Hon Pete Hodgson
Minister of Economic Development
Minister for Research Science and Technology
Hon David Cunliffe
Minister for Communications and Information Technology
20 June 2008
Media Statement
NZ exporters to benefit from new robotics programme
Economic Development and Research Science and Technology Minister, Pete Hodgson, and Communications and Information
Technology Minister, David Cunliffe, have announced a major research programme into personalised robotics in the aged
health sector which has the potential to place New Zealand in the export market of the growing global robotics industry.
Pete Hodgson said, “The global market for these types of products is estimated to be worth several billion US dollars.
New Zealand firms alone may capture several hundred million dollars.”
The programme will examine the use of robotic devices in medical facilities that are essential to the health of many
older New Zealanders.
“The Intelligent Robot Division at Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and University
of Auckland will establish the New Zealand/South Korea Robotics Centre. The centre will take the existing Korean robot
template and customise it for the needs of medical professionals in western countries, including in New Zealand,” said
Pete Hodgson.
“This work will help develop the technology for robotic nurse assistants, medication delivery robots and even social
companions in hospitals.”
Pete Hodgson said that the government is supporting the centre with funding of $1.8 million over three years through its
International Investment Opportunities Programme.
The programme will build on the University of Auckland’s expertise in robot programming, emotion recognition,
psychological and clinical evaluation, healthcare informatics, wireless transmission and speech communication.
David Cunliffe said,”The Centre is a tribute to the efforts of the University’s researchers, Auckland UniServices and
government officials.”
“It is also an example of researchers, specialist managers and the government working together to take a significant
step towards world-class products with global export opportunities.
“The research team will work closely with New Zealand companies and Korean robotics companies to develop health and
elder care robotic technologies and applications for export to the growing international market.”
ENDS