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South Pacific robotics conference, a success

May 12, 2019 12:25 pm

The South Pacific Robotics Conference hosted by the University of the South Pacific last week has been hailed a success.

The conference is a platform to shed light on the projects which Pacific Flying Labs, the university and its partners are doing in the region with robotics technology.

Ministry of Women’s director of the Poverty Monitoring Unit Saleshni Naidu says drones are appearing in all aspects of our lives; including recreation, cargo delivery, survey and mapping and personal taxis.

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She says in Fiji we can use drone imagery to assess squatter and informal settlements and help with adaption plans for climate change.

Naidu says it can also be used for rapid assessment of damage – post disaster and for engaging youth; for youth empowerment and development as youths are notably the ones to carry the flagship of sustainable development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The “Fly like a Girl” programme at Pacific Flying Labs is a great example where innovation in technology can be levered to promote females in STEM.