Tech Hive Webinar
Deploying Robots + AI in the Real World:
Keynote
Deploying Robots + AI in the Real World: Challenges & Solutions
What does it really take to bring a robot from conception, through the lab, and into the unpredictable complexity of the real world?
Robots are more than mechanical systems, they are intelligent, embodied machines packed with sensors, AI models, and actuator outputs. Designing these systems to operate safely and reliably, while navigating data privacy, physical safety, and human interaction, presents one of the most demanding challenges in technology today.
In this keynote presentation, Cian Donovan shares lessons learned from building healthcare robots designed to work alongside people in sensitive, high-stakes environments. From regulatory hurdles to unexpected real-world friction, this session explores what it takes to make intelligent robotics truly work where failure is not an option.
What does it really take to bring a robot from conception, through the lab, and into the unpredictable complexity of the real world?
Robots are more than mechanical systems, they are intelligent, embodied machines packed with sensors, AI models, and actuator outputs. Designing these systems to operate safely and reliably, while navigating data privacy, physical safety, and human interaction, presents one of the most demanding challenges in technology today.
In this keynote presentation, Cian Donovan shares lessons learned from building healthcare robots designed to work alongside people in sensitive, high-stakes environments. From regulatory hurdles to unexpected real-world friction, this session explores what it takes to make intelligent robotics truly work where failure is not an option.
Healthcare is facing a cybersecurity reckoning where digital transformation, AI, and automation are expanding faster than systems can adapt. From ransomware attacks paralysing the HSE and NHS to growing threats against hospitals and patient data, the sector has become a prime target for cybercrime.
This fireside chat takes a strategic look at the intersection of cybersecurity, robotics, and connected health systems unpacking the operational, regulatory, and human challenges shaping healthcare’s digital future.
Key themes include:
- The Fallout: How major cyberattacks are reshaping trust, regulation, and resilience across healthcare.
- The Compliance Gauntlet: Why mastering security frameworks is now a competitive advantage and how those ahead of the curve are pulling away.
- AI, Data Privacy, and Risk: As intelligent systems scale, where are the new fault lines from local vs cloud data risks to privacy challenges in AI-driven healthcare? Are we building resilience or exposing more vulnerabilities?
- What’s Next: With governments and regulators raising the bar, how must healthcare systems, innovators, and technology providers respond to stay ahead of the next threat?
Join us for a strategic conversation on a future defined by data, machines, and accelerating digital risk.
Fireside Chat with Live Q&A
Cyber Threats, AI Risks, and the Race to Stay Secure
Healthcare is facing a cybersecurity reckoning where digital transformation, AI, and automation are expanding faster than systems can adapt. From ransomware attacks paralysing the HSE and NHS to growing threats against hospitals and patient data, the sector has become a prime target for cybercrime.
This fireside chat takes a strategic look at the intersection of cybersecurity, robotics, and connected health systems unpacking the operational, regulatory, and human challenges shaping healthcare’s digital future.
Key themes include:
- The Fallout: How major cyberattacks are reshaping trust, regulation, and resilience across healthcare.
- The Compliance Gauntlet: Why mastering security frameworks is now a competitive advantage and how those ahead of the curve are pulling away.
- AI, Data Privacy, and Risk: As intelligent systems scale, where are the new fault lines from local vs cloud data risks to privacy challenges in AI-driven healthcare? Are we building resilience or exposing more vulnerabilities?
- What’s Next: With governments and regulators raising the bar, how must healthcare systems, innovators, and technology providers respond to stay ahead of the next threat?
Join us for a strategic conversation on a future defined by data, machines, and accelerating digital risk.
Cian Donovan
Co-founder, Akara Robotics
Cian Donovan is a co-founder and Embedded Systems Architect at Akara Robotics, revolutionising hospital workflows by deploying autonomous robots and AI-powered sensors to reduce repetitive tasks and free up hospital staff. Cian began working as a research assistant in the Robotics and Innovation Lab in Trinity College while still in secondary school, co-authoring numerous academic papers. In addition to winning a top prize at the BT Young Scientist competition, his work has also featured on the cover of Time Magazine and listed on Forbes 30 under 30. His daily work focuses on creating a robust and secure platform to enable Akara’s engineers to develop and deliver robot application code to machines in the field.
Kateryna Portmann
Co-Lead, Women in Robotics | Senior Product Manager, ANYbotics
Kateryna Portmann is a Co-Lead of Women in Robotics and a recognised leader in the robotics industry, advocating for diversity, innovation, and responsible AI-driven automation. Named one of the Top Women in Product with Impact, she bridges technology, product strategy, and regulation to shape the future of robotics. In 2025, Kateryna led a high-profile roundtable at AI House in Davos, convening industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to address regulatory challenges in robotics and AI. As Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics, she navigates compliance frameworks such as the EU AI Act, Machinery Regulation, and AI Liability Directive, ensuring cutting-edge robotics align with global standards. With expertise in robotics commercialisation, AI governance, and human-machine collaboration, Kateryna is driving responsible automation at scale, transforming industries worldwide.
Meet The Speakers
Cian Donovan
Co-founder, Akara Robotics
Cian Donovan is a co-founder and Embedded Systems Architect at Akara Robotics, revolutionising hospital workflows by deploying autonomous robots and AI-powered sensors to reduce repetitive tasks and free up hospital staff. Cian began working as a research assistant in the Robotics and Innovation Lab in Trinity College while still in secondary school, co-authoring numerous academic papers. In addition to winning a top prize at the BT Young Scientist competition, his work has also featured on the cover of Time Magazine and listed on Forbes 30 under 30. His daily work focuses on creating a robust and secure platform to enable Akara’s engineers to develop and deliver robot application code to machines in the field.
Kateryna Portmann
Co-Lead, Women in Robotics | Senior Product Manager, ANYbotics
Kateryna Portmann is a Co-Lead of Women in Robotics and a recognised leader in the robotics industry, advocating for diversity, innovation, and responsible AI-driven automation. Named one of the Top Women in Product with Impact, she bridges technology, product strategy, and regulation to shape the future of robotics. In 2025, Kateryna led a high-profile roundtable at AI House in Davos, convening industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to address regulatory challenges in robotics and AI. As Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics, she navigates compliance frameworks such as the EU AI Act, Machinery Regulation, and AI Liability Directive, ensuring cutting-edge robotics align with global standards. With expertise in robotics commercialisation, AI governance, and human-machine collaboration, Kateryna is driving responsible automation at scale, transforming industries worldwide.
Cian Donovan
Co-founder, Akara Robotics
Co-founder, Akara Robotics
Kateryna Portmann
Co-Lead, Women in Robotics
Senior Product Manager, ANYbotics
Co-Lead, Women in Robotics
Senior Product Manager, ANYbotics
