Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in robotics?
Maurice Fallon (MF): I’m an academic research scientist at Oxford Robotics Institute. I lead a research group of 15 people in walking robot navigation and motion planning called the Dynamic Robot Systems Group (DRS). We research algorithms to allow walking robots move more quickly, confidently and with a sense of awareness about its environment.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing engineers when using robotics in hazardous environments?
MF: Achieving reliability that will transfer from lab environments to real test sites is a major challenge. Too many approaches are inflexible and cannot work in the real world.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in your specific engineering sector?
MF: Quadruped robots are about to become really big. Boston Dynamics and ANYbotics (our collaborator) have achieved some really fantastic demonstrations and the technology is beginning to converge into products that industry can use.
Q: Where do you see the future of robotics technologies heading over the next 5 to 10 years?
MF: More compliance, more unexpected contact are factors that you will see more and more with mobile robots: embracing contact with the world and not ignoring or avoiding it.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by taking part in this seminar
MF: I’m looking forward to seeing the progress across the different sectors and domains and hearing about the challenges industry partners face.
Attend this seminar to:
- Hear from leading organisations using and developing robotics including Rolls-Royce, National Nuclear Laboratory, Airbus Defence and Space and Wood Group
- Learn about the latest developments in autonomous robotic technology across hazardous industries
- Understand how robotics can improve safety, efficacy and cost efficiency, with case studies from a nuclear decommissioning environment
- Network with robotics experts and end users from academia, research, space, aviation, construction, nuclear, rail and oil and gas.
Gain insight into designing for locomotion, innovations in grasping, sensing and manipulating objects, and the role of AI and autonomy in a robotic future. Learn how to make the most of developments in robotics for hazardous environments, including the space, nuclear, offshore, construction, aviation and oil and gas industries. To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/robotics.