Let's Talk Robotics

Joining me today for eps 140 is Xavier Orr. Xavier is the CEO and co-founder of Advanced Navigation, an AI-based robotics and navigation technology company. 

Xavier earned his mechatronic engineering and computer science degrees from the University of Western Australia where he completed his thesis on the application of neural network AI to inertial navigation. During this time, Xavier was head of research and development at Cyber Technology, a company specialising in autonomous systems.

Following the completion of his thesis, Xavier commercialised his research on AI-based inertial navigation systems, co-founding Advanced Navigation with business partner Chris Shaw. Since 2012, the company has experienced great success and has progressed into several deep technology fields, including underwater sonar, GNSS antennas and receivers, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, and quantum-enhanced inertial navigation.

Joining me today for eps 139 is Dr David Cole. David has been actively involved in the drone industry for over 10 years. In 2013 he founded a drone services company to provide contract drone services before pivoting the company to focus on developing the FlyFreely drone management software platform in 2018. Dr Cole holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy from James Cook University. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His current interests center around airspace integration and automation of regulations in the uncrewed systems space.

Joining me today for episode 138 is Yotam Rosenbaum. Yotam is a Venture Partner at 77 Partners and a Partner at the US based Access Fund. As a successful Y-Combinator founder himself he draws on his remarkable international accomplishments to guide and mentor aspiring start-up founders through one of the most exciting yet toughest journeys they’ll make.

Joining me today for eps 137 is Lee Martin. Lee has been acknowledged for his visionary talent, abilities to take action that attains goals and to lead with an inclusive, positive, and a progressive attitude. It has been remarked that Lee has a “can do attitude”.

He enjoys assisting others by mentoring them to learn how to do things differently.

Through his experiences, Lee has a great level of confidence in making decisions in the time of crisis. Being involved in various military situations, fire, and flood emergencies, as well as the COVID pandemic has provided him the experiences to cope when and as things happen.

Lee has been involved in implementing a robotics program for the past four years introducing various robot to complete back of house tasks resulting in reduced WHS issues and increasing staff time to be spent with their residents.

He is the chairperson of the South Australian ACCPA Residential Care Advisory Committee and participates on the ACCPA Nation Member Advisory Committee. On a local level, is the chairperson of the Barossa & Districts Health Advisory Council.

Joining me today for eps 136 is Dr Clyde Webster. Clyde is the Founder and CEO of Crest Robotics who are on a mission to end workplace injury through the development of smart and dynamic robots that can perform the repetitive, strenuous, and dangerous components of laborious jobs. Clyde has a Bachelor of Engineering, and a PhD in Robotics from the University of Technology Sydney, where he developed the world’s first parrot-inspired climbing robot for maintaining high-voltage power transmission towers which is currently, due to cost and risk, a major roadblock in the transition to renewable energy. Clyde has previous experience in the space sector working as a technical lead with the Space Machines Company, and as a visiting research at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Clyde believes that robots are the tools of the future, and if pursued in the right way can create a more equitable, comfortable, and sustainable future for all.

Joining me today for the last episode (135) of 2023 is the hugely talented Stelarc! Stelarc is a performance artist who performs with prosthetics, robotics and online interactivity. His works explore human-machine interfaces. He has experimented with actual-virtual systems and incorporated genetic algorithms and machine learning in some of his performances.

He has performed and exhibited in major events and exhibitions in Australia, Japan, Europe, the USA and South America. He recently performed at the annual robotics and automation conference, ICRA 2023 in London.

His recent large commissions include the 2020 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia and for the SWARM exhibition at the Science Gallery Melbourne. He is presently being funded for a major robotics project by the NewArt Foundation in Barcelona.

In 1997 he was designated Honorary Professor of Art and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh and in 2002 received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Monash University, Melbourne. And in 2017 her received an Honorary Doctorate from the Ionian University, Corfu.

Some of his awards include the Ars Electronica Golden Nica Hybrid Arts Prize in 2010 and the Australia Council’s Emerging and Experimental Arts Award in 2015.

In 2010 he was awarded the Ars Electronica Golden Nica Hybrid Arts Prize and in 2015 he received the Australia Council’s Emerging and Experimental Arts Award.

Joining me today (eps 134) is Heath May. Heath is the Vice President of International Markets and Managing Director of Australia for Innovation First International, the parent company to VEX Robotics and Rack Solutions. With a background in marketing, trend identification and “bring to market” solutions, he has identified trends across many consumer product fields, creating a national distribution network and global connections.

Prior to Innovation First, Heath built his company from the ground up. It became a multiple category award winner locally and international supply recognition for brand and market building.

Inspired by kids and the next generation, he has turned his enthusiasm and strategic abilities to the world of Educational Robotics, leading the Australian office of Innovation First International since 2017 and Hexbug global Toy Division prior to taking on the VEX Robotics VP International Markets role.

His journey in this field showcases his dedication to expanding global markets and fostering international relationships in the world of robotics and technology.

With his focus on government and key stakeholders VEX Robotics continues to establish itself as the STEM leader for teachers and students alike.

Joining me today (eps 133) is Kate Dunne. Kate is a robotics engineer who specialises in mission control and perception systems. She is passionate about the potential robots have to improve our lives at work and at home.

Joining me today is Georgina North. Georgina is a global technology and innovation executive with over 12 years of experience in construction, resources, manufacturing, and translational research. As the Head of Technology & Innovation at Laing O’Rourke, Georgina works to deliver high-value solutions to complex challenges in the construction sector. She oversees a team of industry experts providing solutions to the company across three work streams: robotics and automation, predictive analytics and low-carbon materials.

Georgina is a passionate driver of change towards sustainable and technology-driven futures; and

Joining me today (eps 131) is Oliver Gaunt. Oliver is a Principal at RSM’s Corporate Finance division and is based in Melbourne.

Oliver has extensive corporate finance experience across a variety of industries, helping his clients with mergers and acquisitions, financial modeling, IPO lead advisory and more.

Oliver has a broad network and wealth of experience which enables him to deliver great outcomes for clients.

Oliver is also known for his ability to strategise and problem-solve, and always offers a measured and pragmatic approach to any transaction.