Call for Project Proposals based on the ROBOSKIN technology

Post date: Sep 28, 2010 1:7:47 PM

ROBOSKIN is an EC-funded FP7 project aimed at developing and demonstrating a range of new robot capabilities based on the tactile feedback from large areas of a robot body provided by artificial skin. Skin-based behaviors are expected to improve the ability of robots to operate effectively and safely in unconstrained environments and also to communicate and co-operate with each other and with humans.

To support this aim, ROBOSKIN pursues three main objectives:

- To develop new sensory technologies providing tactile feedback from large areas of the robot body.

- To develop and integrate fundamental cognitive structures for efficient and safe use of tactile data.

- To develop cognitive mechanisms exploiting tactile feedback to improve human-robot interaction capabilities.

A contest is open to research groups proposing projects involving experimental activity based on the ROBOSKIN technology. The successful applicant will be awarded with:

- A complete “ROBOSKIN demo patch kit;

- Reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs (for one person) in Genova (Italy) to participate in the design and preparation of the awarded skin patch for the target robotic platform.

The "Call for Proposal" is open to all the researchers in Robotics and artificial Cognitive Systems. Ground-breaking proposals from top-class research groups or individuals worldwide are welcome. Each proposal will be evaluated by a board formed by the ROBOSKIN consortium, after consulting the European Commission. Proposals will be evaluated using several criteria.

Scientific Profile:

- Innovative use of robot skin (i.e., impact on research on Robotics and Cognitive Systems).

- Technical and temporal feasibility of the project.

- Feasibility of the proposed work plan, with a specific emphasis on the implementation, validation and testing plans.

- Suitability of the target robotic platform (e.g., in terms of available CAD models and ease of deployment).

- Ability to broaden the current ROBOSKIN scope w.r.t. target applications.

Applicant Profile:

- Track record of the Principal Investigator.

- Technical background of the applicant research group.

- Support facilities at the applicant’s host Institute.

- Committed human resources.

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Key Dates

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Call Opening: September 2010

Deadline for Proposals: January 10, 2011

Results: January 31, 2011

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Submission Procedure

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Proposal should be sent by e-mail to giorgio.cannata@unige.it (and in copy tofulvio.mastrogiovanni@unige.it) no later than January 10, 2011. All submissions will be acknowledged.

For further information please send and inquiry to giorgio.cannata@unige.it (and in copy tofulvio.mastrogiovanni@unige.it) and periodically visit the ROBOSKIN official website for news about this Call:

www.roboskin.eu

An extended form of this Call is available at:

www.roboskin.eu/images/report/callforproposal1.pdf