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ICRA@40
40th Anniversary of the IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation
23-26 September, 2024
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to ICRA@40!
Esteemed researchers, distinguished guests, and passionate enthusiasts of robotics and automation, we are thrilled to welcome you to a special symposium commemorating 40 years of the founding of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) and the launch of ICRA, the largest conference in robotics. This landmark event, ICRA@40, marks a significant milestone in the history of robotics as an intellectual discipline, offering a unique format that promises to be a historic gathering.
For four days, we will embark on a journey through the evolution of robotics and automation, from its early days as a subfield of disparate fields to its current incarnation as a rich intellectual discipline in its own right. The event is structured into eight half-day plenary sessions, each featuring a series of prestigious keynotes covering the core topics of our field. From the design and control of robots to the latest advancements in AI tools and materials, our speakers will explore the innovations that have shaped our past and the technologies that will define our future.
ICRA@40 is not just a celebration; it is a platform for reflection and debate. We invite all attendees to engage in numerous panels and discussions on crucial issues, such as the societal impact and ethical implications of robotics and automation, the growing role of AI in our field, and its industrial and societal significance. These sessions are designed to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and foster a deeper understanding of our shared challenges and opportunities.
We are proud to provide a stage for practitioners from well-established industries to dynamic start-ups, offering industry pitches that showcase successful use cases and highlight open problems for the future. This interaction between academia and industry is a cornerstone of ICRA@40, ensuring a comprehensive view of the field’s current state and future direction.
Those wishing to participate are encouraged to contribute by submitting late-breaking abstracts and videos of their most recent work. These contributions will be featured in poster and multimedia sessions, providing a vibrant forum for the latest innovations and discoveries.
We recognize the importance of accessibility and are pleased to offer generous travel grants for those in need of financial support to attend the conference. For more information on criteria and deadlines for submission of requests, please refer to our dedicated webpage.
Networking and dissemination are at the heart of ICRA@40. We have curated multiple opportunities for attendees to connect, including interactive panels and debates, luncheons with leaders, and numerous social events tailored for students, industry practitioners, and under-represented groups. These events are designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities.
Welcome to ICRA@40. Let us celebrate the past, inspire the present, and shape the future of robotics and automation together.
40 Years of Spearheading Innovation
Editions Highlights
1984
The inaugural ICRA conference established a crucial platform for robotics and automation research. Key discussions included foundational topics in robotic control and automation technologies. Notable speakers included Marc Raibert and Wesley Snyder.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1985
Focused on expanding foundational topics in robotics, featuring advancements in robotic manipulators and industrial applications. Attendance nearly doubled from the first conference, reflecting growing interest in the field.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
1986
Marked by significant international participation, this edition saw over 800 attendees, including 132 from 19 countries. Key topics included robotic navigation and autonomous systems.
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
1987
Continued focus on industrial applications, with notable advancements in robotic systems integration. This conference highlighted human-robot interaction and collaboration.
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
1988
Emphasized the integration of robotics into manufacturing, showcasing advancements in automation and control systems. The conference featured significant contributions from industry leaders.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1989
This edition focused on robotic vision and sensory integration. It showcased the early developments in vision-based control systems and sensor fusion technologies, crucial for enhancing robot perception and autonomy.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1993
Emphasized the integration of robotics into manufacturing, showcasing advancements in automation and control systems. The conference featured significant contributions from industry leaders.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1995
Held in Japan for the first time, ICRA 1995 emphasized advancements in robotic manipulation and control. It featured significant contributions from Japanese researchers, showcasing innovations in precision control and industrial automation. It marked the first time the conference was held outside the USA.
Location: Nagoya, Japan
1997
ICRA 1997 was notable for its focus on mobile robotics and autonomous vehicles. It featured advancements in path planning, navigation, and control systems for autonomous ground and aerial vehicles.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
1999
This edition highlighted the integration of robotics in manufacturing and assembly lines. It focused on robotic welding, automated inspection, and the use of AI for optimizing industrial processes.
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
2000
Known as the Millennium Conference, ICRA 2000 highlighted significant advancements in mobile robotics and AI. Key presentations included innovations in robotic navigation and autonomous systems.
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
2007
Focused on human-robot interaction and the integration of robots into daily life. This edition showcased advancements in robotic assistance for healthcare and elderly care.
Location: Rome, Italy
2013
Emphasized the role of robotics in manufacturing and logistics. Notable presentations included the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots) designed to work alongside humans.
Location: Karlsruhe, Germany
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICRA 2020 was held virtually for the first time. This edition highlighted advancements in telepresence and remote operation technologies.
Location: Virtual Conference
2023
ICRA 2023, held at ExCeL London, featured over 6,000 attendees and showcased the latest innovations in robotics and automation. Keynotes included Hugh Herr on bionic limbs and Jasia Reichardt on the “uncanny valley”. The event also highlighted advancements in AI integration and soft robotics.
Location: London, UK
2024
Scheduled to focus on the theme “CONNECT+,” aiming to foster collaborations and connections across different fields of study. The conference will feature plenary sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, emphasizing the integration of robotics in society and diverse applications.
Location: Yokohama, Japan