Alan Rossney: shaping the future of robotics through curiosity and passion

Immersing into the world of broadcast

After graduating in electronic engineering, Alan began his career in a data storage technology company. Moving quickly, he progressed from doing hands-on assembly and testing into manufacturing and project engineering roles. It was an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry, as the organisation grew from a small start-up into a global business. This became a real turning point in his career as he contributed to developing production lines, carried out time and motion studies and supported the rollout of new products during a significant time when the internet and data demand was booming.

Soon after, Alan moved into the world of broadcast video systems, working with the latest technologies used by organisations including the BBC, Sky and NASA. His role took him behind the scenes of live broadcasting, supporting the systems used at major international events, including the 2012 Olympics. It was during this time he witnessed a significant rapid change as the industry shifted from analogue to digital and internet-based broadcasting began to take hold.

Turning back to robotics

But it was through the encouragement of his children that Alan was drawn back into the world of robotics. Moving into roles focused on automation and material handling systems, he worked with companies like Eiratech, who design mobile robots for large-scale fulfilment centres. This experience ignited his deeper interest in robotics design and automation, eventually paving the way to his current work advising on materials handling and automation within an engineering consultancy, Jacobs.

Connecting through volunteering at the IET

Alongside his professional career, Alan has been an IET member since 2006, but it was in 2020 that his volunteering journey with the Robotics and Mechatronics Technical Network began. After attending several of the network’s webinars, he was inspired by the quality of the network’s expertise and wanted to get involved. He went on to propose and help develop a series of events featuring leading robotics organisations such as ABB, KUKA and Universal Robots, marking the beginning of his role on the network’s committee.

Today, Alan has supported the delivery of technical events, contributed to knowledge sharing across the community, and collaborated with engineers from around the world.

“Every year I try to make something – a robot, a telescope, something that helps me learn.”

Outside of his professional life, Alan is never far from his next project. Each year, he takes on a new personal engineering challenge, from building mobile robots to developing systems powered by machine learning. These projects help him stay connected to emerging technologies while continuing to learn through hands-on experimentation.

Through his career and volunteering, Alan represents the curiosity and commitment that underpin the engineering profession. His willingness to share knowledge, collaborate with others and stay engaged with new ideas reflects the vital role you, our IET members, play in supporting one another and shaping the future of engineering.