Building a robot pyramid
There are many theories on how the pyramids were built, but one thing for sure is that it took an army of people working together.
The ability to operate as a large community with a single focus resulted in something magnificent, stood the test of time, and found its way into history books around the world.
Right now in Coeur d'Alene, there are a few hundred citizens giving it a go to build something that becomes a testament of our collaborative effort and works its way into the history books, our very own pyramid: robots.
It has only been six months since the focus has been placed on developing a robotics initiative in Coeur d'Alene, but in those six months the foundation of a pyramid has been laid and the world of robotics globally is only moving faster.
In 20 years, Oxford researchers say, nearly 45 percent of America's jobs will be replaced by automation. As that consumption of jobs continues to kick in, the industry of robotics is estimated to become a $1.9 trillion to $6.4 trillion a year global industry. We are lucky that in Coeur d'Alene there is already a culture of manufacturing that can adapt to the rapidly developing world of robotics.
On top of that, there are an estimated 17+ companies working in robotics in our area and many of them are introducing groundbreaking technologies such as shoebox-sized robots that can haul an airplane.
Let's recap a few of bricks that have been put into place as we build the robot pyramid:
* Twenty-seven experts in AI and robotics from around the world gathered in Coeur d'Alene this summer to explore regulation, education, and mitigation of fears regarding robotics and AI.
* A one-day robotics and innovation festival was hosted at the NIC and U of I Coeur d'Alene, with more than 250 people in attendance.
* A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Kootenai Health, the University of Idaho, Jobs Plus and Innovation Collective stating that we will all collaborate for the purpose of advancing robotic research and development in our region with an emphasis on medical robotics.
* A law was passed to make the city the first in the world to explicitly give robots rights on public property. The law also allows for self-driving cars to be on our roads.
* A 35-year veteran professor of robotics from Tokyo City University, Yoshi Kanamiya, plans to take a six-month sabbatical in Coeur d'Alene to help advance our robotics initiatives with the University of Idaho.
* A "Maker Space" for children, Gizmo, has been established to introduce woodworking, 3-D printing, and "tinkering" to kids.
* A monthly fireside technology and entrepreneurship chat has been established and now has more than 150 in regular attendance.
We have hosted multiple experts in robotics in our city in the last five months:
* Brad Templeton, an early advisor on the creation of Google's self-driving car and chair of computing and networking at Singularity.
* Brent Regan, a mad scientist who has been inventing robots since the 1980s, designer of the robotic arm on submarines, co-inventor of the Wave Glider Robots, and Battlebots champion.
* Kathryn Myronuk, one of the original group to help form Singularity and a leader in thought regarding exponential technologies.
* Guvenc Ozel, a Frank Gehry-trained architect who is known as the "Android Architect." He uses robotics to create environments that reflect your mood and better serve you.
* Yoshikazu Kanamiya, a professor of 35 years in robotics from Tokyo City University and a developer for robotic braces that assist the elderly in the snow.
On top of all that, two new robotics companies have been formed, and robotics assemblies are planned at public schools to pique interest and involvement.
Needless to say, our community here in Coeur d'Alene has been busy building something great and this is just the beginning. If you want to learn more, join the email list on the InnovateCDA.com website or come out to one of our monthly events which can all be found on the InnovateCDA.com calendar.
Our next large gathering, the IC: Fireside Chat, is this evening from 6 to 8:30 at the Cellar, 317 Sherman Ave. There's no entry fee and no cost for wine or beer, but tips for the event staff are greatly appreciated. We will be chatting with the president of Pita Pit USA and making a special announcement about the new Innovation Collective Co-Working space.