Stemiverse 0049 – Andra Kaye discusses life and Robotics

In this episode, Dr. Peter Dalmaris talks with Andra Kaye.

Andra is the Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, an industry group supporting innovation and commercialization of robotics technologies.

Andra is also

founder of Robot Launch, a global robotics startup competition,

co-founder of Robot Garden hackerspace,

mentor at hardware accelerators,

and a startup advisor and investor, with a strong interest in commercializing socially positive robotics and artificial intelligence.

This is Stemiverse Podcast episode 49.

Stemiverse podcast is brought to you by Tech Explorations, a leading provider of educational resources for Makers, STEM students, and teachers. Go to techexplorations.com to see a complete list of our books and courses covering the Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and electronics.

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction – Introducing Andra Keay

[01:24] Peter and Andra talk about what it’s like living at Pleasanton, Silicon Valley, San Francisco

[04:01] Andra talks about her background and the inspiring journey that brought her from Film and Television to Robots and Silicon Valley

[08:38] Working at the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

[10:12] Andra’s artistic multimedia work – Being a Maker vs. being an Artist

[11:12] How Andra’s experience as an artist influenced her view of science by prioritizing what it is to be human

[12:51] The difference between artistic and scientific thought

[14:21] Stemiverse 0050 – Looking at problems from an artist’s perspective

[15:11] How did Andra become interested in Robotics?

[18:08] Running science clubs in Australia, a before and after-school K program integrating sport, art and technology, robotics competitions, and dealing with issues of gender

[21:07] Breaking stereotypes: Key aspects of Andra’s work in motivating (more) girls to study Engineering

[24:03] LEGO Mindstorms

[25:00] RoboCup Junior Australia: Australian Open National Competition – FIRST Robotics Competition – VEX Robotics Competition

[25:37] Why is competition important? Stemiverse 0021, interview with Lael Grant

[28:21] Stemiverse 0022, interview with Saskia & Alastair, competitive robotics team members</l