The robotics programme in Saint Kitts and Nevis has been growing from strength to strength since we last spoke to Dr. Ricardo Neil in late 2018 and even has expanded to other Caribbean countries. Now the Chairman and Founder of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, Professor Neil discusses, among other things: how the Saint Kitts and Nevis robotics space has evolved; Caribbean-wide trends that might be emerging; some of the challenges or opportunities specific to the region that we ought to consider; and how we could better build a thriving robotics ecosystem in the Caribbean.

 

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Since the mid-2010s, there has been a growing awareness of robotics and automation among the mainstream population and business owners who were especially concerned about the threat of robots displacing human workers and taking over the world. As of early 2024, those concerns have not been fully realised, but increasingly there is a need for us to become more aware of how robots can be leveraged to solve problems and consequently, to be adequately equipped to build those solutions.

This is the challenge that still exists across the Caribbean region. On the one hand, we tend to depend on solutions built outside the region to solve problems in developed countries; and on the other hand, we have not developed the capabilities and resources to allow us to build our own solutions and capitalise on the opportunities to foster innovation and wealth creation.

Luckily, across the region, there are pockets, often in schools, that are promoting robotics through clubs and participating in national and international competitions, but the ecosystem is still underdeveloped.

In 2018, we spoke with Dr Ricardo Neil, a Lecturer at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and the lead for Team Saint Kitts and Nevis, which had participated in that year’s FIRST Global Challenge, a robotics competition that promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers for youth. At that competition, Team Saint Kitts came 36th out of 163 countries, which was especially lauded at the time as the College’s robotics programme was just about two years old and they were competing against countries with decades of experience (Source: Times Caribbean Online).

In circling back to now Professor Neil, we want to learn how the robotics programme at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College has evolved along with how robotics has been developing across the wider Caribbean region.

 

Introducing our guest

Professor Ricardo Neil

Senior Information Technology Professor, Professor Ricardo Neil, is a leading figure at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in Saint Kitts and Nevis. He is not only the Founder of the International Information Technology Academy of Excellence (IITAE) but also serves as the Chairman and Founder of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association. Recognised for his expertise in both academia and science, Professor Neil is credited as the visionary behind the development of the College’s competency-based capstone project. This pioneering initiative aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge crucial for success in their chosen career paths, earning widespread recognition and success within the college community.

Beyond his institutional roles, Professor Neil actively participates in various research endeavours. His research areas span robotics, artificial intelligence, humanoid technology applications, web development, and systems engineering, showcasing his diverse interests and expertise.

As a dedicated scientist and technology expert, Professor Neil is committed to advancing the field through continuous research and innovation. His notable contributions in these domains have solidified his standing as a respected figure in the scientific community, offering valuable insights to those eager to stay abreast of the latest technological developments.

 

Insights into our conversation

Having interviewed Professor Neil in 2018, it was interesting to explore how the robotics initiative in Saint Kitts and Nevis has evolved over the past five years. Thankfully, interest in robotics has grown there and Professor Neil and his team are tapping into the emerging interest in other Eastern Caribbean countries.

However, as the spirit of innovation continues to become more established, other challenges begin to emerge. During the conversation, matters related to brain drain, cyber independence, and owning our innovations were discussed, along with why upskilling and reskilling are vital. Professor Neil is of the view that the Caribbean region is on the cusp of becoming an innovation powerhouse, but we have to have our bases covered.

Below are key questions that framed our discussion.

  1. Since we last had you on the Podcast, what has been happening in robotics in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and from what you have observed, the wider Caribbean?
  2. What have you been observing regarding the adoption and integration of robotics in Saint Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean?
  3. Are there any unique challenges or opportunities specific to the region that we ought to consider?
  4. What are the latest advancements in robotics that are shaping the future of the field? How are these trends relevant to the Caribbean region?
  5. What are the potential benefits and challenges of increased automation in the Caribbean?
  6. What are the necessary steps to build a thriving robotics ecosystem in the Caribbean? How can collaboration and knowledge sharing be encouraged?
  7.  Having worked in academia, how can we better equip Caribbean youth with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the field of robotics?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

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Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  R Neil;  R Neil; ThisisEngineering RAEng (Unsplash);  Pavel Danilyuk (Pexels);  NoName_13 (Pixabay)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez