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ISR Associate Research Scientist Raj Madhavan is the chair of the new IEEE Robotics and Automation Society-Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (RAS-SIGHT).
The group was approved by the Society’s AdCom at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in St. Paul in May 2012. In September 2012, the IEEE Humanitarian Ad Hoc Committee (HAHC) approved the formation of RAS-SIGHT.
RAS-SIGHT has two missions. The first is applying robotics and automation technologies for promoting humanitarian causes around the globe. The second is leveraging existing and emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity and to increase the quality of life in underserved, underdeveloped areas in collaboration with existing global communities and organizations.
In its first year, the group will strive to achieve the following objectives:
• Provide a forum to assess the state-of-the-art on how robotics and automation technology can aid in humanitarian causes
• Bring together RAS-SIGHT members to participate in the group’s activities
• Work with students, researchers, developers and end-users to formulate robotics-oriented humanitarian competitions, challenges, educational, and co-op opportunities.
RAS-SIGHT’s first meeting was at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Robots and Systems (IROS) in Vilamoura, Portugal in October. A special session on "Robotics and Automation for Humanitarian Activities" was organized at the Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC) in Seattle that same month. Both of these meetings were well attended. Participants shared their experiences and discussions focused on what RAS-SIGHT could do. There were many interesting ideas on how robotics and automation technologies could make a significant difference in elevating the quality of life for humanity.
RAS-SIGHT welcomes participation from anyone who is interested in applying R&A technologies for humanitarian causes. RAS membership is not required to participate. Please send an email if you are interested in getting involved in RAS-SIGHT activities to: Dr. Raj Madhavan, Chair, RAS-SIGHT.
| Information coming soon |
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December 20, 2012
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