A day celebrating innovative ideas and technology has been held in a kent town.
The Innovation Showcase took place in venues across Gravesend with experts from leading universities sharing their knowledge with the public.One of the most popular exhibits on display were the Crawlybots-four-wheeled flexible robots with large LED eyes which can display animal characteristics . John McKiernan, founder of Fourth Portal which organised the showcase ,said the event gave “a glimpse into the future and how it can improve and affect everyone’s life in a positive way”.
The use of robotics ,Al,and improved research were discussed in a programme of free events with the aim of displaying the opportunities available to local people. Andy Payne from Mechanismo ltd, which designed the Crawlybots,said he was keen to encourage a new generation to combine science and art to create items that can be used in the future.
“The main reason we go out and do these things is to bring joy,enthuse and encourage people to play and explore with new technology,”he said. Many businesses along the High Street hosted events, including Julius Caesar Restaurant where a team from the University of University of Nottingham led by Dr Alan Chamberlain held a series of talks.
“I think it’s important to come to places such as this ,”said Dr Chamberlain. “It gives academics like myself the opportunity to talk to the general public to get their opinions on what’s important to them in regards to Al and robotics.”
Emil otto Munteanu, who is from Gravesend and studying computer science at the University of Nottingham, added: “It fills me with hope for the future to see the revitalisation of my town that has gone through so much,especially throughout the last few years.”
Volunteer Sabrina Ferrazza said she hoped the event would help turn North Kent into a technology hub, adding: ” I hope Gravesend gets more opportunities to innovate and grow as a community.”
Ann-Marie Langley visiting from Maidstone ,said it was great to see new technology in the area and “exciting to see where it can lead.”
Peto Middleton, who lives in Northamptonshire, UK with his wife , has long been an early adopter of technology. He became interesting in computer while in the Royal Air force in the 1980s and went on learn several programming languages. In recent years he’s been enthusiastic about the rise of Al, which he uses for creating artwork and conducting research,for instance.
Overal, Mr Middleton is having a busy retirement. In addition to his hobbies and his dementia blog, he’s a lived-experience consultant, committee member and volunteer with Alzheimer’s Society.
Since his diagnosis with dementia five years ago, at the age of 65, he’s noticed change to his short- term memory . For example, ‘I can still write apps for mobile phones, but I can’t remember where I put my telephone.”
Mr Middleton believes that Al could help to bridge this gap. “If people incorporate the benefits of using Al into their lives, it will be good for their self -respect and self-esteem, and it will keep them independent for longer . And if it does that, it keeps them out of the NHS system and out of care homes.”
