Aimed at SMEs, charities, the logistics industry, software engineers and investors, this event will offer an opportunity for businesses and the third sector to understand the potential of robotic logistics and how they can be incorporated into their business. Delegates will gain new perspectives on potential collaborations and technology integration available.
During the event, a collaborative project between a Leicester robot delivery start-up, a university and a local charity will be discussed.
In order for Suresh Patel’s start-up to develop and test their technology, they began working with Product Design Academics at De Montfort University to collaborate in the development of their robotic vehicle. Both parties were keen for this establishing product to be focused on aspects of social good and sustainable practice – and so a partnership was agreed with local charity ‘Feed Leicester’ to develop a product that would collect surplus food from businesses around the city centre – and deliver it daily to volunteers at their food bank.
Led discussions during this event will be focused on:
- How such collaborations between product design academics and entrepreneurs can offer a model for enhancing expertise and for developing innovative products and services
- How the application of robotics technologies can create opportunities for social good and sustainable practice, in addition to efficiencies and profitability
- Public concerns about advancing robotics / automation technologies and their effect on labour markets
Delegates will gain new perspectives on the potential of collaborations and technology integration. Attendees will be encouraged to consider how they could use robotics in their industry. Suresh Patel’s start-up business is currently working with clients involved in package delivery, organic farming, C02-neutral farming, security patrols, pharmacy deliveries and charity donation pickups.
Confirmed Speakers:
Suresh Patel (Entrepreneur)
Sam Plummer (Founder, Feed Leicester)
Stuart Lawson (Associate Professor, Design Products. DMU)
Agenda:
4pm -4.05pm: Welcome (Stuart Lawson)
4.05-4.15pm: The tech, the opportunities, the reality (Suresh Patel)
4.15-4.25pm: The issues of food distribution, waste and helping others (Sam Plummer)
4.25-4.35pm: Integrating users, technology and design (Stuart Lawson)
4.35-4.55pm: Themed discussions Q&A (Stuart, Suresh, Sam)
4.55-5pm: Thanks & Close