Building Robots For The Home

**Cut Through the AI Hype: What’s Really Helping Software Engineers Build Better, Faster** Tired of the noise around AI and ready to see what’s actually driving impact? Join us for a deep dive into the latest global research on how AI is (and isn’t) helping software engineers ship higher-quality software at speed. **Vivek**, former Lead Data Scientist and founding team member at **Multitudes**, will unpack insights from their global **AI Impact Survey** — revealing where teams are finding real productivity gains and where the hype doesn’t hold up. At Multitudes, Vivek led the company’s Data and AI strategy, creating analytics tools that help teams perform better and work happier. He’s recently spoken at LAST Conf, holds a PhD in Optimisation via Quantum Computing, and is passionate about data-driven approaches to meaningful change.

Visitors and newcomers are very welcome, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/newcomer-faq/ for more details. COVIDSafe restrictions are also in place, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/covid-19-restrictions/ for the latest. Short walk from Glenferrie train station. Car parking at Hawthorn town hall. Bring a laptop and a project you are working on. There is also a number of group projects that you are welcome to join in. We have starter kits for Arduino, a couple of 3D printers, various tools and equipment available for use. Typically our sessions run from 6:45pm till later in the evening (depending on our members' availability to close) but if you're new please come early.

Hi everyone, I am so happy to announce our very first event for **Simple AI: Practical Tools for Life and Work (Melbourne)**. We already have 20 members in this group, which is a fantastic start! I started this community because I am passionate about making AI easy for everyone. I hate jargon and I love seeing people save time. For our first session, we are keeping it simple. This is an online "Big Picture" chat to set the stage for everything we will do together in 2026. **What we will talk about:** * What AI actually is (the plain English version). * Why I believe these tools are so useful for our daily lives and work. * A look at our roadmap, including future hands on workshops like prompt engineering and our monthly in person news meetups here in Melbourne. * A chance for you to ask anything and tell me what you want to learn. **How to join us:** This is a free online event. To help me manage the numbers and send you the calendar invite, please register via the Eventbrite link below: **Register here:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/simple-ai-a-relaxed-intro-to-what-it-actually-means-for-you-tickets-1978944340795?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/simple-ai-a-relaxed-intro-to-what-it-actually-means-for-you-tickets-1978944340795?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Join here:**[ https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht](https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht) **Event Details:** * **When:** Tuesday, 13 January 2026 * **Time:** 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM AEDT * **Where:** Online via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht I really want this to be a helpful, welcoming space for you. Whether you are a total beginner or just curious, you are very welcome to join the conversation. I look forward to meeting you all online soon! John

It's time for "Listen Up", our favourite conversation game that helps turn strangers into friends! Join us for a drink and some nibbles while we have fun and make friends. For those who haven't played it before, Listen Up™ is a unique conversational board game that tests your listening skills and inspires deeper connections between participants. There are 3 categories of questions you can get asked depending on the 🎲 you roll! (1) 🙃 Just for fun: all kinds of fun questions from if you were a candy or crayon what would you be to what's your fave smell in the world? 😋 (2) 😉 Share: Cause sharing is caring! Starting to get into the deeper questions like if you have a bad day would you prefer to be left alone or have someone cheer you up? 😉 (3) 😎 Listen Up!: Aha this is where all the deep questions are! (Juz and Nicole will be coming straight from work and will likely be there early. If you want join us for a bite to eat, send a message and we'll keep an eye out for you.) . . . 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 Welcome to our group! We are a bunch of Melbourne friends who decided to open up our circle to some new awesome people. We have a broad range of interests and will post some of our events here so you can come and join us. Join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodexperiencesgreatpeoplemelbourne . . . 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: • Let's keep things respectful. Our group has a diverse range of members and we get along great! This is because we accept one another, avoid insensitive comments, try to keep swearing to a minimum, and steer clear of gossip and mindless venting. • Please be punctual. Our hosts will check the Meetup page and post their location upon arrival before redirecting their attention to the people present. If you are late (more than 5 min), don’t expect to be able to reach them as they may not check their phone. Please allow enough time for travel and parking. (On that note, we don't organise carpooling because of various liability issues.) • If you say you're going to come, then please actually come. Many of our events end up waitlisted so if you claim a spot and don't show up, then someone else might miss out. Attendees who don't show up (or cancel their RSVP within 12 hours of the event) will be flagged as "no-shows". Repeat "no-showers" will be banned from the group to make space for more reliable attendees. • We want to keep all our members safe and healthy so if you are unwell, then please stay home. If you need to cancel within the 12 hour "no show" window, please send a courtesy message to the event host. • Please don't come if you are just looking to hit people up for your own agenda. Our members are so much more than followers for your Instagram account, customers for your Herbalife business, or people for your Forex empire. In our community, we are about adding value to one another. If you are just coming with a self-serving agenda, then we aren't your crowd. • And finally, this isn't a great group for people who like wallowing in life's problems. We choose positivity and gratitude, so bring some with you!

Tuesday's Volleyball Games are on. Games start on Tuesday 7 pm at Ashburton Recreational Centre. All Levels Welcome. NO bookings required. Come and play volleyball with friends. #international #volleyball #club #melbourne

**Collaborate, Share, Talk, Hack, Make, Break, Fix, Enjoy, Learn, Re-use, Contribute** Visitors and newcomers are very welcome, please see https://hackmelbourne.com/newcomer-faq/ for more details. Short walk from Glenferrie train station. Car parking at Hawthorn Town Hall or St Columbs St. Please pay attention to parking signs as the inspectors are always on the job. Bring a laptop and/or project you are working on. There is also a number of group projects that you are welcome to join in. 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Electronics, Programming, Robotics, Prop Building, Costuming, Milling, Machining, Home Automation and more. The Connected Community Hackerspace (CCHS) is a community workshop, sometimes also known as a makerspace. We are run by members for members and are dedicated to providing facilities, tools and networking for members to achieve their projects. Our members work on personal and group projects. If you are interested in making/hacking join our Discord where like-minded people discuss their projects. See Discord link on our website. hackmelbourne.org Note - not all our members use meetup, so the RSVP's here dont reflect the total numbers.

Hi there Join us for a lovely lunch at Trend Cafe in Southbank followed by a stroll through the botanic gardens in the city. There is also the possibility of not coming to lunch and just meeting us at the gardens directly. New members are more than welcome, we are a friendly bunch who are interested in friendship and exploring the realm of second wave humanism. Interested? Come and join the conversation! **12.30PM LUNCH AT TREND CAFE AND RESTAURANT, SOUTHBANK** [menu](https://trendcafeandrestaurant.com.au/menu/) **2.30PM STROLL THROUGH THE BOTANICAL GARDENS** After lunch we will go for a nice easy walk through the gardens. We will explore some of the 'Living Collections'. Check them out here and let us know what interests you: [botanic garden living collections](https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/discover-melbourne-gardens/melbourne-gardens-living-collections/.) IF YOU'RE UNABLE TO ATTEND LUNCH, JUST COME AND MEET US AT THE BOTANIC GARDEN. WE WILL BE AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS VISITOR CENTRE AT 2.30PM. LET US KNOW IN COMMENTS WHAT YOU ARE INTENDING TO DO. If you can contribute a $5 fee for running costs that would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you for a summer celebration. Claudia and Jenny

✨ **Do you want to...** * 🫶🏽 Connect with like-minded people in your local community? * 🏋🏽‍♂️ Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others? * 🌈 Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)? * 🧘🏼‍♂️ Experience a simple yet powerful meditation practice to find calm and clarity? Or maybe you just want to... ☮️💟☯️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet some amazing new people?** *** ### **Join us on Sundays!** Let’s come together, share positive energy, and build a warm, supportive local community. **Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.** *** ### **What’s on the evening’s flow?** * **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in * **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen * **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection *** ### **Everyone is welcome!** All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed. The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need. *** ### **What to bring?** * **Donation:** A contribution of **$10 or more is recommended**. Your donations directly help us cover venue costs, provide resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing. * **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!) * **Water** * **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share** *** ### **Where?** 📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065** Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).** *** ### **Important Notes:** * Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message. * **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future. * Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.

AWS re:Invent is Amazon Web Services’ flagship global technology conference, held annually in Las Vegas since 2012. Every year, the most critical updates and shifts around Kubernetes, Amazon EKS, and AI are first discussed, debated, validated, and refined at re:Invent — shaping technology decisions for years to come. This is not just another tech conference. It is where engineers, architects, and AWS core teams collectively define the future direction of cloud technology. Many AWS technologies are officially announced for the very first time at re:Invent. And just recently, AWS re:Invent has concluded in the US. From AWS re:Invent to Melbourne Bringing Global Cloud Insights to the Local Tech Community Shortly after re:Invent wrapped up, JR Academy is bringing first-hand insights from the global cloud stage directly to Melbourne. At this critical moment, JR Academy, together with KSUG, is hosting an in-person technical meetup to share real observations and discussions straight from the conference floor. This is not a replay or summary of re:Invent sessions. It’s a focused exchange that brings key global cloud judgments back to the local engineering community. Not a “Re-cap”, but a Deep Technical Exchange What engineers bring back from AWS re:Invent is rarely just slide decks. More often, it’s: Which EKS and AI directions were repeatedly discussed on-site Which technologies looked promising, yet sparked real debate among engineers How personal technical judgments and engineering thinking evolve after high-density information exposure These insights are difficult to fully capture through live streams, blogs, or recap articles — yet they are often the most valuable inputs for real-world technical decisions. JR Academy hopes to open these discussions to more engineers. **Event Focus** 🔹 First-hand perspectives from [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com) re:Invent Participants who attended re:Invent in person will share what they saw, heard, and felt — beyond what appeared in keynotes. 🔹 Amazon EKS & Kubernetes topics Exploring changes in platform capabilities, architecture design, and engineering practices, and discussing the next phase of Kubernetes within the AWS ecosystem. 🔹 AI insights & emerging trends Practical takeaways and new signals around AI from the conference. **Event Perks** 🎯 Food & drinks available from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (first come, first served) 🧃 Open networking & face-to-face technical discussions **Registration Notes** ⚠️ Amazon Office security requirements: Photo ID required (Passport or Driver’s License) Registration must be under your real name Thank you for your understanding. **Event Details** 📍 Location Amazon MEL12, Level 13 304/555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 🕠 Time January 14, 2025 — 6:00 PM (Melbourne time) 🎯 How to Register Click “Attend” on the right to secure your spot. 📍 Technical Community Discussion After registration, please contact JR Academy (Xiao Hua) to join the group for deeper technical discussions. Why JR Academy Keeps Doing This At JR Academy, we believe the real gap between engineers is not just about mastering individual tools — but about building independent understanding and judgment at the very beginning of change. Not everyone can attend AWS re:Invent in person. But the key insights it generates deserve to be heard as early as possible. That’s exactly why we bring it to you. **🤝 Acknowledgements** AWS Melbourne Office — Venue support [KSUG](https://ksug.ai/) — Global AI & Cloud-Native Community

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **30%** off [KubeCon Europe](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) 2026 using code **KSAI** * **30%** off [Linux Foundation](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet) Certs using code **30K8SUG** * Up to **30%** OFF popular [Books](https://ksug.ai/books/?ref=meet) and [Events](https://ksug.ai/events/?ref=meet) We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening both in-person at at Amazon and online via [Zoom](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai)! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://speaker.ksug.ai](https://speaker.ksug.ai) **Agenda and topics preview:** * Food, drinks and Socializing * Welcome / Introductions by the Organizers @**[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** * **Topic 1:** **AWS re:Invent re:Cap** by our panelists, **Dale** Orders, **Stephen** Sennet, **Matthew** Gillard, **Michael** Walmsley * **Topic 2:** **Amazon** **EKS update** by **Andrew** Jarrett from **AWS** * **Quiz time:** nice swags giveaways Food and drinks will be provided between **5.30 and 6 pm** on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors @**[Amazon](https://aws.com/)**, @**[KodeKloud](https://kodekloud.com/k8sug)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-01-14) to secure your spot!** See you all there! **Location:** Amazon MEL12, Level 13.304 [555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kbi13GZqj2zDqDz2A) Join **[#Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua)** for latest update 👉 [https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 37% OFF **[KodeKloud](https://ksug.ai/kk/?ref=meet)** Plans - Code: **K8SUGKK** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟏𝟖𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [linktr.ee/ksug.ai](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Jan 13th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition) **Description:** Discover how to design intelligent, task-driven AI agents using **Microsoft Copilot Studio**. Learn how to connect copilots to enterprise data, workflows, and external systems. Explore real-world use cases, best practices, and architecture patterns for scalable agents. Get hands-on insights into what’s new in the Jan 2026 edition and what’s coming next **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

**Unity in Action:** How can we apply Dr. King's message of unity and nonviolence to address today's social justice issues? Join us for a meaningful gathering focused on turning shared values into shared action. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the ***Beloved Community***, this meetup brings people of diverse backgrounds together to connect, listen, and collaborate across differences. Through guided conversation, reflection, and practical next steps, we’ll explore how unity, justice, and compassion can move from ideals into everyday practice—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and relationships. This is a welcoming space for honest dialogue, mutual respect, and collective hope. Come as you are, bring your voice, and leave with renewed purpose and concrete ways to live out unity in action. **All are welcome.**

**Join us for an insider's guide to achieving financial freedom through house hacking.** We will share proven strategies for turning your home into a powerful wealth-building tool. Discover multiple methods to successfully house hack your way to financial independence, including how to find the right property, choose the proper strategy, and own for less than renting. Come for the training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID event playbacks on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/gridinvestor) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join our online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Jan 13th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition) **Description:** Discover how to design intelligent, task-driven AI agents using **Microsoft Copilot Studio**. Learn how to connect copilots to enterprise data, workflows, and external systems. Explore real-world use cases, best practices, and architecture patterns for scalable agents. Get hands-on insights into what’s new in the Jan 2026 edition and what’s coming next **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Hey NOVA homeowners, join our free Seller Seminar on Saturday, January 24, 10am-12pm. Catered Panera lunch will be served. We'll tackle your top concerns, including: * What we expect for the 2026 real estate market * Navigate buying and selling without the stress * Learn whether to sell as is or do updates * Understand top updates to get best Return on Investment * Hear latest Market Update & Info on New Commission rule changes Nearly 2,000 neighbors have attended this educational seminar. Seating is limited, please sign up today. Please reserve your seat using this link [https://ddasellerseminar.eventbrite.com/?aff=meetup](https://ddasellerseminar.eventbrite.com/?aff=meetup)

Ready for the **FIRST Loudoun CyberTech Event of 2026** \- featuring the **Loudoun County CISO**?!?! Join us on **Tuesday, January 13, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1J8_8W2-vSe2WSqQbnxxz0Adwxz1 Are you prepared for what cyber threats will define 2026? Which ones matter and which should be ignored? What does modernization look like in 2026 at the intersection of risk, cost, and security? Join us for an exciting evening with the **Loudoun County CISO** and our spotlight speaker, **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene**, as she explores these questions and addresses what to expect in cyber in 2026! **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** is the **CISO** for **Loudoun County Government,** overseeing information security strategies with a focus on risk management, data analytics, and SaaS. She brings more than 20 years of cyber leadership experience across the federal government and private sector, including roles at **CACI International,** **the U.S. Department of Justice,** and the **U.S. Marine Corps** where she also served in cyber leadership roles at **Marine Corps System Command**. Dr. Di Bene is nationally recognized for her expertise in network and information security and is a frequent industry speaker and FinOps ambassador. Join us next month to meet **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** to learn what should matter most for cyber in 2026! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:20 Spotlight Speaker - **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn