:tada: ROSCon 2021: We’re Back!

Katherine_Scott · 2021-03-02T19:40:54.738Z

I used my graphic design skills to update the logo for 2021, the real poster can be found at https://roscon.ros.org/

Hi Everyone,

I am pleased to announce that we’re bringing ROSCon back for 2021! This year’s event will be held in person in New Orleans on October 21st through the 23rd. We are putting on ROSCon 2021 because we believe that it’s vital for our community to have a chance to connect with each other, and more importantly, because we believe that we can host the event safely. We’re working with local officials and experts to ensure that we follow the best available public health guidance. We are anticipating that protective measures such as distancing and masks will be required, and other modifications may be in effect. Further changes may be required, and we promise to be transparent and forthcoming along the way with all of our sponsors and attendees. This year will also have a live stream to accommodate those who would prefer, or are required, to remain at home.

We know that not all of you will be able to join us in New Orleans. But I think I speak for everyone when I say that any event, even if it can’t include everyone who would like to be there, is a welcome step in the right direction.

Logistics

If you are interested in presenting your work at ROSCon the call for proposals and workshops will be published on April 7th, 2021. Now is a good time to start thinking about how you would like to present your work. I am also happy to workshop ideas with the community and coach speakers (just drop me a line at kat@openrobotics.org).

Sponsorship

ROSCon isn’t possible without our generous sponsors who make the event possible and keep ticket prices affordable. For our sponsors ROSCon is a great place to make contact with a wonderful bunch of robot developers and potentially recruit some of the kindest and most talented robot developers in the world. We just posted the sponsorship prospectus on the ROSCon 2021 website and there are packages and add-ons that fit almost every budget. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, or would like more information on sponsorship, feel free to contact us at roscon-2021-ec@openrobotics.org.

Errata

This year’s ROSCon will certainly be different, but I am incredibly excited at the prospect of seeing many of you in person once again. I would also like to take this opportunity, while we’re in the planning phases, to ask the community for a ROSCon wish list Is there a talk or workshop you would like to see this year? Would you like to organize an un-official small group event after the sessions and workshops? Go ahead and add your ideas in the comments.

mrpollo · 2021-03-02T19:54:00.364Z

Katherine_Scott:

This year will also have a live stream to accommodate those who would prefer, or are required, to remain at home.

NICE! Now I know whatever happens I won’t miss it.

I’m excited for ROSCon 2021, hopefully I can make it in person, and meet everyone.

smac · 2021-03-02T19:54:59.341Z

Katherine_Scott:

Is there a talk or workshop you would like to see this year?

I’d love a keynote from a company making use of ROS2 in their scaled product / services about some of the challenges they faced and solutions to some of those challenges that others will likely run into or face (particularly around any major DDS changes, domain handling if multi-robot communications, security features with many/large topics, on-boarding their entire staff from ROS1 to ROS2, etc).

I’d also like a normal technical talk on VIPER: what of ROS2 are they using, how are they using it, mission overview for those that are unaware, where NASA rovers might be going in the future from this technology demonstration w.r.t. ROS, how they view ROS2 and its TRL, etc.

Sean_Kolk · 2021-03-02T20:08:56.779Z

Great, Let me know if you need help organizing.

mrobinson · 2021-03-02T20:30:32.578Z

We would be interested in organizing a ROS-Industrial Workshop.

Excited to see that there is an in-person event! Let us know how ROS-I can support!

Aaron_Blasdel · 2021-03-02T21:08:31.373Z

So good to hear! Really looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Pyo · 2021-03-02T21:36:39.194Z

It’s great NEWS and I’m so happy to be able to join ROSCon again.
I want to count the day we meet again.

hakuturu583 · 2021-03-03T02:32:32.525Z

Great!!

It’s very very good news!