Pint of Robotics: Joshua Davy, Sam Wilson, and Daniel Brockdorff

Speaker 1: Joshua Davy (STORM Lab, University of Leeds)

Title: Design Simulation and Control of Miniaturised Magnetic Vine Robots

Bio: Josh is a PhD student at the University of Leeds in the STORM lab under the supervision of Pietro Valdastri. His research focuses on magnetic continuum robots for surgical applications. He holds a MSc degree in Robotics from the University ofLincoln, a BEng in Robotics from the University of Leeds and a 25 meter duckling award from his local leisure centre. His research interests include the design and control of soft robots, magnetic manipulation, soft body simulation and surgical robotics.

Abstract:  This talk will present the development of an entirely novel form of robot called the magnetic vine robot. This novel form of robot, just 4 mm in diameter can navigate complex pathways with zero friction enabling deep navigations within the anatomy. Grown by fluidic pressure and steered via magnetic fields, these robots are simple in structure yet can perform complex tasks such as  tissue biopsies. This talk will cover three design approaches to these robots, their modelling and control and finally their application in surgical navigations.

Speaker 2: Sam Wilson (MEng Mechatronics and Robotics, University of Leeds).

Title: An industrial placement at CERN

Bio: Sam is a final year MEng Mechatronics and Robotics Student. He has returned from a year’s industrial placement at CERN where he was working in the Mechatronics, Robotics and Operations section.

Abstract: This talk will highlight Sam's year as a technical student at CERN. Covering what CERN does, what he did there during his placement, and some of what he learnt. He worked in a software development role on sensor acquisition and motor control project for Beam Intercepting Devices, primarily focused on software testing.

Speaker 3: Daniel Brockdorff (Founder of Signrite Malta)

Title: An Honest Inside View of Starting Your Own Company