Robotics Mission 2014
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The Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission in June 2014 brought together UK robotics startups to explore business expansion in the US market, featuring a series of events in California. Companies like Agilic, AuraTech, and Reach Robotics showcased innovative products ranging from low-cost educational robots to advanced drones and autonomous systems. The mission aimed to strengthen international relationships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide networking opportunities among technology firms and entrepreneurs.
Robotics Mission 2014
- 1. ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS MISSION 2014 23 – 27 June 2014 www.roboticsmission.org
- 3. WELCOME TO THE INAUGURAL ROBOTICS MISSION. This entrepreneur-led mission is a unique week-long mission that brings together the UK’s leading Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) startups. Backed by the Technology Strategy Board, UK Trade & Investment and organised by Chinwag the trip features a specially-developed programme visiting California to meet the leading entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and companies in the field. The mission is designed to bring together the UK and US RAS sectors to share knowledge, and help the UK firms Lay the groundwork for expanding their business into one of the largest and most dynamic robotics markets in the world. The trip covers over 20 events in San Diego, Silicon Valley and San Francisco. To find out more about the mission visit http://roboticsmission.org and follow the trip on Twitter @roboticsmission #roboticsmission ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS MISSION 2014
- 4. Agilic COMPANY PROFILE Website: www.pibot.org Twitter: @thePiBot Employees: 1-4 Harry Gee, Director [email protected] uk.linkedin.com/pub/harry-gee/38/35b/186 Agilic is a robotics start-up, established in December 2014 and based at The Bristol Robotics Lab incubator. Agilic has two initial products, the TiddlyBot and the Pibot. The TiddlyBot is a fun and simple robot with drawing and following capacities. The products are developed to be low cost thereby opening up robotics and programming to new audiences. The PiBot is a more capable robot that enables anyone to build, program, and customise their own personal robot. Both the PiBot and TiddlyBot are designed to work with the Raspberry Pi, a low cost, credit-card sized computer that has gained worldwide adoption both in education and the general public. The Raspberry Pi was launched in 2008 and within two years it had sold over two million units. Agilic’s robots enable people of all ages to explore computing and robotics in a fun and engaging way. The Technology Strategy Board Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission is an excellent networking and knowledge-acquisition opportunity for Agilic, particularly as it coincides with the launch of PiBot. CONTACT Agilic
- 5. AuraTECH COMPANY PROFILE Website: www.auratech.co.uk Twitter: @Aura_Technology Employees: 1-4 Eamonn McStravick, Director [email protected] linkedin.com/in/eamonnmcstravick Advanced Unmanned Robotics & Automation TECHnology (AuraTech) was founded in 2012 and operates out of the Tees Valley in the North of England. AuraTech offers engineering and design consultancy services for remote technology applications, and is currently working on a Remote Operate Aerial Endurance Vehical (ROAEV). Developed in house at AuraTech, the ROAEV has vertical take-off and landing capability and can endure flight times in excess of 12 hours - a radical increase in comparison to current available systems. This innovative technology has potential to lay the foundations for stationary low altitude surveillance, observation and sensory monitoring. To support the development of the ROAEV, AuraTech has also recently launched a remote aerial inspection services division called BlewVue. BlewVue carries out remote aerial inspection, surveying and photography services for residential, commercial and industrial plant applications including offshore installations. The TSB Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission is a great opportunity for AuraTech to understand more about the US market and identify potential partners and customers. CONTACT
- 6. D-RisQ COMPANY PROFILE Website: www.drisq.com Employees: 5-14 Nick Tudor, Business Director [email protected] uk.linkedin.com/pub/nick-tudor/6/555/637 D-RisQ was founded in May 2012 and is based in Malvern, Worcestershire. With a mission to “change the way the world develops software”, D-RisQ produces advanced analysis tools that identify security or safety issues in new software products. These tools save time and money by checking the code and design elements of new software from the very beginning of the process, highlighting where a design has not been captured or implemented correctly. D-RisQ is now applying these tools to the robotics industry to help robot designers and manufacturers efficiently develop software. The D-RisQ technology is based on thirty years of experience in the UK Defence sector and is now being further developed to meet the needs of commercial systems developers. The robust and reliable tools can be applied across all industries, including those where software issues can have severe consequences such as Aerospace, Defence, Nuclear Power and Robotics. As an example, D-RisQ solutions have previously ensured the safety of the security systems used in UK military aircraft. CONTACT
- 7. MapleBird COMPANY PROFILE Glenn Smith, CoFounder and CEO [email protected] uk.linkedin.com/pub/glenn-smith/1b/733/7b3/ MapleBird’s mission is to develop the smallest Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the world, based on a patented engine that is designed to power flapping wing flight. Maplebird’s technology is unique because it has solved the significant issues of insect-scale flight and created high performance vehicles with seamlessly integrated sensing and control systems. One of the key features of the UAV is its ability to cope with windy conditions - the basis of this solution takes its inspiration from one of nature’s best poor weather fliers: the honey bee. MapleBird’s technology enables a range of small devices to be used across a broad market spectrum such as UAVs for civilian services, agricultural pollination, industrial plant inspection and personal drones controlled through a smart phone. MapleBird’s technology would not have been possible even a few years ago. The company is taking advantage of the latest chips from smart phones combined with sophisticated physics modelling to enhance the design process and cutting edge fabrication techniques such as 3D printing in metal. Technology Strategy Board’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission is an invaluable opportunity for MapleBird to identify partnership opportunities in the USA while also gaining exposure to advanced UAV strategies and designs. CONTACT Website: www.maplebird.com Twitter: @glennsmith88 Employees: 1-4
- 8. Q-Bot Limited COMPANY PROFILE Website: www.q-bot.co Employees: 5-14 Mathew Holloway, Managing Director [email protected] www.linkedin.com/pub/mathew-holloway/b/257/b46 Q-Bot was set up in 2012 with the objective of using robotics and advanced manufacturing techniques to revolutionise the building and construction industry. With a focus on improving energy efficiency in buildings, Q-Bot provides real, scalable and cost effective solutions to reduce CO2 and enable affordable warmth. Q-Bot is developing a robotics platform that can cost effectively survey, assess and apply treatments to existing buildings, without the cost and disruption of current insulation methods. Insulating the floor with Q-Bot gets rid of cold draughts, makes cold floors warmer and lags hot water pipes, as well as saving an estimated £200 - £400/year in lower energy bills for a typical home. The company is based in Wandsworth, SW London and currently employs 6 people in addition to the management team – a mixture of electrical, mechanical and software engineers. The company is funded by EcoMachines and through a combination of government grants, private investment and sales revenue. CONTACT
- 9. Reach Robotics COMPANY PROFILE Website: www.reachrobotics.com Twitter: @reachrobotics Employees: 1-4 Reach Robotics is a robotics entertainment company based at the Bristol Robotics Lab incubator. Reach founder, Silas Adekunle, is a 3rd year robotics undergraduate at the University of the West of England and has recruited a team of mechanical and manufacturing engineers, product designers, app developers and robotics engineers to develop MechaMonsters - a four- legged robot that can interact with its owners and other Mecha Monsters. MechaMonsters are tailor-able robotic pets, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Their aim is to battle each other and the more you play with them, the stronger they become. As they develop you have the option to customize them both physically and virtually through the use of additional armour and weapons. The robots also enable dynamic game play scenarios to happen in real life where the controller for the robot is an app on a smart phone. MechaMonsters also have an autonomous artificial intelligence mode – an exciting development for a robotic toy. Reach is also collaborating with Bristol based animation company Rumpus Animation to develop further materials based around MechaMonsters in order to engage with the children’s toy market in 2015. Silas Adekunle, Founder and CEO [email protected] uk.linkedin.com/pub/silas-adekunle/49/350/b3/ CONTACT
- 10. Sebastian Conran Associates COMPANY PROFILE Originally founded in 1986, Sebastian Conran Associates (SCA) is an award winning London-based industrial design & development studio / workshop that focuses on transforming science & technology into culture by integrating technology into commercial lifestyle products, including digital wearables, healthcare technology and autonomous robotic experiences in the home. Products currently under development include ‘MiRo’, a Mimetic Robotic companion due to launch in September 2014, which is a teachable ‘digital pet’. Another design is ‘INTALÉ’, a product that is best described as ‘intelligent’ furniture, which responds to the environment and to human interaction. At proof of concept stage it is best described as a programmable magic table that will come when called and navigate itself autonomously around its environment, whether the home or hospital. Among other things it aims to enhance peoples’ experience of later life through increasing their independence. SCA’s ultimate goal is to unlock the IP in Britain’s leading Universities and produce unforgettable products and user experiences that are contemporary, innovative and satisfying. Sebastian Conran has a background in design advocacy and lecturing and is currently designer in residence at University of Sheffield Science Faculty. He works closely with the Technology Strategy Board on early stage integration of design into technology. Sebastian Conran, Director [email protected] uk.linkedin.com/pub/sebastian-conran/8/846/663 CONTACT Website: www.sebastianconran.com Twitter: @sebbconran Employees: 5-14
- 11. Shadow Robot Company COMPANY PROFILE Shadow was founded in 1987 and is based in London. The Shadow team develops cutting edge robot components and systems that sell globally, with customers including NASA, ESA, Qualcomm, Carnegie- Mellon, and several Japanese universities. The Company’s key product is the Dexterous Hand, which gives robots the same capability and flexibility as the human hand with 20 degrees of freedom and over 100 sensors in a package the same size as a human hand. Shadow’s broad expertise in robotics and autonomous systems allows them to engage in unique projects, helping their clients solve difficult problems by creating bespoke systems or combining Rich Walker, Managing Director [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/pub/rich-walker/2/51b/b34 CONTACT Website: www.shadowrobot.com Twitter: @shadowrobot Employees: 5-14 existing technologies. Shadow has been engaged with the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework since its first public release, using it for the development of its manipulation and grasping software stacks. Shadow engineers take research technologies and turn them into real- world products. For example, RoNeX was spun-out of a medical robotics research project, and makes building complex, powerful ROS robots simpler and quicker. The Technology Strategy Board Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission is a great opportunity for Shadow to strengthen relationships with US robotics firms and identify partnership opportunities to further develop its products.
- 14. The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency Our goal To accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Our vision For the UK to be a global leader in innovation and a magnet for innovative businesses which can apply technology rapidly, effectively and sustainably to create wealth and enhance quality of life. Our focus With everything we do, we ask ourselves one question – will it help UK business bring new ideas and technologies more quickly to market? Our strategy focuses on five areas: 1. Accelerating the journey between concept and commercialisation The journey of an idea from concept to market can be uneven and indirect. We work to speed this up. 2. Connecting the innovation landscape The innovation landscape can be fragmented and difficult to navigate. We build strategic relationships with other innovation players, creating a more effective innovation environment. 3. Turning government action into business opportunity Government can create opportunities for innovative businesses. We identify how policy, standards, and regulation can stimulate innovation and we help unlock the potential of government to act as ‘lead customer’ for businesses that can solve public sector challenges. 4. Investing in priority areas based on potential We focus on thematic areas which are most likely to generate UK economic growth and which address global challenges and opportunities – and on competencies and technologies which enable innovation in these areas. In making investments we apply four key criteria: Is there a large (global) market opportunity? Does the UK have the capability to develop and exploit the technology? Is the idea ‘ready’ – is the timing right? Can we make a difference? 5. Continuously improving our capability We develop our people and processes to be fast, flexible, and focused on business needs and develop measures to ensure that we are effective and deliver value for money. www.innovateuk.org/our-strategy Twitter: @innovateuk_org SUPPORTING PARTNERS
- 15. The UK is globally recognised for cutting edge research across a wide range of disciplines, and our innovation capability is No 1 in the G20 (“2013 Global Innovation Index”). Robotics and Autonomous Systems is one of the game- changing ‘8 GREAT’ technologies with vast market potential and strong UK capability. The UK are currently investing more than £150m in conjunction with industry to support research, development and applications. UK’s world- class strengths in the ICT sector, including software programming, data handling and electronics, offers an ideal business and research environment for leading international autonomous systems and robotics companies. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports. We encourage and support overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business. The UKTI Innovation Gateway is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for supporting businesses to take advantage of the UK offer in Robotics and the 8 GREAT technologies. With excellent links across the UK innovation system, we leverage access to an exclusive pool of research and commercial UK innovation projects, as well as support innovative UK companies to internationalise and grow. Please do contact us to find out how the UKTI Innovation Gateway can help you. Louis Barson Deputy Director, UKTI Innovation Gateway [email protected] www.ukti.gov.uk/invest www.ukti.gov.uk/scienceinnovation #8GREAT SUPPORTING PARTNERS
- 16. Chinwag’s mission is connect digital businesses and their people. Founded in 1996, round the digital marketing community, the company now reaches over 30,000 people in the UK. Chinwag produces numerous events, conference and trade missions including the Digital Mission series. Since 2008, Chinwag has run over 15 missions to destinations across the US and Asia, including the first UK mission of hardware startups to China and the first Robotics-focused mission to California. Specifically designed to help highly-innovate, fast-growing technology companies expand internationally the UK missions have supported over 250 of the world’s leading technology companies bringing together startups, governments, investors and multi-national corporates. As well as independent missions, Chinwag has worked with UK Trade & Investment, Technology Strategy Board, Google Korea and the Korean Government on international trade events. Chinwag has also developed the world’s first conference on applied behaviour science, Chinwag Psych and Social Media Week London, a week- long festival, with 270+ events and over 15,000 delegates. Chinwag also provides market entry support for digital firms entering the UK market as well as event and marketing consultancy, including most recently the inaugural Open Data Institute Summit with Sir Tim Berners-Lee. Chinwag – http://chinwag.com Digital Mission – http://digital-mission.org Chinwag Psych – http://psychmatters.co SUPPORTING PARTNERS
- 17. 3D Robotics develops innovative, flexible and reliable personal drones and UAV technology for everyday exploration and business applications. “3DR’s UAV platforms capture breathtaking aerial imagery for consumer enjoyment and data analysis, enabling mapping, surveying, 3D modeling and more. Our technology is currently used across multiple industries around the world, including agriculture, photography, construction, search and rescue and ecological study. 3DR is committed to bringing the power of UAV technology to the mainstream market.” AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems and robotics community. Serving 7,500+ members from government organizations, industry and academia, AUVSI is committed to fostering, developing, and promoting unmanned systems and robotic technologies. AUVSI members support defense, civil and commercial sectors. Brain Corporation is a pioneer in developing novel algorithms based on the functionality of the nervous system, with applications in visual perception, motor control, and autonomous navigation. We build and improve devices and consumer robots that can sense their environments, make decisions, take actions, and learn.Brain Corporation employs some of the world’s leading experts in computational neuroscience to build sophisticated and efficient models of the brain. HOST COMPANIES
- 18. Ekso Bionics – Exoskeleton Manufacturer in Oakland. “Since 2005, Ekso Bionics has been pioneering the field of robotic exoskeletons to augment human strength, endurance and mobility. We are committed to applying the latest technology and engineering to help people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable.” The San Diego installation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Global Fab Lab Network was sited in 2007, with the aim of actualizing ideas by turning concepts into physical forms through design and fabrication. Fab Lab SD has focused on connecting people with technology through education, both for youth and adults, developing partnerships locally in order to create site-specific learning programs. Fab Lab San Diego formed a partnership with University of California San Diego K-16 Programs in 2010 to expand and accredit programming, merging the informal lab environment with standards-based technical education through the creation of a portfolio of accredited classes. With roots in the Maker, Hacker and DIY Movements, Fab Lab SD is currently focused on providing resources for local inventors, developers, makers, and innovators through learning opportunities. HOST COMPANIES
- 19. Highway1 is part of PCH, a global supply chain company. We’ve been working with Fortune 500 companies for over 15 years. PCH is also known for bringing startups like littleBits and Lark to market. Now we want to use that expertise to help younger companies get ready for production and their first round of funding. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is the global leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive Surgical develops, manufactures and markets the da Vinci® Surgical System. Intuitive Surgical’s mission is to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to those patients who can and should benefit from it. HOST COMPANIES
- 20. O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures (OATV) is in the business of funding disruptors, innovators, and hackers of the status quo. Along with their partner, O’Reilly Media, they invest in the “alpha geeks” who explore technology for the fun of it. These relationships drive their investment themes at OATV, spanning data, Makers, the new networks of things, quantified self and the industrial internet. They are both excited and privileged to help entrepreneurs take the world from where it is today to where it should be tomorrow. PARC, a Xerox company, is in the Business of Breakthroughs®. As an expert partner in innovation, we help companies understand disruptive technology, visualize where it’s going, and apply and commercialize it to solve strategic business problems. We provide custom R&D services, access to a broad range of emerging technology, expertise, best practices, and intellectual property to Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, startups, and government agencies and partners. We create new business opportunities, accelerate time to market, augment internal capabilities, and reduce risk for our clients. HOST COMPANIES
- 21. With more than 140 attorneys in San Diego, Del Mar Heights and Silicon Valley (Menlo Park), Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP is one of the largest business law firms in California. We are a regional law firm with a global network that gives us the ability to serve clients’ interests throughout the world. Procopio is dedicated to understanding the businesses and industries of clients and collaborating with them to develop tailored strategies. We structure and manage our practice with our focus firmly fixed on what matters to clients: experienced business attorneys acting as partners to deliver the most intelligent and pragmatic legal solutions in the most cost-effective fashion. We advise companies at every stage in the corporate life cycle, helping them to plan, finance and operate their businesses. Our attorneys respond quickly and in the most qualified manner to address clients’ needs. HOST COMPANIES Precise Automation is an innovative robotics company specializing in compact robotic controllers and unique robots. Precise created the world’s first collaborative SCARA robot, the PreciseFlex 400 robot (PF400), based on decades of robot development experience in industrial robots. Collaborative robots are mechanisms that can be safely used in a mixed environment of people and robots with no need for safety barriers. All of the forces generated by the PF400 are limited so that the robot cannot hurt a user even if it collides with them at full speed, making the PF400 safe to operate side-by-side with personnel. The PF400 represents a significant step forward in flexible, adaptable mixed manufacturing environments.
- 22. Squire Patton Boggs is one of the world’s strongest integrated legal practices. With 44 offices in 21 countries, the firm is renowned for its local connections and global influence, delivering comprehensive legal services across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. With expertise spanning all key sectors, the firm is also known for its preeminent public policy practice and deep-rooted relationships in Washington DC and Brussels. For more information, visit www.squirepattonboggs.com. Silicon Valley Robotics is an industry group, supporting the innovation and commercialization of robotics technologies. Based in the Bay Area, SVR connects robotics entrepreneurs and investors. As well as providing a central contact point for the robotics ecosystem, SVR organizes network events, investor forums and the Robot Block Party, one of the signature events of National Robotics Week. HOST COMPANIES
- 23. SRI International is a nonprofit, independent research and innovation centre serving government and industry. We provide basic and applied research, laboratory and advisory services, technology development and licenses, deployable systems, products, and venture opportunities. “Our research and innovations have led to new industries and products that impact people’s lives every day—from the computer mouse and interactive computing to medical ultrasound, cancer drugs, and much more. SRI works on some of the world’s most important problems, collaborating across technical disciplines to spark new ideas and solutions. We believe in open innovation, bringing the best talent to the challenge at hand.” HOST COMPANIES With expertise and world leaders in many industry segments,TMA is pleased to host a Maritime Robotics afternoon for visiting international companies. The “Introduction to Innovation in Maritime Robotics and Unmanned Systems” will present world leaders in ROV manufacture, software and peripherals development, and bleeding edge technology. Companies will range from start-ups with fewer than five employees to some of the world’s largest defence contractors.
- 24. UC Berkeley is the flagship campus of the University of California system, a public university system comprised of 10 different campuses across the state of California. Today one of the world’s premier public universities and a wellspring of innovation, UC Berkeley has over 35,000 students and 2,000 faculty members including 22 Nobel laureates. The university has 130 academic departments and more than 80 interdisciplinary research units. In the 2009 fiscal year, Berkeley received $649.46 million in research funding. The Academic Ranking of Worldwide Universities (ARWU) places UC Berkeley 3rd Universities (2013) behind Harvard University and Stanford University. HOST COMPANIES UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn’t just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.
- 25. Short of being face-to-face, Anybots, Inc. offers the most interactive form of communication available today by providing the user a personal remote avatar. With Anybots, you can instantly be immersed in a distant environment experiencing the forefront of a new class of communication called mobile telepresence, allowing you to never miss an important event, meeting, or experience again. E Systems provides advanced Product Life Cycle (PLC) and Operations Management solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the Semiconductor, Bio-Medical, Robotics, Alternative Energy and Consumer Electronics industries. HOST COMPANIES
- 26. MONDAY 23RD JUNE San Diego Market Briefing Del Mar Heights Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP 12544 High Bluff Drive, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92130 Round Table Discussion on the Future of Robotics and Lab Tour Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego (UCSD) 9500 Gilman Dr La Jolla, CA 92093 Evening drinks with AUVSI members TUESDAY 24TH JUNE Brain Corporation Qualcomm Corporation Campus Fab Lab San Diego Fab Lab San Diego- 4685 Convoy St, Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92111 Maritime RAS w/Maritime Alliance Maritime Alliance 2877 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, United States Transfer to San Jose AGENDA
- 27. WEDNESDAY 25TH JUNE Doing Business in the USA Masterclass Palo Alto office- Squire Sanders Squire Sanders- 600 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, CA 94304 PARC Research Xerox Parc: 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA Anybots / E-Systems 3001 Coronado Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054-3232 THURSDAY 26TH JUNE Precise Automation Precise Automation 816 Charcot Ave San Jose, CA 95131 Intuitive Surgical Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 1020 Kifer Road Sunnyvale, CA 94086-5304 SRI International SRI, Menlo Park. 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Silicon Valley Robotics Networking Event ThePatio 412 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 FRIDAY 27TH JUNE Ekso Bionics Ekso Bionics (Oakland) 1414 Harbour Way South Suite 1201, Richmond, CA 94804 3D Robotics SF (Berkeley) 2629 7th St, Suite C, Berkeley, CA 94710 UC, Berkeley University of Berkeley meeting location is 242 Sutardja Dai Hall. Sutardja Dai Hall is near the intersection of Hearst and Le Roy Highway1 Highway 1 26 Windsor Pl, San Francisco, CA 94133 O’Reilly Alpha Tech Ventures O’Reilly Alpha Tech Ventures 1 Lombard Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111 Informal Networking Drinks