Open AccessPatent Network Analysis and Quadratic Assignment Procedures to Identify the Convergence of Robot Technologies
Author(s) -
Woojin Lee,
Won Kyung Lee,
So Young Sohn
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0165091
Subject(s) - convergence (economics) , robotics , artificial intelligence , robot , computer science , quadratic equation , network analysis , quadratic assignment problem , technological convergence , machine learning , mathematics , engineering , combinatorial optimization , algorithm , economics , telecommunications , geometry , electrical engineering , economic growth
Because of the remarkable developments in robotics in recent years, technological convergence has been active in this area. We focused on finding patterns of convergence within robot technology using network analysis of patents in both the USPTO and KIPO. To identify the variables that affect convergence, we used quadratic assignment procedures (QAP). From our analysis, we observed the patent network ecology related to convergence and found technologies that have great potential to converge with other robotics technologies. The results of our study are expected to contribute to setting up convergence based R&D policies for robotics, which can lead new innovation.