Our Robotics Speakers series (NIS-RSS) is designed to bring together the brightest minds in robotics with the unique technical capabilities of NIS and its members.
Set in the heart of the Silicon Prairie, this initiative aims to catalyze critical conversations among leading innovators, thinkers, and creators in robotics and automation, offering a unique platform for sharing groundbreaking ideas, exploring new possibilities, and forging connections.
Join us on the first Wednesday of every month as we ignite a spark of innovation in the heartland.
COMING UP: APRIL 2, 2025
Coming up next:
Building AI Hardware Products w/ Jared Ostdiek
Exploring the highs, lows, and how-tos of developing products like AI Pin and iPhone.
Join us for an in-depth conversation with the Head of Product Design Engineering at Humane, Jared Ostdiek.
Jared will be joining us virtually to explore his career journey designing consumer electronics – from flagship devices like the iPhone to the 0-to-1 Ai wearables like the Ai Pin (recently acquired by HP). Jared will share the challenges and triumphs of shipping complex hardware and software products. He earned a bachelor's degree in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2013.
Free food and drink will be provided.
PAST TALKS
DECEMBER 4, 2024
Building Robotics Futures
MEET THE ARCHITECTS OF THE NIS ROBOTICS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with the architects of the NIS Robotics Fellowship. These leaders, innovators, and industry experts will share their experiences, insights, and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping the next generation of Nebraska's tech talent. Learn about their journeys, hear their advice for aspiring builders, and gain a firsthand look at how the Fellowship is driving innovation and collaboration in our community.
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Connection: A Forum on Prosthetics w/ Limb Lab
How Limb Lab redefines human possibilities
Limb Lab is a cutting-edge prosthetics and orthotics clinical practice led by Jason Dean, a certified prosthetist and orthotist that has served the Lincoln community for 15 years. Limb Lab is a cutting-edge prosthetics and orthotics clinical practice in downtown Lincoln that provides personal, creative and high-tech solutions to the functional challenges of limb loss and injury.
In this conversation, Jason shares a few of the powerful lessons learned during his journey from small town shop class to aiding athletes and directing the development of prosthetics practices across the US.
October 2, 2024
Building Robotics Networks w/ Jenn Apicella
Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network
Pittsburgh is known as one of the best robotics regions in the world - for good reason. The PRN's Executive Director, Jennifer Apicella, has a storied career journey and many lessons learned from building one of the world’s top robotics innovation ecosystems. Jenn has a strong track record developing strategic business partnerships to expedite commercial expansion across new industry markets, and is actively involved in advocating for workforce equity and inclusion, serving on the National Board of getWITit (Women in Tech), Women in Robotics Pittsburgh Chapter, and several other tech and robotics community initiatives.
September 4, 2024
AI-Powered Food Processing w/ Chafik Barbar
Exploring Marble Technologies’ journey in automation, computer vision, and robotics.
Marble Technologies is a company dedicated to developing intelligent solutions that automate labor-intensive, repetitive, and complex tasks across the food supply chain, starting with the beef and pork industry. Chafik is joined in this open discussion by Evan Griess and Taylor Brandl, experts in mechatronic systems and computer vision, respectively.
NOVEMBER 29, 2023
Surigal Robots in Space w/ Rachael Wagner
Designing a Miniature Robotic Surgery Demonstration Payload for Orbital Spaceflight
Doctoral Student Rachel Wagner (UNL Alumni, NIS Patron) discusses her work in preparing MIRA ("Miniaturized In Vivo Robotic Assistant") for use on the International Space Station.
October 25, 2023
Cheap and Deep w/ Dan Novy
BUILDING AFFORDABLE OCEAN EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR EARTH'S LAST FRONTIER
Emerging Media Arts Assistant Professor Dan Novy discusses his journey through developing low-cost imaging and sensor platforms for democratized ocean exploration. These systems are designed to collect valuable information about Earth's oceans - in some of the least explored regions on the planet.
