Robotics Week 1-5 May 2017

Robotics Week, hosted by the Futures Observatory, is a week of robotics-related events from 1-5 May 2017. The intention of this event is to raise awareness of emerging technologies, demonstrate relevant technology for various industries and the concept of robotics use specifically in higher education. There will be an event each day along with tours by Ruby, our NAO robot.

Monday 1 May 1:30pm-2:30pm

WEBINAR - Transhumanism: What It's Like Being a Microchipped Human

Futurists Shanti Korporaal and Skeeve Stevens are self-proclaimed practical and tactical implementers of emerging technologies... however, did you also know they are super-human? Shanti and Skeeve have voluntarily inserted microchips under their skin and have setup a distribution service called 'Chip My Life'. This pioneering duet in human augmentation will discuss how this extra dimension to life may impact UWA future students, as well as getting educators to consider adapting their learning and teaching strategies in the higher education sphere. Join us to hear about the fascinating ways Shanti and Skeeve communicate with machines, lessons learned during the microchipping process, and the impact of the transhumanist movement in education futures at this one hour event.

Tuesday 2 May 2pm-3pm

PRESENTATION - Robotics in Industry & Community: RAC Intellibus (A Driverless Vehicle)

Australia’s very first Automated Vehicle Trial is happening right here in WA. With the support of the State Government, RAC is trialling a fully driverless, fully electric shuttle bus in South Perth. Join us with RAC’s own Anna Sawyer, Road Safety Manager, for an inquisitive look into RAC’s Intellibus how it works, and the benefits it could bring to our communities and lives.

Wednesday 3 May 4pm-5pm

PRESENTATION & NETWORKING - UWA's Driverless Car, Robotics in Teaching and Learning at UWA (Scholarship) and Networking Event

Join us for an afternoon of food and drinks amongst colleagues and UWA community as we hear from Education Futures Scholarship recipient and Robotics lecturer Prof. Thomas Bräunl from UWA’s Robotics department on their advances in robotics including UWA’s own driverless car. The REV Autonomous SAE car is the largest robot at UWA Robotics - http://revproject.com/vehicles/sae2010.php Specifically, Prof. Thomas Bräunl will be chatting about developing a simulation program to assist students in building and operating robots.

Friday 5 May 11am-12pm

PANEL DISCUSSION - WA Universities Panel: Using Robotics in Teaching and Learning

As part of Robotics week, the Futures Observatory will host a panel discussion on how academics and teachers can utilise robotics in Higher Education, the ethics, benefits and obstacles around these concepts. We have representatives from the four public West Australian Universities to discuss this topic based on questions from the audience around this topic. This event will be an opportunity for educators to think about practical applications for robotics in teaching and also to begin considering higher education futures when robotics becomes omnipresent in the teaching and learning sphere.