The Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association has entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding with New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS), creating a framework for greater collaboration between New Zealand’s AI and robotics research communities.
The partnership reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and sensing, and a shared interest in strengthening the pathways between research, industry, students and real-world application.
The AI Researchers Association and NZRAS have been aligned on initiatives on a more adhoc basis for a number of years now and will continue to explore opportunities to collaborate, not only within Aotearoa New Zealand but across the wider Australasian research and innovation ecosystem.
Bringing communities together
A key focus of the partnership will be creating more opportunities for the respective communities to connect, exchange knowledge and participate in activities of mutual interest.
This may include jointly delivered or aligned webinars and workshops, student–industry events, contributions to annual conferences, and cross-promotion of relevant events, opportunities and sector developments.
The two organisations will also explore opportunities to better align and promote relevant conferences and ecosystem activities, including the Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA) and the annual AI Researchers Association conference.
Supporting students and research translation
Importantly, the collaboration extends beyond events and communications.
The AI Researchers Association and NZRAS share an interest in supporting students and emerging researchers to build stronger connections with industry. The organisations will explore opportunities for students to present their research, engage with industry and access potential career, internship and project pathways.
Research translation will be another area of focus
The partnership creates opportunities for the Association and NZRAS to collaborate on discussion papers, white papers and other sector insights addressing developments across artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and sensing.
For the AI Researchers Association, this supports a broader focus on helping connect research with innovation and application, while creating more opportunities for researchers to engage beyond their immediate disciplines and institutions.
Building a stronger ecosystem
The AI Researchers Association and NZRAS each bring established communities and complementary areas of expertise to the partnership.
By creating stronger links between those communities, the organisations hope to encourage new conversations and collaborations across disciplinary and institutional boundaries — from fundamental research through to industry application.
The MOU provides a practical framework for that collaboration while allowing individual initiatives and projects to develop organically as opportunities emerge.
AI Researchers Association Chair’s Professor Albert Bifet and Professor Richard Green look forward to working with NZRAS Chair Dr Henry Williams and the wider NZRAS community, and to creating new opportunities for researchers, students, industry and other stakeholders across our respective networks.