Above: From left: PISCES team members Amber Imai-Hong, Christian Andersen, and Ashley Truchan with the Helelani planetary rover at Robopalooza 2025.
Last month, the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) team journeyed to Perth, Australia, for a week-long outreach and networking mission that blended science, technology, and cultural exchange.
At the invitation of Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) School of Engineering, PISCES joined and supported two outstanding international robotics events: Robopalooza 2025 and the Indo-Pacific Robotics Autonomy AI and Cyber (IPRAAC) Conference and Exhibition. The visit showcased PISCES’ growing leadership in space research and education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo while promoting Native Hawaiian values of exploration, sustainability, and connection to ʻāina (land).
From left: Ashley and Amber pose with the Robopalooza banner at the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) in Perth.
Robopalooza 2025
Held October 5–6 at the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP), the second annual Robopalooza brought together more than 600 participants from across the world to promote STEM outreach and highlight global innovations in robotics and space technology.
The two-day event featured a STEM Day to engage local students, parents, and teachers with hands-on activities. PISCES Administrative Specialist Ashley Truchan and Project Manager/Avionics Engineer Amber Imai-Hong led a workshop on ‘Ulana pepa hōkū—a Native Hawaiian weaving technique—to teach participants how to create paper stars while sharing the meaning of navigation and community in Hawaiian culture.
Day two focused on industry, and the PISCES team connected with international companies and agencies. Research Director Christian Andersen gave a talk on Hawai‘i’s emerging role in aerospace and resource sustainability.
A rover lent by robotics company Chironix is remotely operated through an obstacle course during the IEEE Telepresence Challenge.
IEEE Telepresence Challenge
Among the highlights of Robopalooza was the IEEE Telepresence Challenge. The competition brought together 12 international teams from eight countries to compete for a $5,000 cash prize. Participants remotely operated a rover through a challenging, lunar-like obstacle course, competing for best time accuracy. PISCES’ own Helelani rover was shipped to Perth to star in the event as it had previously done at Robopalooza 2024. Unfortunately, the rover suffered damage during customs inspection and was not operational. Thankfully the ECU team quickly coordinated a backup rover with Chironix, an Australian robotics company, to ensure the competition could go ahead as planned.
Although Helelani could not compete, PISCES’ involvement helped ensure the competition’s success through technical support, judging, and outreach coordination. Christian played a key role as official timekeeper and mission control liaison, helping connect global teams to the live event in Perth.
Christian Andersen speaks at the IPRAAC Conference and Exhibition on Oct. 8, 2025.
IPRAAC Conference & Exhibition
Following Robopalooza, the PISCES team joined the Indo-Pacific Robotics Autonomy AI and Cyber (IPRAAC) Conference and Exhibition from October 7–8. The event gathered researchers, engineers, and policy leaders to discuss the future of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
On October 7, Amber Imai-Hong joined a panel titled “From Orbit to Industry — Unlocking Downstream Value Through Satellite Data.” She discussed how satellite data can drive innovation and transform industries on Earth. On the following day, Christian Andersen presented “In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and Hawaiian Perspectives on Sustainability,” highlighting how traditional Hawaiian values— including care for ʻāina and the wisdom of Polynesian wayfinders—align with sustainable approaches to resource use and space exploration.
The PISCES team met with faculty and students at ECU’s School of Engineering to share their manaʻo. Facebook photo courtesy of Kurongkurl Katitjin.
Forging Connections
Beyond the conferences, the PISCES team visited ECU’s campus to connect with students, faculty, and indigenous professors for a day of STEM outreach and cultural exchange. Ashley and Amber met with officials to discuss future collaboration opportunities and expand international education efforts. Their visit culminated in a half-day event for ECU alumni and families, strengthening ties between Hawai‘i and Australia through shared values of learning, innovation, and cultural respect.
Mahalo to ECU
PISCES’ visit to Australia underscored the value of international collaboration and cultural exchange. Through events like Robopalooza and IPRAAC, the team hopes to continue inspiring the next generation of explorers while sharing Hawai‘i’s unique perspectives on sustainability and the future of space exploration. The PISCES team would like to express a heart-felt mahalo to the faculty and staff of Edith Cowan University for generously making their memorable trip possible.