Dear SSL RoboCup Teams,
Thank you to everyone who participated in the SSL Surveys. We received
responses from 20 teams and 48 individual members, providing an extensive
view of the community’s perspectives.
Team Survey Highlights:
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85% of teams plan to remain in SSL and participate in regional or
super-regional events.
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75% of teams reported concerns about funding.
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55% of teams expressed concerns about university or organizational
support.
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20% of teams indicated they may stop participating.
Individual Survey Highlights:
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Only 15% of individuals expressed interest in transitioning to the
Humanoid league.
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Some members highlighted concerns about losing the international
symposium/conference forum.
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The concerns on SSL maintenance by individuals include: funding, the
future of teams, loss of international status, community fragmentation, and
the risk of teams dissolving.
Comments Shared by Team Members:
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Many individuals expressed a deep sense of motivation and pride in
building custom robots and contributing to the SSL community.
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There is widespread concern about the loss of international recognition,
which could impact funding, and the ability to attract new members.
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Members fear that without a strong international event, the SSL
community may fragment, leading to fewer teams and less collaboration.
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Several respondents highlighted the importance of maintaining
opportunities for hands-on engineering and innovation, which they feel may
be lost if the focus shifts to commercial humanoid robots.
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The community values the camaraderie and learning experiences unique to
SSL, and many are worried about losing it.
What This Means
The data reveals an engaged community: 85% of teams plan to continue
participating. This provides a powerful foundation for us to keep the Small
Size League.
The committees are dedicated to turning this strong desire to stay into a
sustainable league. We acknowledge the concerns regarding funding and
international recognition. As previously communicated by the EC, TC, and OC:
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Official recognition: We have been explicitly invited by the Trustees to
continue our league under the RoboCup name at regional events after 2027.
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SSL World Cup: To directly address fears of fragmentation and loss of
international status, the committee is planning to select one regional
event per year after 2027 as "the SSL World Cup." This would rotate among
our strong existing events to maintain a unified community.
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Time to Prepare: We have over two years to develop these plans, secure
transition support, and ensure team health.
The committees will always support the community. The results of this
survey confirm that we have something special worth working for. We are
committed to make sure the SSL remains a place of innovation and
cooperation.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and feedback.
Best Regards,
SSL EC/TC/OC
Nicolai Ommer
Tobias Heineken
Leonardo da Silva Costa
Emiel Steerneman
Joao Guilherme Oliveira Carvalho de Melo
William Stuckey
David Brand
Emy Ganzeboom
Lucas Cavalcanti
