Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will host the 2022 Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL), an important step in establishing New Zealand as a world-leading country in robotics.
This is the first time the annual international conference will be held in Australasia. It’s expected to attract 600-700 robotics researchers from around the world to Auckland in December for a programme focused on the intersection of robotics and machine learning.
Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team worked with Auckland-based roboticist and University of Auckland senior lecturer Dr Minas Liarokapis to bring the event to New Zealand.
Dr Minas Liarokapis says hosting this conference will showcase New Zealand’s technical advancements in the robotics and automation fields and open opportunities to network and collaborate with global leaders.
“This is one of the first conferences that will take place physically after being limited to being online for two and a half years. The robotics community will get the chance to meet again, exchange ideas and start new collaborations. We’ll get to showcase the work we’ve been doing,” says Dr Liarokapis.
“The local robotics community has advanced New Zealand’s global reputation in recent years, doubling or even tripling the number of papers that we have submitted to the major conferences and being recognised with international awards. We have well-respected researchers in this field here in Auckland, excellent facilities, and we attract excellent talent.
“These international academics will come out to New Zealand and not only find beautiful beaches, mountains and rivers - they’ll find world-class robotics labs.”
ACB Manager, Ken Pereira, says “There is a huge focus on accelerating the technology industry in Auckland right now, and with our growing knowledge in this field it is fantastic to host conferences like this where delegates from around the globe will exchange knowledge, ideas, and skills. This is a fantastic way that our local industry can create valuable connections, encourage investment, and build our reputation globally.
“This, in turn, will support the industry in Tāmaki Makaurau to keep growing, innovating, and building global connections.
"One of the scenarios for our region in the recent Reimagining Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland report is for Auckland to become an innovation region. We are already known as New Zealand’s tech hub and for showing potential for specialisation in areas such as gaming and artificial intelligence. Hosting the Conference on Robot Learning will open pathways to new opportunities," says Pereira.
Tourism New Zealand General Manager New Zealand and Business Events, Bjoern Spreitzer, adds: “We’re very pleased to welcome the Conference on Robot Learning to our shores for the first time. It provides a platform to share our expertise with the world, while helping to secure a future pipeline of high-value visitors that will enrich New Zealand’s specialist knowledge and economy.”
