Robots. A decade ago pure science-fiction, now quickly becoming a truly disruptive reality. A reality with the power to address some of the biggest challenges we face in our society and industry and with the fantastic ability to improve the lives of people. Recognizing this unique opportunity, 8 research groups of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) have decided to join forces and create the BRUSSELS HUMAN ROBOTICS RESEARCH CENTER BruBotics. BruBotics performs top-notch interdisciplinary research on how human robotic technology can improve the quality of life and working conditions of all members of our society.

As to celebrate the launch of the BRUSSELS HUMAN ROBOTICS RESEARCH CENTER BruBotics and to present our ambi-tious goals, BruBotics and the VUB have the pleasure to invite you to the BruBotics Launch Event.

On 27 April 2016, the 70+ BruBotics researchers together with several key note speakers will submerge you into the inspiring world of Human Robotics, and show you how this technology will have an impact on the people we live with and the world we live in. We’ll showcase some of our most exciting projects, demonstrate how we are helping shape the robotic (r)evolution and give insights in how robotics will affect sectors as diverse as healthcare and manufacturing.

BruBotics and the VUB hope to welcome you to this Launch event, and enjoy a cocktail served by our cocktail robot afterwards.

Kind Regards,

Prof. Dirk Lefeber | President, BruBotics

Please confirm your attendance before 22/04: www.brubotics.eu/launch | Places will be limited

Program: U-Residence | 16.00 - 19.30

VUB rector Paul De Knop | Welcome

President BruBotics prof. Dirk Lefeber | An introduction to BruBotics

CEO Audi Brussel Patrick Danau | Human-Robot collaboration in the manufacturing industry

Founder To Walk Again Marc Herremans | Robots to walk again

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo | Davos 2016, robotics and artificial intelligence

As from 18:00: Demonstrations and poster sessions with reception

INVITATION BRUBOTICS LAUNCH

BRUSSELS HUMAN ROBOTIC RESEARCH CENTER

April 27, 2016 I 16.00 - 19.30VUB - U-Residence I Pleinlaan 2 I 1050 Brussel

Robots. A decade ago pure science-fiction, now quickly becoming a truly disruptive reality. A reality with the power to address some of the biggest challenges we face in our society and industry and with the fantastic ability to improve the lives of people. Exoskeletons, collaborative robots, bionic prosthesis, social robots... the possibilities are staggering.

Recognizing this unique opportunity, 8 research groups of the VUB have decided to join forces and create the BRUSSELS HUMAN ROBOTICS RESEARCH CENTER, BruBotics. BruBotics performs top-notch interdisciplinary research on how human robotic technology can improve the quality of life and working conditions of all mem-bers of our society.

The unique character and strength of BruBotics lies in the wide array of interdiscipli-nary expertise it combines in its 70+ researchers divided over its 8 research groups:

• Robotics & Multibody Mechanics (R&MM) develops technology to allow humans and robots to interact, socially and physically.

• Electronics and Informatics (ETRO) combines visionary electronics & ICT for use in applications ranging from e-Health to affective computing and machine vision.

• Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) tries to map and understand the needs of older people, and investigate how robots can play a role to increase their quality of life.

• Artificial Intelligence (COMO) seeks inspiration in nature to make robots and single or multi agent systems intelligent

• Human Physiology (MFYS) looks at what happens in the brain and body during exercise, in health and disease, and what effect robotic devices can have on them.

• Industrial Engineers (INDI) performs no-nonsense mechatronic research on intelligent robots in non-traditional robot environments

• Studies on Media, Information and Telecommunication (SMIT) investigates the social meaning of technology and helps businesses and society deal with novel technologies.

• Neurological Revalidation (RERE) wants to improve the effectivity and accept-ance of robotics for the purpose of neurological revalidation.

BruBotics is the only initiative in Belgium where interdisciplinary research happens at this scale on how robotics will help humans in the (near) future. BruBotics strives to become one of the leading European research centers in this truly exciting domain, by recognizing that collaboration with both healthcare professionals as the industry will be our key for success.

“ Robotics has the enormous ability

to improve the quality of life of people.”

Professor Dirk Lefeber, president BruBotics