Mike Carter - CEO, Roamer Robotics Ltd
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
I was a teacher when computers first came into primary schools and I was not a fan. I could not see any reason why they would be used in school. As I was the youngest teacher in the school I was given the new computer to take home with me. I spent all weekend trying to get it to work, alas, unsuccessfully. I was worried about what the headteacher would say on Monday. When I went in the secretary told me that another package had arrived late on Friday. It was the tape cassette and some programs which could be loaded into the machine. I loaded a mathematics game and thought that the children would really enjoy working on the computer which they did. That was my first step into educational technology. I always had to remind the children in the class not to switch the plugs off at breaktime as that was when I would load the programs ready for the next lesson.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
The tech industry has always been changing rapidly and it is very hard to keep up. I would suggest that someone wanting to enter the industry should master a few key applications and be able to use them to a high standard.
Tell us about the most exciting project your currently working on?
Roamer Robotics is a small start up based in Gateshead and we have managed to get an order to provide the teachers in Miami-Dade County schools in Florida, USA with Roamer Robots. This has the potential to be a really impressive order if the schools then place an order for more Roamer Robots to use with their children in class.
Tell us about your team?
I am the CEO of the company and also responsible for operations. The Roamer Robot was invented by world renowned robotics engineer Mr. Dave Catlin. He is in charge of our technical development team. Mrs Sheila Walker is the Managing Director and responsible for moving the company forward.
What are your long term plans for the business?
Dave is busy working on the next development of the Roamer Robot which will employ wireless and bluetooth and also RFID technology. We are also exploring the use of AI and VR technologies to work with the Roamer Robot providing more phenomenal activities for all users interacting with Roamer Robot.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
For me it is the mobile phone. I know it has its detractors and it can be invasive, but used proficiently it is an amazing piece of kit. I was recently in London and had to reschedule my train back to the North East, I had just purchased a new phone and had to use my old phone for banking details. The old phone was no longer on a network and the WiFi was not great so whilst travelling on the Elizabeth Line heading to Kings Cross station, I shared the network with my new phone, used my bank account details on the old phone and managed to reschedule my train on the new phone, all whilst travelling on the tube. Amazing!
Do you have any heroes or mentors?
I am a great believer in the work of people like Jean Piaget, Lev Zygotsky and Seymour Papert, educators and philosophers. They viewed education as something that was experienced, not something that was done to young people. They all celebrated the power of play. The epitome of this movement for me is the late Sir Ken Robinson. Robinson’s key argument is that creativity is as important as literacy, but that our education system doesn’t value it. In fact, he says, “we’re educating people out of their creative capacities”. He believes creativity is the crucial 21st century skill we’ll need to solve today’s pressing problems. (22nd May 2022)
When not working how do you like to relax?
I like to get out and walk. It clears my head and allows time to recharge batteries and relax. I am fond of visiting towns and cities with my wife. We always invest in a treasure trail, we find that we learn a lot more about places doing this. I like reading and am currently reading a fascinating book about the Huguenot persecution in France.
What’s your fondest career memory?
Being presented with my MA Ed (Res) in 2010 from Newcastle University.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Work hard and plan effectively. Develop relationships and nurture them; the rewards will come over time. I believe, especially in the education market, that there is no need for the “hard sell” approach. If educators like the product and can see an educational value in it for the young people, they will invest in it. Be yourself!
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