James Trevelyan is the chair of Mechatronics Engineering Chair at the University of Western Australia, and an elected member of the Council of the International Federation for the Theory of Machines and Mechanism (IFToMM).

Between 1975 and 1993 James became well known internationally for pioneering research that resulted in sheep shearing robots. Along with his students, he then went on to produce the first industrial robot that could be remotely operated via the internet in 1994. The robot has been controlled by at least 500,000 people in dozens of countries. In 2002 he was awarded with honorary membership of the Society of Counter Ordnance Technology for his research on landmine clearance methods.

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TEDxPerth 2012 took place on Saturday 8 December 2012 at the Octagon Theatre at the University of Western Australia. Over 500 people attended in person and listeners all over the country enjoyed the day by tuning in to the live broadcast on digital radio.

About TEDx, x = independently organised event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organised.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)