The next edition of IEEE 2017 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is in Singapore! The event kicked off on Monday 29 May and is running until 3 June. ICRA is one of the leading international forums for robotics researchers to present their work.
The conference theme, “Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Real-world Solutions”, underscores the need for innovative R&D talent, dynamic and goal-driven entrepreneurs and practitioners using robotics and automation technology to solve challenging real-world problems such as shortage of labour, an ageing society, and creating sustainable environments.
ICRA 2017 will introduce a new Robotics Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum, alongside an industry forum, a government forum, an ASEAN & emerging country forum, a public forum (ICRA-X) centred on the conference theme, and an ethics forum.
Plenary talks to feature: Chris Gerdes, Stanford University, USA, presenting on Modeling the possibilities: From the Chalkboard to the Race Track to the World Beyond (Tuesday morning); Hiroaki Kitano, Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc., Japan, presenting on Nobel Turing Challenge: Grand Challenge of AI, Robotics, and Systems Biology (Wednesday morning); and Kerstin Vignard, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research presenting on Framing the International Discussion on the Weaponization of Increasingly Autonomous Technologies (Thursday morning).
The conference will also host a number of high-profile keynotes, technical paper sessions, workshop and tutorial sessions, and exhibitions.
There will also be four Robot Challenges to take place on 30-31 May:
- DJI RoboMaster Mobile Manipulation Challenge is a ground robot challenge that examines the application and competence of technologies that include positioning, object grasping, force control, target identification, and system stability.
- Humanitarian Robotics and Automation Technology Challenge 2017 this fourth HRATC edition will continue to focus on promoting the development of new strategies for autonomous landmine detection using a mobile (ground) robot.
- The Mobile Microrobotics Challenge 2017 in which microrobots on the order of the diameter of a human hair face off in tests of autonomy, accuracy, and assembly.
- Soft Material Robot Challenge aims to promote research in the field of soft robotics and applicability to on‐field competence.
Workshops & Tutorials
25 workshop/tutorial sessions are available for junior researchers. The sessions are to provide interaction and foster collaboration between young researchers, with the opportunity to listen to, and closely interact, with senior experts. The next set of workshops will be on Friday, 2 June.
Special sessions on Emerging Robotics Technology
This year, ICRA 2017 has invited robot experts to share the recent technological advancement in the field of robotics. These special sessions will focus on novel and creative approaches in designing or developing robots for automation, medical or surgical tasks, and space exploratory mission. The event will be held on Tuesday, 30 May.
Audrow will be on site interviewing for upcoming Robots Podcasts; check back for the latest coverage and highlights!
