Kinect Robot Navigation Contest

IROS 2014, Microsoft, and Adept MobileRobots are proud to announce the 2014 Kinect Autonomous Mobile Robot Navigation Contest, to be held in the Exhibit Hall at IROS on September 18, 2014.

This contest will show off the state of the art of autonomous navigation in realistic and dynamic unstructured environments. In this contest, the environment will be populated with realistic items that are known to challenge typical navigation sensors and systems, such as narrow chair and table legs and uneven surfaces. It will also feature moving people and furniture. There may be other surprises as well. Successful navigation will require state of the art mapping and autonomous navigation using a real robot and sensors.

QUALIFICATION PHASE (ROUND 1)
The Qualification Phase will start at 12:01 AM US Pacific Time on April 1, 2014 and end at 11:59 PM US Pacific Time on June 15, 2014.  Entries must be received within this phase to be eligible for potential advancement to Round 2.  See the official rules for more information on how to enter.

EVENT PARTICIPATION PHASE (ROUND 2)
The Event Participation Phase will take place on-site at IROS on September 18, 2014.

PRIZES
Winners will be chosen based on time and accuracy of navigation to specific points within the contest environment, and prizes include a $5,000 grand prize.