Robots at your service and empowering healthy ageing at #ERW2016

Source: euRobotics

European Robotics Week 2016 (#ERW2016) is kicking off 18-22 November in Amsterdam. The central event ‘Robots at your Service’ is about focussing on robotic technologies to help ageing populations live a healthier, active, and independent life. European Robotics Week celebrates Europe as a world-leader in robotics with typically hundreds of events.

In the 2015 Ageing Report from the European Commission, it’s anticipated that the number of Europeans over 65 will double in 50 years. Caring for those seniors – physically, emotionally and mentally – will be a big undertaking, and experts say there will be a shortage of professionals trained and willing to take on the job.

Photo credit: Keith Bujak. Source: Georgia Tech News Center

This year’s EWR is expected to have over 700 events across Europe. The opening at the Maritime Museum on the 18^th November will feature a number of dignitaries from The Netherlands, and EU officials from the European Commission and Parliament, who will welcome and present the ERW to members of Dutch the public. Presenting keynotes, Khalil Rouhana (DG Connect), Mady Delveux (MEP) and Bernd Liepert (CIO KUKA) will discuss their views for robotics developments and education in Europe. Followed by expert panel discussions about roboethics, our robotics future, and workshops about autonomous vehicles and professional service robots.

“Over the past few years we have seen considerable and growing interest in the ERW and the response from people wanting to engage with their own events have been phenomenal,” said Philip Piatkiewicz, Coordinator ERW, euRobotics. “What I feel makes it such a success are the principals of openness and inclusivity that drive our work, along with an exceptional network of dedicated individuals who form part of our National coordinator network. Together, we have managed to encourage kids and adults alike, from all walks of life, to become not just interested in robotics, but to continue their journey of discovery after the events wrap up for the year.”

Debate panels will be held on the 18 & 19 November about the use of robotics. On the 18th November, Roboethics, (12:30-13:30), will discuss developments in the ethical, legal, and societal aspects of robotics, an important debate that has increased in conversation in the last few years. Our Robotics Future, (14:00- 15:30), a debate around society’s current reaction to robotics technology and what we can expect in the future.  On the 19th, the panel session Robotics for Elderly Care, (11:00-12:30), will consider how robotics can transform healthcare and provide solutions to social health and healthy ageing. Finally, a panel discussion Saturday afternoon about Women in Tech, (13:30-15:00), will feature Nuray Golap (moderator), Elisabeth Schärtl, Franka Buurmeijer, Jacqueline Heinerman, Jurate Keblyte, and Sabine Hauert.

The Hack(athon) for Active & Healthy Ageing – the central track of the event – will be held Friday evening. Multi-disciplinary students, start-ups and scale-ups will collaborate and compete for 48-hours to create the best solutions for this challenge and get the chance to win an accelerator program to bring their concept to life.

The entire schedule and additional information can be found on the website.

Robohub Editors

Robohub Editors