From 13 to 17 May 2024, the 2024 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2024) took place at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan. Organised by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, the event’s overall operations, including exhibitions and social events, were managed by IAPCO member Congrès Inc. The conference drew over 7,000 participants from Japan and abroad and concluded successfully.
What is ICRA?
ICRA is the premier international conference in the fields of robotics and automation, held annually since its first meeting in Atlanta, USA, in 1984. This marks the first time in fifteen years it has been held in Japan, since the city of Kobe hosted it in 2009.
ICRA2024 is a conference that received the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Award for Contribution to Invitation and Hosting of International Conferences, for the year 2021. It has been recognised for effectively promoting Yokohama through initiatives such as engaging local students and inviting high school students to foster youth development.
Under the theme ‘CONNECT+’, the conference featured a variety of programmes, including plenary and keynote talks, special lectures, workshops and tutorials, forums and the latest robot exhibitions by corporate partners, along with cultural experiences reflecting Japanese traditions, such as robot exhibition tours for middle and high school students. Many programmes were conducted to build collaborative relationships among participants both within and outside the research community.
To help organisers achieve their goal of fostering connections among researchers and outstanding students from around the world through the exchange of technology and culture, Congrès Inc. served as the professional congress organiser (PCO) to facilitate the success of the conference.
Crowded sessions every day
Throughout the conference, numerous sessions took place across the entirety of Pacifico Yokohama, showcasing the latest research achievements in robotics and automation. The National Convention Hall, accommodating approximately 5,000 people, was filled to capacity for the plenary talks each day. In the keynote talks and technical sessions, a wide range of cutting-edge technologies aimed at solving societal issues were proposed.
Exhibition hall full of various robots
The exhibition hall was filled with energy and excitement, featuring corporate exhibits, various robot competitions and daily robot demonstrations at the ICRA EXPO, which consistently attracted large crowds.
One of the most eye-catching displays at the venue was the head and right hand of the life-sized moving Gundam (a famous character from Japanese animation). This exhibit, which had been showcased at Yamashita Pier in Yokohama Port from 19 December 2020 to 31 March 2024, became a popular photo spot, attracting large crowds.
At the corporate exhibits, over 100 sponsor companies showcased the latest robots designed to address social issues such as the declining workforce due to a low birthrate and ageing population. Featured demonstrations included quadruped robots designed for use at construction sites and in disaster scenarios, and new technologies and robots made their debut. This fostered vibrant business discussions between exhibitors and participants from around the globe.
Over the course of three days, the ICRA EXPO featured eighty-one research presentations and robot demonstrations from fifteen countries, resulting in a lively exhibition.
Various cultural exchange activities showcasing the charm of Japanese culture
During the one-week event, various activities were held to allow participants to experience unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies and kendama (a traditional Japanese skill toy.) There were many instances that embodied the organisation’s vision of contributing to society through the exchange of cutting-edge robotics and engineering technology along with distinctively Japanese culture.
During coffee breaks between sessions, Yokohama’s famous sweets were served, which were especially popular among overseas participants. Stepping outside the venue revealed a beautiful ocean view of Yokohama Port, where participants were seen taking commemorative photos against the backdrop of the sea and enjoying interactions with each other.
Volunteer and exhibition tours with many student participants
An essential purpose of international conferences is to implement initiatives leading to the development of the next generation and create tangible and intangible legacies.
This conference also focused on nurturing youth, as proposed during Yokohama’s bid, with activities like robot exhibition tours for middle and high school students and volunteers studying robotics. Many young individuals participated, and it’s possible that some of these young attendees will be presenting at future conferences.
In line with the conference theme ‘CONNECT+’, it seems that people from diverse backgrounds gathered in Yokohama, leading to the sharing of cutting-edge knowledge, cultural exchanges and collaborations. We are grateful to all involved for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful international conference and for its successful conclusion.