Pre-registration of RoboCup@Home League

Intention to participate: New Deadline: Sunday, 31 Jan 2010 23:59 PET

=================================================
RoboCup@Home: Pre-registration of RoboCup@Home League
=================================================

This message describes preregistration and qualification procedure
for RoboCup@Home League 2010.  It contains the following parts:

* Two steps
* Instructions for the TDP
* Instructions for the Web site
* Submission Instructions
* Evaluation criteria
* Tentative schedule


Two Steps
=========
Every team intending to participate has to run through the following two
steps:

Step 1) The team must send an email to the OC members (emails see below) to
      signal intention to participate. Please fill in the following basic
      information:

Team Name:
Country:
Affiliation:
Team Leader Name:
E-mail:
Web site:

**** Deadline: Sunday, 31 Jan 2010 23:59 PET *****


Step 2) The team must submit a

      - team Description Paper (TDP),
      - team Video,
      - indicate a team web site devoted to their effort.

**** Deadline: Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 23:59 PET *****


Instructions for the TDP
========================


The TDP contains the following information:

* Description of the hardware and software including a list of integrated
 externally available components (including commercial products, freeware,
 Open Source, etc.)

* Innovative technology and scientific contribution

* Photo(s) of the robot

* Focus of research/research interests

* Re-usability of the system for other research groups

* Applicability of the robot in the real world

The TDP goes into detail about the technical and scientific approach, but
the
website should be designed for a broader audience.

The length of the TDP is limited to 8 pages. Please use the same Springer
LNAI
format used in the RoboCup Symposium submissions (see http://www.springer.de/comp/lncs/authors.html ).

Instructions for the Web site
=============================

The contents of the web site should be as follows:

  * Photos of the robot(s)
  * Videos of the robot(s)
  * Description of the approaches and information on scientific
achievements
  * Relevant publications
  * Team members
  * Previous participation in RoboCup


Submission Instructions:
========================

The items above must be submitted by e-mail to all OC members:

Jesus Savage (Mexico), robotssavage@gmail.com
John HENG (Singapure), mkhheng@ntu.edu.sg
Rajesh Mohan (Singapore), mohanrajesh@sp.edu.sg
Sven Wachsmuth (Germany), swachsmu@techfak.uni-bielefeld.de
Fariborz Mahmoudi (Iran), fzmahmoudi@gmail.com





The e-mail subject should be: [@Home2010-Preregistration] (YourTeamName)

The e-mail should contain:

  * The following information about your team
        o Name of the team
        o Affiliation
        o Contact information
        o Website
  * A link to your TDP
  * A link to your video


Evaluation criteria:
====================

Qualification materials will be judged by the following criteria:

  * Performance in previous competitions
  * Team description paper
  * Video
  * Website
  * Relevant Scientific contribution/publications
  * Novelty of approach
  * Amendments made to the @Home Wiki
  * Contribution to RoboCup@Home League (e.g Proposal of tests,
organization of events, exchange of results inside the league)

Tentative schedule:
===================

31. Jan. 2010 | collect letter of intention to participate
10. Feb. 2010  | Deadline for team Description Paper (TDP), team Video, team web site.
 27.  Feb. 2010 | notification of qualification
 1.  Mar. 2010 | team registration opens (robocup2009 web site)
31. Mar. 2010 | end of early registration

Regular registration: 1 Apr - 30 Apr 2010
Late registration: After 1 May
Team setup: 19 Jun - 20 Jun 2010
Competitions: 21 Jun - 23 Jun 2010
Finals: 24 Jun 2010
Symposium: 25 Jun 2010

EXTRA INFORMATION

*RoboCup 2010 Newsletter #1*
16 October 2009

1. Greetings from Singapore
2. Important Dates
3. About Singapore
4. Event Venue
5. Accommodations
6. Shipping Robots and Equipment
7. Visa Requirements
8. Contact Details

*1. Greetings from Singapore *

With eight months more to go before RoboCup 2010 kicks off in the
island-state of Singapore, robo-fever is already in the air with one
national-level competition just ended and another slated for November 2009.

The National Junior Robotics Competition 2009 drew to an exhilarating
finale on 12 Sep, after five days of intense challenges involving nearly 600
teams from primary to tertiary level institutions.

And this November, the RoboCup Singapore Open will be held to select the
best Singapore teams for the RoboCupJunior segment of RoboCup 2010.

Against this backdrop, we are already working to set the scene for an
exciting and rewarding experience during RoboCup 2010.

For now, we are pleased to share with you some details on RoboCup 2010 and
the host country.

*2. Important Dates*

*For RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue & RoboCup@Home:*

Team pre-registration deadline: 15 Jan 2010
Team qualification deadline: 15 Feb 2010
Early registration: 1 Mar - 31 Mar 2010
Regular registration: 1 Apr - 30 Apr 2010
Late registration: After 1 May
Team setup: 19 Jun - 20 Jun 2010
Competitions: 21 Jun - 23 Jun 2010
Finals: 24 Jun 2010
Symposium: 25 Jun 2010

*For RoboCupJunior:*

Submission of placeholder applications by national representatives: 10 Dec
2009 - 15 Jan 2010
Release of team allocations (quota for each country): 31 Jan 2010
Pre-registration by national representatives: 10 Feb - 31 Mar 2010
Early registration: 1 Mar - 31 Mar 2010
Booking of accommodation: 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2010
Regular registration: 1 Apr - 30 Apr 2010
Late registration: 1 May - 25 Jun 2010
Team setup: 20 Jun 2010
Competitions: 21 Jun - 23 Jun 2010
Finals: 24 Jun 2010
Symposium: 25 Jun 2010


*3. About Singapore*

Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city-state rich
in contrast and colour where you’ll find a harmonious blend of culture,
cuisine, arts and architecture. Singapore has grown into a thriving centre
of commerce and industry. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore
is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines. Brimming with
unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the Lion City offers
countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

*People*

Singapore has a population of close to 5 million, the majority of whom are
Chinese, followed by Malays and Indians.

*Language*

English is the language of business and administration, and is widely
spoken and understood. Other official languages include Malay, Chinese and
Tamil.

*What to Wear*

Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year, with a daily
average temperature range of 24-31 degrees Celsius. Light summer clothing
made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual
dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some
establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable
to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.

*Getting Around*

Travelling around Singapore is a cinch! An efficient public transportation
network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system
ensures that getting from point A to point B is hassle-free and affordable.

*Food*

Singapore is a cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world sit
down to enjoy each other’s cooking. Each culture has brought with it unique
cooking styles including Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian,
Thai, Japanese and Korean. There is a vast array of hawker stalls and
restaurants, ranging from global franchises to gourmet delis to fancy
six-star settings.

*Drinking Water*

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore.
However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and
grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

*Electricity*

Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request,
most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances
of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. The
power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

*Safety*

The security situation in Singapore remains calm and stable, and the island
is one of the safest in the world to visit.

*Find out more about what Singapore has to offer at **
http://www.visitsingapore.com*


*4. Event Venue*

RoboCup 2010 will be held at the Suntec Singapore International Convention
and Exhibition Centre.

*Get a preview of the venue at **
http://www.suntecsingapore.com/virtualtour/index.htm*

*5. Accommodations*

*For Junior teams:** *

Arrangements have been made for Junior participants at the student
residences of the National University of Singapore.

At these residences, 11 to 15 single *non-aircon* rooms are grouped as a
cluster on each floor with common kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.

The package will include daily breakfast, Internet access, amenities pack,
transportation between the residences and the competition venue at Suntec,
and airport transfer. The residences, which are about 12 kilometres from
Suntec, are also easily accessible by public bus and taxi.

Booking for accommodations will open from 1 Mar 2010 on *
http://www.robocup2010.org/*


*For Senior teams:*

Singapore has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets. To help locate
your ideal accommodation for your stay in Singapore, you can use the
accommodation search engine or Singapore Hotels Directory found at: *
http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/where_to_stay/accommodation_in_singapore.html
*

Helpful hint: the competition venue is located at *1 Raffles Boulevard,
Suntec City, Singapore,* and is in the city centre and close to the
Central Business District.

*More information on accommodations will be available soon.*

*6. Shipping Robots and Equipment*

You may use either ATA Carnets or the Temporary Import Scheme to import
your robots and other equipment. More details on ATA Carnets and the
Temporary Import Scheme are available at: *
http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/imp/Temporary+Importation+for+Exhibitions+Auctions+and+Fairs.htm
*

*More information on our official Freight and Local Clearing Agent will be
available soon. *

*7. Visa Requirements*

Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting
Singapore as tourists may be issued up to 30-day social visit passes upon
arrival in Singapore.

However, foreigners holding travel documents issued by the following
countries will require a visa to enter Singapore:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
Commonwealth of Independent States* (except Diplomatic/Official/Service
passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days)
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Moldova
Russia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Egypt
India (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
Iran
Iraq
Jordan (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Myanmar (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
Nigeria (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
People's Republic of China (except Diplomatic/Service/Public Affairs
passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days)
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tunisia (except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)
Yemen

Visitors holding these travel documents will also require a visa to enter
Singapore:

Hong Kong Document of Identity
Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permit
Palestinian Authority Passport
Refugee Travel Document issued by the Middle-East countries
Temporary Passport issued by United Arab Emirates

*More information on visa requirements can be found at **
http://www.ica.gov.sg/services_centre_overview.aspx?pageid=252&secid=165*

*8. Contact Details*

Please contact the RoboCup 2010 Office for enquiries at:

Tel: (65) 6772 1418

Fax: (65) 6870 8044

Email: office@robocup2010.org

Website: *http://www.robocup2010.org/*