Joining me today is Dr Simona Mihaita. Simona is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology in Sydney, founder and leader of the Future Mobility Lab. She is an industry-focused academic delivering value for people living in smart cities via her strong engagement with the government and several industry partners. Her research focus is to improve people's movement via artificial intelligence in a smart city context. Simona holds several leadership roles securing funding over $5M in initiatives such as the Australian-Singapore Strategic Collaboration via a joint NRF-ARC Linkage Project, the "Premiere's Innovation Initiative" for easing congestion leading to ICMP (Intelligent Congestion Management Program), the "On-Demand Mobility" trials in Northern Beaches with Keolis Downer, the impact of Electric Vehicles with AEMO, the Automatic Road Star Rating with TomTom, the positioning accuracy of connected trucks with TfNSW, etc.

Joining me today is icon in the industry, Garrett Place. His role is Business Development, Robotics Perception at ifm. Garrett has been with ifm for 18 years. Since 2008 he has concentrated on 3D imaging in both mobile and fixed arm robotics, most recently targeting use cases in the Logistics Automation market. We chat about his journey and insights over his career.

Tom is also a co-inventor of an advanced 3D flight navigation algorithm for drones which is being utilised in new software applications for Aerologix. Tom guest lecturers at one of Australia's top universities – The University of New South Wales, teaching subject matter on Unmanned flight, he also holds a position on a government subcommittee dedicated to developing rules and regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles. Tom's passion for disruptive technology is infections, he is always looking for new challenges, especially drone tech and IoT. Tom has a very successful track record of establishing, executing and delivering large complex technical projects, Tom recently set up the largest drone network in Australia to monitor 1700 km of coastline to enhance swimmer safety. Tom enjoys complex problem solving and welcomes the challenge of empowering team members and creating new innovative ways to solve real-world problems. He has a high passion for life and enjoys a healthy lifestyle, and loves adventure sports such as kitesurfing, mountain biking when time permits.

Joining me today is Dr Sarika Kewalramani. Sarika is an Early Childhood/Primary STEM Lecturer at Monash University, Melbourne. Sarika's research expertise resides in conceptualising kindergarten and primary teachers' understanding of the nexus between creative STEM-based play by integrating technologies (robotics) in their teaching practices and educational programs in ways that promote children's learning and development. Sarika also designs customised professional learning courses to help early childhood educators implement STEM-based play in their programs. A new play-based robot therapy program is also available for Victorian kindergartens to access through the DET 2022 School Readiness Funding Menu.

Joining me in today's episode is Rosanne Jessop, Managing Director, Pilz Industrial Automation (AU & NZ subsidiaries). Rosanne is an experienced strategic thinker who has a proven track record in leadership, partnerships / stake holder engagement, and business performance. Rosanne has broad exposure to the industry sectors in mining, food and beverage and energy. She has an excellent understanding of Industry 4.0 and digitalisation of manufacturing. Rosanne has a passion for both People and our Planet and fell in love with "Sustainability" at the age of 12.

Joining me in today's episode (48) of "Let's talk robotics" is Alan Jones. Alan is a startup founder coach and tech startup angel investor based in Sydney. He has advised hundreds of Australian startups and invested in many of the best. Alan was an early investor in Australian tech startup icons Pollenizer, Startmate and Blackbird Ventures, and recently paused raising a pre-seed and seed-stage fund, M8 Ventures, with Emily Rich. Alan has coached startup founders in programs for Atto, BlueChilli, Catalysr, Collider, CyRise, Monash University, Moonshot, muru-D, NZ ScaleUp, Remarkable, Startmate, Sydney School of Entrepreneurship and UTS.