On Wednesday Google was awarded a patent for downloadable robot personalities. The tech giant outlines a cloud-based system that would allow users to download a persona, much like an app, that can replicate the robot’s owner, a celebrity, a fictional character or — yikes — “a deceased loved one.”
The patent is the most recent, and possibly the most signifiant, indicator that advances in robotics need to be accompanied by serious ethical and legal conversations.
That’s the premise behind We Robot 2015, the largest robotics law and policy-focused event in the U.S. The two-day conference kicks off April 10 at the University of Washington School of Law. Programming includes expert panels, demonstrations, networking, and a keynote from Tony Dyson, the man who built R2D2 for Star Wars.
Register for We Robot for free here.
That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.
Sakura-Con
The Pacific Northwest’s biggest anime convention is returning for its 18th installment. The event will feature gaming, contests, expert panels, a masquerade ball, and more. Online registration for Sakura-Con is closed but the event isn’t sold out. Attendees can purchase passes for $70 at the door.
When and where: April 3, 8:30 a.m. – April 5, 6:30 p.m. Washington State Convention Center, Seattle.
NASA International Space Apps Challenge
Space geeks, technologists, engineers, even artists are encouraged to participate in this hackathon. NASA will hold 35 challenges across four themes: Robotics, Humans, Earth, and Outer Space. Participants can sign up individually or as teams. There are also judge spots available for guests who want to attend but not compete. After 48 hours of intense work, the event will wrap up with a dinner and presentation ceremony. Registration info is available here.
When and where: April 10, 4 p.m. – April 12, 8 p.m. Jigsaw Renaissance, Seattle.
Want to go from corporate to a startup? Hear how Techstars can help!
Members of the Seattle tech community are constantly making the leap from corporate to startup and sometimes back again. Fortunately for those considering taking the entrepreneurial plunge, that means there are a ton of resources available. Startup incubator Techstars is one such resource, and it’s hosting an event for Seattle geeks who may be on the fence about ditching their corporate gigs. Hear from Shippable’s Avi Cavale, Reveal’s Nick Soman, and Haiku Deck’s Adam Tratt during a panel discussion followed by networking. More info available about this free event is available here.
When and where: April 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Startup Hall, Seattle.
B2B Startup Weekend Seattle
This special B2B Startup Weekend is designed to help participants launch their businesses in just 54 hours. Attendees will pitch their ideas, form teams, and then work through the weekend until final presentations Sunday evening. 9MileLabs Partner Kevin Croy and Madrona Managing Director Tim Porter will be speaking and experts from Amazon, Google, Avalara, and Microsoft will provide guidance throughout the process. Tickets are on sale for $25 – $99 here.
When and where: April 17, 6:30 p.m. – April 19, 9 p.m. SURF Incubator, Seattle.
Items for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for geeky gatherings and technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest.
