Loco-Manipulation: Algorithms, Challenges & Applications

Locomotion and manipulation are two essential skills that enable robots to interact effectively with their environment. Recently, there has been significant interest in the robotics community regarding the integration of these skills, known as loco-manipulation. In this workshop, we will explore the latest advancements in loco-manipulation, covering topics such as planning and whole-body control strategies, perception, and machine learning approaches, and the mechanical design of the loco-manipulation hardware. We will also discuss the challenges that arise when combining these two skills, such as balancing stability and dexterity. This workshop aims at connecting people from various backgrounds with a rich mix of inspiring talks, interactive panel discussions, and encouraging poster sessions in the emerging field of loco-manipulation.