Pittsburgh hosts international robotics conference with over 7,000 attendees
The International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems is being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
PITTSBURGH —
More than 7,000 robotics experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs are in Pittsburgh for the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, one of the world’s largest robotics conferences, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
“We didn’t realize the full scale of what IROS was going to be when we planned it. It was always an abstract thought. Now, there’s over 7,000 people here, and it’s just beyond our wildest expectations as to how well things are going,” said Howie Choset, IROS general chair.
The conference has attracted researchers, students, and companies from around the world to display new technology, recruit talent, and build partnerships, while also highlighting Pittsburgh as a city where robotics research becomes real-world business.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of robot stunts like these Olympics in China, these dancing robots, and as such, they are impressive. Let’s not take away anything that’s amazing about that technical ingenuity. But they’re stunts. They’re a show. They’re entertainment. Like you said, one of the things that differs us in Pittsburgh in terms of doing robotics is we’re building robots to do jobs with people,” Choset said.
The robots showcased at IROS range from those capable of performing dangerous tasks to assisting with delicate surgeries and everyday activities. Pittsburgh-based HEBI Robotics presented a robot designed to carry equipment into hazardous areas.
“We are a very proud Pittsburgh company. We are based here in town, so we got a message for our fellow Pittsburghers. Let’s play ‘Renegade,’” a representative from HEBI Robotics said, referring to a playful message programmed into their robot.
Another Pittsburgh company demonstrated how robots can assist in operating rooms during procedures like shoulder, knee, and hip replacements.
“Better recovery, better implant positioning and everything so that the patient is able to recover faster,” said Prashant Rana, of Smith and Nephew.
On the exhibit floor, a robot bartender from Shanghai- and Singapore-based Sharpa showcased its ability to learn from a human operator in real time.
“So really, it could do anything that he’s doing. You’re just choosing to do the drinks,” a Sharpa representative said, explaining how the robot generates data that could eventually enable machines to perform tasks independently.
The goal of the conference is to create robots that can work alongside humans, rather than simply mimicking them. Organizers hope the event will encourage more robotics companies to establish a presence in Pittsburgh.
“We want people to feel welcome. We want them to see Pittsburgh is a wonderful place to start robotics companies. And if we get two or three more companies setting up shop here in Pittsburgh, then that’s another reason why this conference will be a success,” Choset said.
IROS runs through Friday at the convention center, featuring research presentations, competitions, and live demonstrations from robotics teams and companies worldwide.