The Robot Doctor Will See You Now: Status and Potential of Robotics in Healthcare
George Bekey, PhD, member, National Academy of Engineering

Wednesday, April 29 2015 7 PM
CLU - Ahmanson Science Building

George Bekey, member, National Academy of Engineering

Dr. George A. Bekey is an authority on robot research and applications, and is known for his scientific achievements, broad technological perspective and humanistic approach. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Bekey was chosen by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lead a 2005-2006 assessment of the state of robotics in the United States, Western Europe and the Pacific Rim. The team's findings culminated in a report to its federal sponsors on American competitive advantages and weaknesses on the international stage.
A former Boy Scout and Explorer Scout leader, Dr. Bekey continues to volunteer with middle school and high school students. He is a mentor for the Arroyo Grande High School robotics team, which competes in the national For Inspiration and Recognition of Technology (FIRST) contest each year. FIRST is a “varsity sport of the mind” that involves building robots from standard parts, to demanding specifications, in limited time. Dr. Bekey also has served on a regional FIRST judging panel.
In addition, he speaks on robots and gives demonstrations for middle school students, and is popular with friends’ young children for passing along various way-cool robots.