Robotics events around Ireland for EU Robotics Week

27 Nov 2012

Two steel-tech transformers outside Galway City with local Tom O'Loughlin. Photo via Andrew Downes

EU Robotics Week kicked off yesterday and it’s the first year Ireland is taking part to showcase what’s happening in the robotics research space in the country and to help enthuse students about science and technology.

More than 40 events, including labs and photographic exhibitions, will be happening around Ireland as part of EU Robotics Week, which is Robotics Ireland is organising in the country.

Peter Brabazon, chairperson of Robotics Ireland, said the organisation is looking forward to getting out there and spreading the message about STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects amongst students and the public.

Robotics Ireland, which runs the FIRST LEGO League Challenge each year in January for students, will be hosting demos in certain schools and institutes of technology along with the crew from RTÉ’s The Science Squad.

On Friday night, broadcaster Leo Enright will give a lecture on space robotics at Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.

Meanwhile, Science Gallery in Dublin will be the setting for an event called ‘The Future is Robotic’ on Wednesday night. Robotics research will be on display by teams from Trinity Robotics, University College Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technology and NUI Maynooth.

Mike Wilson, chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association, will also give a talk on robotics for business efficiency.

According to Science Gallery, there will be humanoid robots that play soccer, as well as robotics arms and flying drones, on display during the event.

The Future is Robotic event will run from 6.30pm to 9pm at Science Gallery this Wednesday.

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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