards Tecnofinger’s technology from other platforms.
It has also been identified that no regulatory requirements affect the exploitation of Rhomb. However, particular standard requirements for electronic devices and components are usually established in each region. Therefore, if any device is going to use Rhomb technology, said device must comply with local and regional standards. Nevertheless, all of Rhomb’s current components comply with the most restrictive regulations and the technology is flexible enough to undergo a fast and secure adaptation to new regulations.
Tecnofingers has also performed a broad analysis regarding the selected and preferred markets, identifying key stakeholders for the successful commercialisation of Rhomb.
With all the information acquired, Tecnofingers has stablished a financial plan putting together the forecasted expenses and revenues. The conclusion is that the project is financially feasible.

Final results

According to the results of the feasibility study, Tecnofinges has decided to continue with the project. Thanks to this study the company has a better understanding of the best potential markets, the risks and the necessary improvements needed in the product to be commercially successful.
However, the benefits will not only be for Tecnofingers, as Rhomb is a disruptive technology that can free its users from manufacturers allowing the interchange and connexion of components from different manufacturers.

Website & more info

More info: https://rhomb.io/.