Sixteen years ago, the dream was 'a robot in every home.' Today, with remarkable advances in Artificial Intelligence, humanoid robots, and autonomous vehicles, that vision feels closer than ever. Robots now sense, understand, and reason about their surroundings better than ever before. In the USA, robot cars complete hundreds of thousands of rides for paying customers every week. Humanoid robots can jump, flip, and even (slowly) attempt the dishes. But what does it take to integrate robots into society in ways that truly help rather than hinder? What pitfalls must we avoid? And what might a world with billions of robots in homes and workplaces actually look like?

Join Dr Sue Keay and Professor Michael Milford for a deep dive into this fascinating field as they explore the future of robotics and tackle your burning questions.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 27 March 2025

Time: 5:30pm-7pm

Format: 60-minute conversation with the moderator followed by a Q & A with audience

Location: Gardens Theatre, QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Street

Cost: Free

Suitable for ages 12 and up. Livestream available for the event.

QUT is a proud academic partner of the World Science Festival Brisbane presented by Queensland Museum

OUR SPEAKERS

Professor Michael Milford is a leader in robotics research, serving as Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics and an ARC Laureate Fellow. Recognised as an expert in autonomous vehicle systems, AI, and robotics, he blends insights from neuroscience, robotics, and computer vision to innovate positioning technologies for autonomous systems. With a career spanning collaborations with prominent institutions like Harvard, MIT, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Michael is also a dedicated educational entrepreneur, creating STEM resources for a global audience through his company, Math Thrills.

Dr Sue Keay is an influential figure in robotics and AI, acknowledged as one of Queensland's most impactful leaders. She is the Director of the UNSW AI Institute and holds roles as Founder and Chair of Robotics Australia Group, an Adjunct Professor at QUT Centre for Robotics, and serves on various advisory boards, including Australia's National Robotics Strategy. Known for championing diversity in technology, Sue has been recognised globally for her contributions to robotics and automation. Her expertise helps organisations navigate technological change with a people-first approach, prioritising integrity and impactful innovation in digital transformation.

Moderated by Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz

Marek Kowalkiewicz is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School. Listed among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in AI by thinkers360, Marek has led global innovation teams in Silicon Valley, was a Global Research Program Lead and Founding Research Manager of SAP's Machine Learning lab in Singapore, and a Research Fellow at Microsoft Research Asia. His newest book, "The Economy of Algorithms: AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions" is a winner of Australian Business Book Awards (Technology) 2024.

About QUT

QUT is an exciting place, where ideas are generated, questioned, and challenged. Introducing our free public speaker series - 'QUT Bold’ inspiring curiosity, exploring public debate, and connecting you with the world’s great thinkers.

This is your opportunity to debate big ideas, spark your imagination, and ask questions about the most pressing challenges facing us today.

Each forum features influential thought leaders that span disciplinary, cultural, and global boundaries. With knowledge we can help shape our world and better understand our place within it.

About the World Science Festival Brisbane

Each year World Science Festival Brisbane paints the town red and takes science out of the laboratory and across the venues of Brisbane and regional Queensland!

Queensland Museum holds exclusive licence to host the festival in the Asia Pacific – the only global extension of this initiative, attracting over 1.5 million attendances since launching in 2016.

World Science Festival Brisbane reinforces Queensland Museum’s position as a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and engagement.

The festival provides Queensland Museum an opportunity to engage audiences outside the traditional education sphere and promote a whole of life “entanglement” with STEM – delivering on our mission of creating authentic and compelling experiences and stories that inspire, enrich and empower. The festival is delivered to regional Queensland throughout the calendar year under the banner of World Science Festival Queensland.

QUT Bold - The Infinite Awe of Robotics

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