[robocup-worldwide] Call for Participation

[Manuela Veloso]

On behalf of the Organizing Committee:
M. Bernardine Dias (Carnegie Mellon University, USA)
G. Ayorkor Korsah (Ashesi University College, Ghana)
Chinwe Ekenna (Texas A&M University, USA)


Call for Participation:
*ICRA 2015 Forum and Interactive Display Featuring Robotics in
Developing Countries*

Interest in robotics is increasing in many parts of the world, and 
developing countries are no exception.  From research projects aimed at
developing novel robotic systems for unique challenges, to education and
outreach programs that use robotics to enhance students' interest in
STEM fields, the collection of robotics projects in developing countries
provides a fascinating panorama of the potential and impact robotics can
have around the world.

For the first time at ICRA 2015, a session will be specifically
dedicated to highlighting robotics work in developing countries. An
interactive display at the conference will feature information on a
diverse array of robotics projects in developing countries around the
world. Work from a wide range of categories will be featured, including
but not limited to research, education, outreach, academic work,
industry work, governmental work, and NGO work. This interactive display
will also be accessible on the World Wide Web via the conference website
beyond ICRA 2015.

Furthermore,  a forum during the ICRA 2105 conference will allow for
deeper interactions, both in person and via remote participation, with
authors of selected projects highlighted in the interactive display.
Discussions will center on themes such as relevant applications, current
trends and future directions of robotics in developing countries,
opportunities and challenges of robotics work in developing countries,
and opportunities for "south-south" as well as "north-south" collaboration.

All researchers, educators, and practitioners working in robotics in
developing countries, as well as those with an interest in this work are
invited to participate.

How To Participate

Submissions are invited in a variety of categories, including (but not
limited to) research, education, outreach, academic work, industry work,
governmental work, and NGO work. A 2-3 page extended abstract, in the
standard IEEE format, describing the project, can be submitted via Paper
Plaza (https://ras.papercept.net/). This PDF document should include a
link to a representative photo of the project, to be downloaded and
featured in the interactive display.  It can also optionally have links
to additional photographs related to the project. Finally, a short video
about the project (3 minutes, 10 MB maximum) can also be uploaded to
Paper Plaza with the submission.

The organizers will evaluate the submissions, and select relevant
submissions for inclusion in the interactive display, and a subset of
submissions for presentations at the forum. Acceptance notifications
containing further steps will follow once the selection process is
complete.  The forum will be held on Friday 29 May at ICRA 2015.  There
will be an opportunity to remotely participate in the forum, without
being registered for the full ICRA conference.

Important Dates

Entry Submissions Open: 30 January 2015
Entry Submissions Deadline: 31 March 2015
Acceptance Notifications (Interactive Display): Rolling, from 10
February 2015
Acceptance Notifications (Forum): 15 April 2015
Forum @ ICRA'15: Friday, 29 May 2015

Acknowledgments

The organizers would like to thank the IEEE Robotics and Automation
Society and the ICRA 2015 organizing committee for the support of the
forum on robotics in developing countries.

Organizers
M. Bernardine Dias (Carnegie Mellon University, USA)
G. Ayorkor Korsah (Ashesi University College, Ghana)
Chinwe Ekenna (Texas A&M University, USA)