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Animal robots give Gravesend a taste of the future

BBC Two small robots with glowing headlight eyes on the floor of St George's Church in GravesendBBC
Crawlybots are four-wheeled flexible robots with large LED eyes which can display animal characteristics

A day celebrating innovative ideas and technology has been held in a Kent town.

The Innovation Showcase took place in venues across Gravesend with experts from leading universities sharing their knowledge with the public.

One of the most popular exhibits on display were the Crawlybots - four-wheeled flexible robots with large LED eyes which can display animal characteristics.

John McKiernan, founder of Fourth Portal which organised the showcase, said the event gave "a glimpse into the future and how it can improve and affect everyone’s life in a positive way".

Andy Payne from Mechanismo Ltd holds a Crawlybot and has a Lightsnake around his neck in the knave of St George's Church, Gravesend
Andy Payne, founder of Mechanismo Ltd, wants people to "play and explore with new technology"

The use of robotics, AI, and improved research were discussed in a programme of free events with the aim of displaying the opportunities available to local people.

Andy Payne from Mechanismo Ltd, which designed the Crawlybots, said he was keen to encourage a new generation to combine science and art to create items that can be used in the future.

"The main reason we go out and do these things is to bring joy, enthuse and encourage people to play and explore with new technology," he said.

Dr Alan Chamberlain with a male and female colleague at Innovations Showcase in Julius Caesar Restaurant, Gravesend
Dr Alan Chamberlain (centre) and his colleagues from the University of Nottingham held talks on AI and robotics

Many businesses along the High Street hosted events, including Julius Caesar Restaurant where a team from the University of Nottingham led by Dr Alan Chamberlain held a series of talks.

“I think it’s important to come to places such as this," said Dr Chamberlain. "It gives academics like myself the opportunity to talk to the general public to get their opinions on what’s important to them in regards to AI and robotics."

Emil Otto Munteanu, who is from Gravesend and studying computer science at the University of Nottingham, added: "It fills me with hope for the future to see the revitalisation of my town that has gone through so much, especially throughout the last few years.”

Sam Jaques, Sabrina Ferrazza and Evelina Morkute stand in the knave at St. George's Church, Gravesend
Sam Jaques, Sabrina Ferrazza and Evelina Morkute, who are from Gravesend, volunteered at the event

Volunteer Sabrina Ferrazza said she hoped the event would help turn North Kent into a technology hub, adding: "I hope Gravesend gets more opportunities to innovate and grow as a community."

Ann-Marie Langley, visiting from Maidstone, said it was great to see new technology in the area and "exciting to see where it can lead".

Two women enjoy demonstration of small robot at St. George's Church in Gravesend
Visitors like Anne-Marie Langley (centre) were impressed by the range of technology on display

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