The Open University Robotics Outreach Group
The Open University Robotics Outreach Group started life as the RoboFesta Research Lab in October 2000. Originally set up as a multidisciplinary research group tasked with promoting RoboFesta in the run up to RoboFesta-Europe in 2004, the group now has a wider remit, particularly in the development of widening participation and educational outreach activities.
As well as the RoboFesta-UK Educational Robotics Network, the group also administers the Creative Robotics Research Network, and has considerable experience in developing scaleable outreach activities for delivery to large audiences on a national basis, as well as converting entry level undergraduate teaching activities to hands-on, public events.
- Website: http://robofesta.open.ac.uk/
Dr Tony Hirst
Tony is a lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and ICT with historical research interests in evolutionary computation and self-adaptive fuzzy systems. A co-founder of the Open University Robotics Outreach Group and the Creative Robotics Research Network, he has a particular interest in developing challenge based learning activities for formal and informal education using hands-on robotics activities. Current research interests are geared towards web usability, personal learning environments, knowledge management and integrated web services.
- Website: http://robofesta.open.ac.uk/tony/
- Blog: http://ouseful.info
Dr Ashley Green
Ashley Green's research background is in solar energy. His current interests are Educational Robotics, Robotics Competitions and Space Robotics. He is a member of the international RoboCup Executive Committee and of the EPSRC College, manages RoboFesta-UK and is involved in the organisation and running of the FIRST LEGO League in the UK. He recently served on the MINDSTORMS Developer Program for the LEGO NXT robotics system.