Makers Meetup #23: Dr. Vijay Kumar and the Future of Aerial Robotics


Details
Please join us, starting at 5:00pm on February 7, 2019, when we welcome world-renowned scientist and innovator, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Dr. Kumar studies the control and coordination of multi-robot formations, which can move together in intelligent - yet eerie - formation. As Dean he is continuing his work in robotics, blending computer science and mechanical engineering to create the next generation of robotic wonders. Previously, he directed GRASP, a multidisciplinary robotics and perception laboratory, now located at Pennovation. The GRASP lab was an important part of last summer's Philly Maker Faire.
More about Dr. Kumar's research can be found in his TED talks. https://www.ted.com/speakers/vijay_kumar
From 3-5 we will be featuring coaching sessions by Cynthia Dahl of the UPenn Detkin Clinic (IP matters), Matt Bell of NextFab (product prototyping) and Mark Trabbold of Ben Franklin Technology Partners (early stage financing). We'll be sending out the sign-up links.
The program, networking and gourmet pizza will kick off at 5:00 with a table-top showcase featuring interesting work in the fields of robotics and other maker innovations, including ASYLON/DroneCore, Augean Robotics, Aura Drone, BFD Systems, Exyn Technologies, Feldman Consulting and IQ Motion Control. Arrow Electronics, the Maker Faire and Ben Franklin Technology Partners will also be showing.
The formal program will begin promptly at 6:30 with an introduction of the sponsors and a chance for some of the showcase participants to 'flash pitch' their businesses.
At the conclusion of the presentation - time permitting - we'll feature a raffle (with great prizes) followed by community announcements. Are you looking to fill a hire or two? Have a product launch on the horizon? Want to alert your colleagues to other important events or developments? This will be your chance to let the community know.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW VENUE. We will be meeting at the Venture Cafe, within the new Science Center building located at 3675 Market Street. Learn more about it below.
The Science Center is sponsoring the space and drinks (including beer).
While Arrow Electronics continues to let me charge the best pizza I can find to their corporate credit card. Other regular sponsors include NextFab and Duane Morris.
More info on our presenters and sponsors can be found at the following links:
https://arrow.com/
https://nextfab.com/
https://www.duanemorris.com/
http://215marketing.com/
https://sciencecenter.org/discover/venture-cafe/
Thank you also to our volunteers, Fran Rabuck, Laura Chenault, Jim Mergen, Harry Vartanian and will special thanks to Brett Strouss. If you'd like to help with future events (including the Faire), or even just recommend topics/companies to feature, please reach out to me, marvin@innovationfactory.com

Makers Meetup #23: Dr. Vijay Kumar and the Future of Aerial Robotics