Exploring the intersection of AI, robotics, and space technologies in the future of work

The dynamic sectors of AI, robotics and space technologies are creating a revolution not only in terms of what is possible but also in how we live, work, and interact with the world around us and how the future as we know it will be defined. As we embark on this exciting journey, we will explore the myriad of opportunities these advancements bring, particularly for prospective students and postgraduates.

This exploration will provide a panoramic view of how these technologies are reshaping industries, addressing societal challenges, and setting the stage for an unprecedented leap into the future. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland is delving into the intricacies of these transformative forces and their roles in the digital ecosystem of tomorrow.

The evolution and impact of AI and automation

To understand the impact and continual evolution of AI and automation, we need to gain perspective on where we are now to understand what the future potential and opportunities are. While there is plenty of talk about AI and robots replacing humans and taking over jobs, there is little highlighted about the new possibilities, new jobs, new industries, and businesses that will flourish because of embracing these innovative technologies such as robotics and AI.

New Zealand is well known for its primary produce, dairy being the largest export industry (Statistics New Zealand, 2022), however in 2022 we saw a decrease in the production of horticulture, in part due to changing weather patterns combined with disease and labour shortages. The challenging landscape for the farming community with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns pose countless risks that require resolutions; one of which is keeping track of livestock in fields.

A kiwi start-up called ‘Halter’ has created an innovative engineering solution which support farmers to unlock the most productive and sustainable farms. The Halter system uses a patented technology cleverly called the Cowgorithm which helps bridge the gap between human and animal understanding.

The cows are fitted with ergonomically designed collars that not only monitor the cows for signs of ill health but also translate human intentions into signals that the cows understand. From doing this it can then translate the animals’ behaviour into insights that a human can understand too.

The Halter system eliminates the need for electrical fencing, motorbikes, dogs, and gates which have been the traditional mainstay for shifting cows around paddocks. Instead, through a combination of audio cues, vibration, and low energy pulses, the cow gets a signal that gently guides them back to being within the virtual boundary.

Halter is a start-up that was founded by Craig Piggott, a Faculty of Engineering graduate in mechanical engineering. Like most new graduates Craig started off his career at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare as a product development engineer, before joining Rocket Lab USA as a mechanical engineer followed by now being the founder and CEO of Halter Limited.

Halter is one of the several examples of how by tapping into the power of automation and AI, we can solve real world problems in a tangible way.

Halter’s technology company has not only solved a problem faced by the industry at large, but also created a range of jobs ranging from software and hardware engineers to animal behaviour experts and data analysts, proving that while some industries may change, new ones will emerge, and that constant is the evolution of the workforce as we know it.

Robotics helping to combat labour shortages and provide lifesaving procedures

Alongside horticulture, another industry that has been impacted by labour shortages is the health care sector. We are seeing increased wait times for surgeries and an acute shortage of skilled staff.

New technologies that intersect between robotics, AI and 5G could help accelerate quality of life for people impacted by limiting conditions such as in the age care sector.

Yuqian Lu, researcher at the Faculty of Engineering, is working on developing a solution that leverages the capabilities of AI and 5G to make smarter robots that can understand and work collaboratively with humans. These robots in conjunction with AI and 5G could understand human needs and provide contextual assistance at the time needed, such as handing over a piece of equipment, providing lifesaving procedures to enhance quality of life, or by using tele operated robots remotely for surgeries performed by knowledgeable experts in their area from overseas.

Unique engineering solutions that have emerged through the application of robotics and machine learning can provide navigational aid for the visually impaired through to tools for maintenance of large structures.

Robotics combined with machine learning can automate and simplify complex tasks, which would otherwise be hazardous for humans.

Cleaning water from space

Te Pūnaha Ātea – The Space Institute is also a leading player in New Zealand’s space industry. They continuously foster new academics and postgraduates research in independent study and in-house projects. The Institute has established a cleanroom, satellite test facilities and a mission operations centre, providing the necessary infrastructure to develop, test and operate satellite hardware. These are used to serve University of Auckland projects as well as various domestic and international space sector endeavours.

One among them is the Clear Shores mission, submitted to the Endeavour Fund, a research fund administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The Clear Shores programme aims to improve the quality of water in the lakes, estuaries, and coastal oceans of New Zealand. This will be accomplished by launching a satellite into space with a camera that will be able to produce high-resolution multispectral images of water bodies.

These multispectral images can see many more colours than that of the human eye, so with this the sensors in the satellite will be created for evaluating algae, sediment build-up, water colour and erosion, among other things. One of the ways this can be done is by assessing sunlight reflected in the water.

The mission hopes that councils, iwi, businesses, and community members will get involved and use the Clear Shores interactive data platform. Due to a daily revisit, from this interactive data, users could receive their images within 24 hours with images also available to be requested for future dates.

Clear Shores will provide opportunities for undergraduate, masters and PhD students during the five-year programme. Many of the postgraduate projects with Clear Shores require embedded coding, mechanical, optical, electrical instrumentation and payload computer design. Some of these opportunities could include:

• Development of systems to identify cloud cover regions with the onboard image processors to determine ground target prioritisations so that water targets, not clouds, are captured correctly
• Mechanical alignment of optical elements in the payload deployable telescope
• Calibration region fieldwork
• Part of the operations team
• Work with project partners
• Water quality science— in partnership with the Faculty of Science

Who are the partners?

This project also provides students with the opportunity to connect with Clear Shores research and industry partners. The ten partners all have opportunities for networking, collaboration and employment after graduation, which are:

• University of Auckland Space Institute
• Robinson research institute at VUW
• Ocean numerical (Oceanum)
• Xerra
• StardustMe
• University of Canterbury
• Asteria Engineering
• Newspace Systems
• CSIRO
• EnviroStrat

The exponential age is setting the stage for limitless possibilities and opportunities.

The exploration of AI, robotics and space technologies have already begun to reshape industries and societal norms. It is evident that this trajectory will continue, and in the process, create unique solutions to real-world problems and redefine the future of work.

The constant evolution of these fields calls for an agile mindset, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt and grow with the advancements. As we move forward, it becomes crucial to ensure the balance between technological progress and societal needs to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

To be part of this new exponential age, find the masters programme that's right for you by taking our postgraduate Engineering quiz.