Resolution Foundation Robotics Conference

Advances in robotics are already having a major impact on economies and the world of work. But how much change and disruption might a new generation of technological advances bring? Will AI and machine learning prove a spur for businesses and consumers, or will predictions of the end of many jobs materialise? What is the role of policy makers and those at the leading edge of robotics advancement in ensuring the broadest benefits from a new wave of technological change?

At a major conference at the Science Museum in London, the Resolution Foundation explored the latest developments in robotics, with help from robots at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. Leading international robotics experts came together with economists and public policy experts to discuss the cutting edge of technological development and what it means for the UK economy in the years to come.

In between the panel discussions a selection of robots were be demonstrated by Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

Session 1: Facing the future: new frontiers in robotics

Doctor Shibata Takanori, Chief Senior Research Scientist, AIST Japan, inventor of the PARO robot

Professor Alan Winfield, Director of the Science Communication Unit, UWE

Professor Kerstin Dautenhahn, University of Hertfordshire, co-creator of the KASPAR robot

Ankur Modi, CEO and founder of StatusToday

Chair: David Willetts, Executive Chair of the Resolution Foundation

Session 2: Robot wars: what do robots mean for Britain’s labour market?

Professor Michael Osborne, Associate Professor in Machine Learning at the University of Oxford

Orna NiChionna, Senior Independent Director of Royal Mail

Sarah O’Connor, Employment Correspondent at the Financial Times

Professor Alan Manning, Professor of Economics at the LSE