Students Participating in IEEE Robotic Standardization Efforts (SPIRSE)

One of the flagship student engagement initiatives of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) is the Students Participating in IEEE Robotic Standardization Efforts (SPIRSE) program.

SPIRSE was created to encourage students to play an active role in existing robotics standardization efforts within IEEE. Each year, IEEE RAS sets aside dedicated funding to provide travel support for selected students to attend its major flagship conferences; including ICRA, IROS, and CASE, specifically to participate in robotics standards activities.

Through SPIRSE:

• Three travel grants (up to USD $3,000 each) are awarded annually.

• Grants may cover flights, hotel accommodations, and conference registration (within IEEE guidelines).

• Undergraduate students are given particular consideration.

• IEEE and RAS memberships are provided as part of the award (if needed).

Selected students are expected to:

• Attend the full-day Standards Coordination Meeting (if scheduled).

• Participate in at least one active IEEE RAS Standards Working Group meeting.

• Submit a 2–3 page report to IEEE RAS reflecting on their experience and outlining how they intend to apply what they learned.

SPIRSE provides a rare opportunity for students to witness how robotics standards are debated, refined, and advanced by experts across academia, industry, and government.

Standards Networking Luncheon & Prize Competition @ICRA 

In addition to SPIRSE, RAS Standards Committee also organizes the Standards Networking Prize Competition and Introduction Luncheon at ICRA.

The luncheon is an interactive session designed to introduce conference attendees to robotics standardization in an informal and engaging setting. It typically includes:

• A brief introduction to robotics standards initiatives

• Networking opportunities with members of the IEEE RAS Standards Committee

• A live or judged student competition centered around robotics standards

As part of the competition, student teams (often in groups of three) are tasked with producing a content about standards in robotics and automation. Selected finalists present their work during the luncheon, with prizes awarded to top submissions.

Beyond the competition itself, the luncheon creates a unique space for students to connect directly with standards leaders, industry professionals, and previous award recipients in a relaxed environment.

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