EXAPTEC

Joining me today (eps 150) is Gail Chatziyakoumis. Gail was born and schooled in Melbourne. After HSC at Kilbreda Ladies College, she went on to obtain a degree in Electrical/Electronics from Monash Uni Caulfield (then C.I.T). Her first job was repairing computers peripherals and from there she was employed as an application Engineer for ASEA Robotics where she worked with several dedicated and capable people including Per Stigsson. During this time, she did a part time Diploma in Robotics also at Monash. ASEA changed to ABB just around the time of a recession in the early 1990s. Gail was moved within ABB to the Capacitors division where she was responsible for the design of LV Capacitors that were made onsite. After about 4 years she took 10 months off to have her daughter and returned to the role of tendering for HV Capacitor banks. After Robotics recovered, she moved back to the Robots division, this time in sales which had more fixed hours, so it was easier to be a working Mum. Some years later she was headhunted to be a project manager at a little company that manufactures Industrial Ultrasonic baths. Gail had her son and stopped work, only returning to work when he was 18mths old, when ABB asked her to return to the Capacitor division, to project manage the manufacture of Harmonic banks to take over from a specialist who had died in a tragic parachuting accident. Gail later returned to ABB Robots division, this time as a logistic and resources coordinator, managing the spare parts and service. ABB took the decision to close its engineering centres and downsize, she then moved on to being a technical consultant to an Automation company before teaching herself how to make websites. After doing that for a couple of years, Per, at Robot Spares, asked her to rebuild his website and after she finished he asked Gail to help in his business which he and his son Mik have steadily grown, even through the pandemic!  

Joining me today (eps 149) is Chris Flatau. Chris is the CEO and founder of Servbotics. Servbotics was established in 2023 and headquartered in Adelaide, is at the forefront of revolutionising industries with cutting-edge robotic solutions. As the official distributor of Pudu Robotics, AOTINGBOTS, and other leading brands, Servbotics offers a diverse range of robots designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce labour costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Their portfolio includes delivery robots, cleaning robots, cocktail machines, and fully automatic beer dispensers, catering to various sectors. Servbotics provides both outright purchase and Robots as a Service (RaaS) models, ensuring businesses can seamlessly integrate robotics into their workflows. For more information, visit the website at www.servbotics.au

Joining me today is Paris Cockinos. Paris is the CEO of Sphere Drones, a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary technology company delivering an end-to-end ecosystem across the commercial drone market.

Joining me today (eps 147) is Andrew Short! Andrew is the co-founder and Technical Director of Verbotics, where they create automatic programming software for welding robots. Their focus is to make complex industrial robot programming simple. Andrew is an expert in industrial robotics, motion planning, collision avoidance and automated programming. He has a PhD in robotics from the University of Wollongong, degrees in Mechatronic Engineering and Computer Science, and a background in software and web development.

Joining me today (eps 146) is Gregory Hunter and Michelle Keegan. Gregory Mohamad Hunter is a young and strategic leader in the Australian space industry. He has served as Vice President of the National Space Society in Australia and actively engaged with committees of the US-based National Space Society. His leadership of the New Horizons Summit has been pivotal in the sector, attracting global attention and key stakeholders. As a past board member and Director of Innovation at the United Nations Association in Australia, and co-founder of Arbiter, a robotics company, Gregory has exhibited exceptional strategic skills. His contributions to various successful startups and his extensive consulting experience with top management firms, advising on technology and space, further underscore his significant impact on the industry. Michelle has over 20 years of mining industry experience. Prior to joining AROSE, Michelle was Program Director Technology Development, and leader of the Next Generation Mine Innovation Program, at South 32. Michelle was responsible for leading the identification, design and delivery of new technology and innovation for all greenfield projects as well as translation into brownfield operations. With a non-traditional technology background, Michelle brought her strong strategic and mining experience to deliver programs, and help drive the future competitiveness of the company. Her team monitored new developments in the industry and worked closely with technology partners and external institutes to develop, pilot and implement emerging technologies that could materially improve the outcomes of new projects and operations. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining (Hons) and a Master of Science (Mineral Economics) from Curtin University. In 2023, Michelle was awarded the Space Professional of the Year at the Australian Space Industry Awards, recognising her work connecting the resources and space industries together in Australia and with the US.

Joining me today (eps 145) is Bern Grush. Bern is the Executive Director of the Urban Robotics Foundation and project lead for the draft technical standard ISO 4448 (Public-area Mobile Robots and automated pathway devices). Since 2002, Bern has been involved with transportation-related innovation and regulatory research for road pricing, parking management, automated vehicles, and now the robots that will ply our sidewalks. Before that, he co-founded PCI Geomatics to develop AI for image analysis systems for earth-imaging satellites. He has degrees in Human Factors Psychology from the University of Toronto and Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Joining me today is Mark Pivac. Mark is the primary inventor of FBR’s automated bricklaying technology. He is an aeronautical and mechanical engineer with over 32 years’ experience working on the development of high-technology equipment ranging from lightweight aircraft to heavy off-road equipment. He has 27 years’ experience working with pro/engineer 3D CAD software as well as high-level mathematics, including matrix mathematics, robot transformations and vector mathematics for machine motion. Mark has also worked extensively with design, commissioning and fault finding on servo-controlled motion systems achieving very high dynamic performance.

Joining me today (eps 143) is Mark Setrakian. Mark is one of the world’s leading experts in animatronics and robotics. His career spans nearly four decades of innovation in film, television, theme park attractions, and the art world. Mark’s creations are evocative robotic beings that move with uncanny fluidity, existing at the nexus of sound, motion, form, and cutting-edge technology.

Joining me today is Daniel Milford. Daniel is the Founding CEO of Chironix, a Software and Robotics Engineering company which develops technology to support deployed workforces around the world, with specific interests in the Defence, Manufacturing, Resources and Utilities sectors. Daniel has extensive experience in complex capability development, disruptive technologies, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, policy, strategy and cyber operations. His professional experience includes work for the Department of Defence and the Australian Army, as well as specialising in machine learning, robotics, emerging technology and augmented/virtual reality in the private sector. Commencing employment with the Federal Government in 2010, Daniel served as the Project Manager for JP2008 Phase 3H (Wideband Global Satellite), completing Defence trials and developing the acquisition case for a range of terminals to utilise the constellation. Additionally, Daniel served for two years in the Navy Strategy Executive where he was Awarded a Finalist position in the Young ICT Professional of the Year 2015. In addition to his Public Service career, Daniel has served with the Army in a Reserve capacity since 2001 in a variety of roles, including coalition environments. Since 2018, Daniel has grown Chironix from a small startup to a leading technology developer in applied Robotics and wearable systems, and continues to develop solutions that enhance human robot teaming capabilities. Daniel has also been instrumental in developing a range of applications for numerous robot types, enabling clients of Chironix to become more productive, effective and safer. Daniel draws upon his background in Defence to create innovative new solutions working with emerging technologies and industry leaders. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts (History/Psychology Hons); a Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, two Masters from The University of New South Wales in Capability and Technology Management and Systems Engineering, and a third Masters from the Australian National University in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon; Capability and Technology Management College (Joint); and the Australian Command and Staff College (Joint). Daniel was also a research fellow with the Perth U.S. Asia centre, with a key focus on strategy and disruptive technology. He was also a Finalist in the Young ICT Professional of the Year Awards in 2015.

Joining me today (eps 141) is Greg Peters. Greg is the Robotics and Automation Lead at Laing O’Rourke Greg is an innovator, engineer and roboticist. He is the principal product engineer at the Laing O’Rourke Technology and Innovation group, leading the Robotics and Automation function. His career spans disruptive innovation for enterprise, academic and industry partnerships, start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises. He has over 15 years covering product invention and innovation, field robotics in construction, equipment hire, environmental and sustainable technology innovation. Greg has an honours degree in mechatronic engineering and a masters degree in engineering management from the University of Technology, Sydney.

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.