RoboCup Junior 2001 Seattle Washington

RoboCup Junior is a project-oriented educational endeavor that sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students. As a whole, RoboCup (http://www.robocup.org) is a research initiative designed to foster Artificial Intelligence and Robotics exploration by providing a standard problem where a wide range of technologies can be integrated and examined.

RoboCup Junior provides an exciting introduction to the field of robotics, a new way to develop technical abilities through hands-on experience with electronics, hardware and software, and a highly motivating opportunity to learn about teamwork while sharing technology with friends. In contrast to the one-child-one-computer scenario typically seen today, RoboCup Junior offers a unique opportunity for participants with a variety of interests and strengths to work together as a team to achieve a common goal.

RoboCup Junior encompasses several challenges, each emphasizing both cooperative and competitive aspects. Participating teams represent their schools and a mentor accompanies each team. Students of all ages are encouraged to participate. Challenges are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary (undergraduate) categories.

At RoboCup Junior 2001 in Seattle, the following events will occur:

soccer: autonomous mobile robots compete in a two-on-two tournament

rescue: robots race to rescue victims from artificial disaster scenarios

dance: costumed robots move to music, in a display emphasizing creativity

workshop: students, teachers and researchers present innovative robot designs, curricula and experimental investigations

important dates:

15 April 2001: Intent to participate

15 May 2001: Pre-registration

15 June 2001: Registration

7-8 August 2001: Tournaments

9 August 2001: Workshop

For questions, please send email to Prof Elizabeth Sklar at sklar@cs.brandeis.edu.

For information concerning RoboCup Junior 2001: http://www.demo.cs.brandeis.edu/rcj2001

For general RoboCup Junior information, including details on regional events: http://www.robocup.org/junior

Seattle, Washington, USA