In its inaugural edition in New Zealand, the World of Drones & Robotics Congress (WoDaRC) shone a light on the exciting opportunities in drone applications in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The event took place at the Hilton Auckland, 22-24 May 2023, the first time the congress has been held outside Brisbane, Australia.
Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, worked with congress co-owner and aviation, robotics and drone expert Dr Catherine Ball to bring the event across the Tasman.
Dr Ball says: “The congress highlighted how Auckland is leading the way nationally in drone and robotics technology and application. Innovation businesses throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific are already forging great working relationships, so this congress will amplify that collaboration and build industry capabilities in research, design and development.”
Head of ACB Ken Pereira adds: “The opportunity to host this congress in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland allowed delegates to exchange knowledge, ideas, and skills, and encouraged investment and collaboration. Interest in drones and robotics is rising across many sectors both internationally and domestically, and that interest created an invaluable opportunity to showcase Auckland’s innovative technology sector.”
Twice postponed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the event attracted 180 attendees from across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, including academics, business owners and developers in drones, robotics, automation and innovation.
Congress organiser Ashley Gordon of Carillon Conference Management says: “We were very surprised and delighted at the level of sophistication of some of the organisations in New Zealand looking at the wider applications of drones and robots. You’re doing really world-leading things.
“The purpose of the World of Drones & Robotics Congress is to create awareness of what’s happening in the local area and provide a platform for exchange of research, information and business opportunities.”
This was evident at the opening social event, which was hosted at Auckland technology start up community Outset Ventures, providing networking opportunities for local innovators.
This was followed by two days of keynote speakers, education sessions and case studies, plus a very well patronised exhibition of suppliers.
A roster of 36 local and international speakers discussed topics from drone use in different sectors including agriculture, education and healthcare, to remote sensing of the environment, and ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
An opening session on nurturing the local innovation ecosystem to develop this industry included a welcome to the congress from Pam Ford, Director of Investment and Industry at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Ford says: “It was a privilege to be a part of the World of Drones & Robotics Congress, and to have the opportunity to work with some of the participants. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is proud to support the growth of the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s drones and robotics community, part of the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the region.”
About the Auckland Convention Bureau
Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) is a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited — Auckland’s cultural and economic agency. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited supports and enhances Auckland’s ability to compete internationally, and to fuel the growth of the region’s industry sectors of competitive advantage through collaboration. ACB helps conference planners create unforgettable events from start to finish.