AI and Robotics Startup Challenge
What will you gain from this competition?
As a participant, you will walk away with a solid foundation in robotics, spanning locomotion, computer vision, autonomous navigation, and AI applications. You will have hands-on experience building AI powered robots, navigating and integrating hardware with advanced software frameworks like ROS and TensorFlow. Beyond technical knowledge, it will help fosters innovative thinking, laying the groundwork for impactful contributions you may wish to explore via entrepreneurial ventures.
Key Themes
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Immersion Time
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Competition Level
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Start
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Location
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Fees
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Format of the Competition
We are going to train you on building an AI powered robot, that will help you develop a prototype robot. In addition to demonstrating your developed robot prototype, you will be pitching your startup idea infront of a panel of experts.
You may showcase your AI powered Robot design skills in an array of themes, from the given core themes. You may chose a combination from the core themes as follows:
- Core Themes (Technology - Build a AI powered Robot) - any ONE
- Core Themes (Tech StartUp) - any ONE
Key Takeaways
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Mentorship
Our Domain Experts will take you through the required Knowledge threads during the competition |
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Manuals & Notes
All learning resources packaged for reference |
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Augmented Learning
Advanced AI & Robotics, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startup Mentoring Sessions |
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AI powered Robot including Hardware & Software used to Refine It |
Yes ! You will take home, the refined AI powered Robot you have built
The above Robot is for illustration purpose Only
Core Themes (Technology - Build a AI powered Robot)
For Building a AI powered Robot, please select any ONE theme from the following core themes:Building a AI powered Robot - Locomotion
AI & ROBOTICS
Key Challenges
Applying differential drive for wheeled Robot, configure for:
- Hardware and System Software Setup for a Basic Robot
- Construction of the Robot (Motor Drivers, Connection between Controller Circuit & Motor Driver)
- Program Robot Locomotion Logic based on Perception (Sensor Type)
Knowledge Threads
To solve the key challenges, you are expected to learn & apply knowledge as indicated in the following topics:
- Robot Locomotion, Motion Path Planning, Robot Kinematics (Differential Kinematics)
- AI on the Edge - AI usage patterns in Robotics
- AI applications such as Deep Learning Frameworks on the Edge (e.g., TensorFlow Lite)
Knowledge Snippet
Did you know AI on the edge enables robots to take optimal decisions even with limited computational resources?
Locomotion and Sensors and usage of AI algorithms —the building blocks of all robots. Learn how AI powered robots move, calculate motion paths, and use kinematics to solve real-world challenges. For instance, you would be able to appreciate how rovers in space missions use differential kinematics to seamlessly navigate complex environments.
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
You will be supported by mentors throughout the competition, to enable you grasp these specialist knowledge threads. Furthermore, in augmented learning sessions, various facets of Robotics using AI algorithms like Deep Learning will be explained.
Building a AI powered Robot - Computer Vision
& ROBOTICS
Key Challenges
Applying AI model of your choice, configure for:
- Camera Hardware and Software Setup
- Video Feed Capture and Processing
- Interfacing between Microprocessor and Hardware Components
Knowledge Threads
To solve the key challenges, you are expected to learn & apply knowledge as indicated in the following topics:
- Robot Operating System (ROS) Architecture
- ROS flavours (Space ROS)
- Computer Vision Challenges, Image Representation
- AI algorithms for Image Recognition
Knowledge Snippet
Space ROS is an open-source software framework, derived from ROS 2, is platform independent, portable, and project independent. Did you know, that the Space ROS project started with a joint agreement between Blue Origin and NASA. NASA has used ROS in its Robonaut 2 and Astrobee robots on the International Space Station, and was in preparatory stage for ROS2 usage at the ground node of the VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission.
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
You will be supported by mentors throughout the competition, to enable you grasp these specialist knowledge threads. During augmented learning, your mentors will explain further the interconnected disciplines of AI and Robotics, for various facets of Computer Vision.
Building a Robot - Autonomous Navigation
& ROBOTICS
Key Challenges
Utilizing Navigation Stack in ROS System, configure for:
- LiDAR-based SLAM OR
- Visual SLAM using Depth Cameras
Knowledge Threads
To solve the key challenges, you are expected to learn & apply knowledge as indicated in the following topics:
- Mapping & Localization in Robots and associated algorthmic approaches including AI techniques
- Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)
- Navigation Stack in ROS
Knowledge Snippet
Ever wondered how delivery bots navigate crowded city streets or Robots in unknown Territories like Mars apply principles of autonomous navigation (while being assisted by humans) ?
Mars Perseverance Rover, designed and operated by NASA, and researchers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech is one such robotic marvel example, with multiple successful explorations in the rugged terrain of Mars, by utilising stereo imaging, while being on self-drive mode.
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
You will be supported by mentors throughout the competition, to enable you grasp these specialist knowledge threads. In augmented learning sessions, our domain experts will take you through advanced AI concepts and applications for Localization and Mapping in autonomous Robots
Demonstration Format
You may chose to demonstrate your achievements within ROS (Robot Operating System) Simulation or by using a physical robot model. The Robot can be build using combination of Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards. Demonstration with Physical Robot will result in higher score than Simulation only model.
Tech Startup Strategic Management
Core Themes (Tech StartUp)
Envision building a Scalable Tech Startup, design a prsentation selecting any ONE of the themes from the following:Tech Startup Team & Product
MANAGEMENT
Key Challenges
Utilising Technology Innovation principles, strategise for:
- Team-building strategies for early-stage startups
- Product lifecycle and agile development techniques
Knowledge Threads
To solve the key challenges, you are expected to learn & apply knowledge as indicated in the following topics:
- Tech innovation and Entrepreneurship
- End-to-end Tech product lifecycle (ideation → scaling)
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP) design & validation, Roadmapping, Commercialization
- Team dynamics & group decision-making, managing high-growth global teams
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
You will be supported by mentors throughout the competition, to enable you grasp these specialist knowledge threads. In the augmented learning sessions, our domain experts will explain various strategies in the arena of Tech Startup, from ideation to scaling, including MVP and managing high growth teams.
Tech Marketing & Scale Operations
MANAGEMENT
Key Challenges
Utilising Technology Management principles, strategise for:
- Digital Marketing and AI Customer Insights
- De-risking Technology Value Chains
Knowledge Threads
To solve the key challenges, you are expected to learn & apply knowledge as indicated in the following topics:
- Digital Channel Strategy, AI Insights, Customer Segmentation & Journey Mapping
- Technology Foresight & Scenario Planning
- Supply-Chain Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
You will be supported by mentors throughout the competition, to enable you grasp these specialist knowledge threads. Furthermore, they will assist you during Augmented Learning, to understand Strategic dimensions of Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications and approaches to de-risk Tech value chains.
Presentation Format
You will be pitching your startup (using powerpoint), structuring your thoughts, with an assumption that in the future, you may translate this into a pitch to secure funding, for your envisioned starup.
Accolades & Certificates
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Performance Criteria
Competing groups will be scored on the presentation of a AI powered Robot prototype (based on the selected themes in technology), and presentation on tech startup they envision.
What's Unique?
Mentoring & Augmented Learning
& ROBOTICS
We would supplement your knowledge and understanding with comprehensive coaching and mentoring required in AI and Robotics to excel in the competition. Furthermore, augmented learning sessions, is when, our domain experts will deep dive with you in the world of advanced AI and Robotics, including variety of fascinating subjects like autonomous navigation, computer vision and AI on the edge.
MANAGEMENT
Our Domain experts would work with you, during and in augmented learning sessions, so as to catalyse tech start up ideas and management principles and best practices for managing a tech start up, from idea to market. During augmented learning, you would explore advanced management strategies, such as integrated marketing communications using digital channels, and strategies to pre-empt any risks in tech value chains.
Registration of Interest
You can select a package with combination of available options
Presentation & Awards
Final Presentation
At the end of the competition, participants will present and demonstrate their prototypes. Protype of the Robot in ROS simulations is also acceptable. However all participant are encouraged to aspire for Gold Badges and therefore advised to design and demonstrate a physical Robot as their final demonstration. You will also be required to pitch your startupt infront of a panel of experts.
Awards
The winners will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze badges. In addition, each participant will receive a certificate of participation.
Domain Experts
Our panel of judges and mentors will assist you at every stage of the competition and would act as catalyst to hone up your skills and bring out the best performance. This competition is delivered in association with Cogniifuturis.
- PhD, MBA (City, St. Georges, University of London)
- Academic Director, Cogniifuturis
- 40+ Years in HE Sector
Martin is a graduate of City University Business School, London (now Bayes Business School). Since graduating in 1980, he has worked in many countries around the world in IT, Sales, Strategy, Marketing, Finance, and related areas. Martin is Academic Director at Congniifuturis. Martin also manages online Masters programme (London Graduate School) for international students across 30 countries and professional courses on Starting Up in Business and Fundamental Digital Marketing for City, University of London.
Dr. Roy has spearheaded several large-scale projects, delivering efficient and scalable systems for enterprise clients, focused on Big Data and AI solutions, spread across various sectors such as Finance, Insurance, Aviation, Media, Retail, Education. He also has lead qualification development for Awarding Organisations adhering to the UK vocatonal education framework regulated by Ofqual. A component of his PhD was about design of large scale AI models, and he has taught AI related subjects to graduate programmes in the UK. He is passionate about Space Robotics and is contemplating his second PhD in this arena.
- PhD, Msc (IT), MBA (IT)
- Technical Director, Cogniifuturis
- 20+ Years in Tech Industry
