Patent Network Analysis and Quadratic Assignment Procedures to Identify the Convergence of Robot Technologies

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165091
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20T17:54:41Z
• Authors: Woo Jin Lee; Won Kyung Lee; So Young Sohn
• Keywords: Network Analysis; Technological convergence

Because of the remarkable developments in robotics recent years, technological convergence has been active this area. We focused on finding patterns within robot technology using network analysis patents both USPTO and KIPO. To identify variables that affect convergence, we used quadratic assignment procedures (QAP). From our analysis, observed patent ecology related to found technologies have great potential converge with other technologies. The results study are expected contribute setting up based R&D policies for robotics, which can lead new innovation.