Adam Haskard has spent decades learning about information systems and technology. Photo: Bluerydge.
Imagine a world where you have a robot specifically designed to be your personal assistant that not only helps you with household chores but also protects your personal information from cyber threats.
Canberra-based cyber security and technology firm Bluerydge is working to make that world a reality through research on secure robotics to protect users’ personal information as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent in day-to-day life.
Bluerydge director Adam Haskard says the progression of embodied AI is not one to be scared of but understood.
“Through a focus on safety, trust and cybersecurity, we have found that robots can operate without causing harm to humans or their environment, build reliable and predictable robot behaviour patterns, and protect against potential cyber-attacks that could compromise the robot’s functionality or data integrity,” Adam says.
“Consider the complexities of a self-driving car. It needs to navigate busy streets, avoid obstacles and make real-time decisions. Secure Robotics can ensure such a car is capable of these tasks and safe from hackers who might want to take control of it.
“By integrating advanced safety measures and robust cyber security protocols, Secure Robotics can create systems where humans can trust and rely on robots in their everyday lives without fear of malfunction or malicious interference.”
Adam Haskard will present his PhD research in secure robotics at an event at UC exploring the unique intersection of cyber security and robotics.
He will be joined by Associate Professor Damith Herath, the lead of the Collaborative Robotics Lab at UC on 17 June.
Adam says that the importance of robotics and AI extends beyond personal devices.
“In this context, the security and reliability of robots is paramount. Secure Robotics provides the framework to protect these complex systems, ensuring they operate smoothly and safely, thus paving the way for a future where humans and robots can coexist and collaborate harmoniously,” Adam says.
Bluerydge is a Canberra-based cyber security and technology firm. Photo: Bluerydge.
What many people don’t seem to realise is that we have been using AI for years before it got a name.
It wasn’t that long ago when the idea of entering your credit card details seemed dangerous. However, according to the Australia Post’s latest e-commerce report, more than $63 billion has been spent online in the past year.
People often feared their personal information could be stolen by cybercriminals lurking in the shadows.
It wasn’t until robust internet security protocols were developed that people began to trust the internet for financial transactions.
This transformation laid the groundwork for the thriving e-commerce world we know today.
In the same way that internet security protocols built trust and enabled the safe exchange of sensitive information, Secure Robotics focuses on developing advanced safety and cybersecurity measures for robots.
By ensuring that robots can operate safely, predictably and securely, the corporation seeks to build the same level of trust that made online banking possible. Robust encryption, fail-safe mechanisms and resilient cybersecurity strategies are being developed to protect robotic systems from potential threats.
As internet security transformed the digital landscape, making it safe for online banking and shopping, Secure Robotics is helping to revolutionise the way we interact with robots. By addressing safety and security concerns, it aims to make robots as trustworthy and reliable as the secure internet services we depend on today.
On the Forefront of Innovation with Bluerydge and the University of Canberra is on 17 June from 5 pm to 7 pm. Tickets and more information from Eventbrite.
Original Article published by Jacqueline Lyons on Riotact.
