Best Practice: Robotics Challenges at European Robotic Forum

Robotics Challenges at European Robotic Forum

Date and place

13-15 March 2024, Italy

 

Our researchers from MCAElab at the University of Genoa recently participated in the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2024 in Rimini, this esteemed event brought together leading experts in robotics from around the globe. 🌍🤖

Our team, comprising Prof. Giovanni Berselli and Dr. Mario Baggetta, organized the challenge on Robotic Manipulation. This challenge aimed to push the boundaries of robotic manipulation and foster innovation in this critical area.

The forum provided an exceptional platform for interaction and networking among end-users, researchers, and technology producers. Our researchers had valuable discussions about the future of robotics and explored potential collaborations with fellow experts.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with leading figures in the field. We are grateful for the enriching experience and look forward to future events where we can continue to contribute to the advancement of robotics technology! 🌟

ERF Challenges & Hackathon

Robotics competitions provide a valuable platform for evaluating the accomplishments of worldwide teams in shared challenge scenarios. They foster discussions, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance research.

In the upcoming ERF 2024, participants can engage in 4 thrilling robotics Challenges and 1 Hackathon, namely:

Challenges

  • Robotic Dog Race
  • Robotics in Agriculture
  • Robotic Manipulation in Manufacturing
  • Drone & Autonomous Vehicle Challenge

Hackathon

-Robot navigation in an urban environment

CHALLENGES AND HACKATHON  SCHEDULE

12 March – setup of the Challenge and Hackathon Area (Sala della Piazza) 13 March

8:00-12:50: all team parallel rehearsal 13:00-14:30: lunch break

14:30-18:00: all team parallel rehearsal

14 March

8:00-12:50: all team parallel rehearsal 13:00-14:30: lunch break

14:30-18:00: all team parallel challenges

15 March

8:00-12:50: challenge finals

13:40-14:00: award ceremony with sponsors in Anfiteatro 13:40-14:50: lunch break

IN PARALLEL

13 March

8:00-10:00: selected team meeting with companies (platinum/gold/challenge sponsors) 16:00-18:00: selected team meeting with companies (platinum/gold/challenge sponsors)

14 March

8:00-10:00: selected team meeting with companies (platinum/gold/challenge sponsors) 16:00-18:00: selected team meeting with companies (platinum/gold/challenge sponsors)

Lessons Learned

Positive: The event enabled to establish connections with start-ups, fostering the hope of fruitful collaborations in the future. This encompassed the thorough promotion of the event, identification of outstanding and professionally recognized specialists, and meticulous coordination of the proceedings. In conclusion, our objective is to host an event that offers educational opportunities on a trending topic, ensuring efficiency, engagement, and appeal.

Negative: the organization of the event was extremely challenging and time consuming. These kind of event cannot be managed if a well structured working team is not available.