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RoboCup 2021 Farewell + Survey
by Peter Stone 30 Jun '21

30 Jun '21

TL;DR - Please send photos/videos and complete survey: https://forms.gle/Es1DfR4H8ubyt54c7 Dear RoboCuppers, Back in November, when the board of trustees and I made the difficult decision to hold RoboCup 2021 remotely, we had no idea if it would work. In many of the leagues, there were neither rules nor infrastructure to support remote competitions. We knew that it was risky, but we also suspected that the RoboCup community would rise to the challenge. Now that the event has concluded, I am pleased to report that RoboCup 2021 was an unmitigated success! Every single league held a successful competition of some sort, and we had more than 2,000 registered participants - a similar number to our usual in-person attendance. I feel like I've said this so many times to so many people over the past few days. But I also don't think it can be said enough. So once more, Thank you! We couldn't have done it without you: the members of the event organizing committee, the executive committee, the technical committees, the organizing committees, and indeed all of the participants! No matter where your team finished in the league rankings, RoboCup couldn't have without your participation. I hope and trust that you've also gained something from the experience, both intellectually and personally. In case you were too busy programming to catch the symposium, I encourage you now to go back to the underline site and find recordings of the events on June 23rd, 25th, and 28th: https://underline.io/events/108/schedule I'd also like to ask all participants to fill out this short survey, which will help with our future planning: https://forms.gle/Es1DfR4H8ubyt54c7 And finally, to help us commemorate RoboCup 2021 in the future, please consider sharing with us any photos or videos that we can put into the RoboCup archive. There is one link for each league below. We request that: - they are free to use by RoboCup Federation and also partners of RoboCup on websites, press releases, etc. - you could/should send also information of the source, for giving credits (you can upload a text file with the author's names per picture, or list of pictures). Here are the links: Soccer Humanoid: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/ktyQcBFxGt8s3wc Soccer Standard Platform: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/B42aKfDi3adr7ce Soccer Middle Size: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/XAsJaqqwiadjp3X Soccer Small Size: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/ktHR4PRtgqCeRd5 Soccer Simulation: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/6qDd9HqwdWwnrPP Rescue Robot: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/3tgQjymcwNWNx5x Rescue Simulation: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/9xQ8zNcsG8WeKfy @Home: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/5yNefc5j8nRggMq Industrial @Work: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/dXfLz68BDGMBJnD Industrial Logistics: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/yHwpAwpYdXf3ydL Junior Soccer: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/iDiTpYCxAGEgNZn Junior OnStage: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/k969FLXDbMBiHbM Junior Rescue: https://cloud.robocup.org/s/YBbg9L5WzzGkd7F I look forward to seeing all of you in person in Thailand next year! Best Regards, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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Neural Computing and Applications (NCAA) Special Issue on Interpretation of Deep Learning
by Pub Conference 29 Jun '21

29 Jun '21

*Neural Computing and Applications (NCAA) Special Issue **on Interpretation of Deep Learning: Prediction, Representation, Modeling and Utilization* https://www.springer.com/journal/521/updates/19187658 Aims, Scope and Objective While Big Data offers the great potential for revolutionizing all aspects of our society, harvesting of valuable knowledge from Big Data is an extremely challenging task. The large scale and rapidly growing information hidden in the unprecedented volumes of non-traditional data requires the development of decision-making algorithms. Recent successes in machine learning, particularly deep learning, has led to breakthroughs in real-world applications such as autonomous driving, healthcare, cybersecurity, speech and image recognition, personalized news feeds, and financial markets. While these models may provide the state-of-the-art and impressive prediction accuracies, they usually offer little insight into the inner workings of the model and how a decision is made. The decision-makers cannot obtain human-intelligible explanations for the decisions of models, which impede the applications in mission-critical areas. This situation is even severely worse in complex data analytics. It is, therefore, imperative to develop explainable computation intelligent learning models with excellent predictive accuracy to provide safe, reliable, and scientific basis for determination. Numerous recent works have presented various endeavors on this issue but left many important questions unresolved. The first challenging problem is how to construct self-explanatory models or how to improve the explicit understanding and explainability of a model without the loss of accuracy. In addition, high dimensional or ultra-high dimensional data are common in large and complex data analytics. In these cases, the construction of interpretable model becomes quite difficult and complex. Further, how to evaluate and quantify the explainability of a model is lack of consistent and clear description. Moreover, auditable, repeatable, and reliable process of the computational models is crucial to decision-makers. For example, decision-makers need explicit explanation and analysis of the intermediate features produced in a model, thus the interpretation of intermediate processes is requisite. Subsequently, the problem of efficient optimization exists in explainable computational intelligent models. These raise many essential issues on how to develop explainable data analytics in computational intelligence. This Topical Collection aims to bring together original research articles and review articles that will present the latest theoretical and technical advancements of machine and deep learning models. We hope that this Topical Collection will: 1) improve the understanding and explainability of machine learning and deep neural networks; 2) enhance the mathematical foundation of deep neural networks; and 3) increase the computational efficiency and stability of the machine and deep learning training process with new algorithms that will scale. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following: - Interpretability of deep learning models - Quantifying or visualizing the interpretability of deep neural networks - Neural networks, fuzzy logic, and evolutionary based interpretable control systems - Supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning - Extracting understanding from large-scale and heterogeneous data - Dimensionality reduction of large scale and complex data and sparse modeling - Stability improvement of deep neural network optimization - Optimization methods for deep learning - Privacy preserving machine learning (e.g., federated machine learning, learning over encrypted data) - Novel deep learning approaches in the applications of image/signal processing, business intelligence, games, healthcare, bioinformatics, and security Guest Editors Nian Zhang (Lead Guest Editor), University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC, USA, nzhang(a)udc.edu Jian Wang, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China, wangjiannl(a)upc.edu.cn Leszek Rutkowski, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland, leszek.rutkowski(a)pcz.pl Important Dates Deadline for Submissions: March 31, 2022 First Review Decision: May 31, 2022 Revisions Due: June 30, 2022 Deadline for 2nd Review: July 31, 2022 Final Decisions: August 31, 2022 Final Manuscript: September 30, 2022 Peer Review Process All the papers will go through peer review, and will be reviewed by at least three reviewers. A thorough check will be completed, and the guest editors will check any significant similarity between the manuscript under consideration and any published paper or submitted manuscripts of which they are aware. In such case, the article will be directly rejected without proceeding further. Guest editors will make all reasonable effort to receive the reviewer’s comments and recommendation on time. The submitted papers must provide original research that has not been published nor currently under review by other venues. Previously published conference papers should be clearly identified by the authors at the submission stage and an explanation should be provided about how such papers have been extended to be considered for this special issue (with at least 30% difference from the original works). Submission Guidelines Paper submissions for the special issue should strictly follow the submission format and guidelines ( https://www.springer.com/journal/521/submission-guidelines). Each manuscript should not exceed 16 pages in length (inclusive of figures and tables). Manuscripts must be submitted to the journal online system at https://www.editorialmanager.com/ncaa/default.aspx. Authors should select “TC: Interpretation of Deep Learning” during the submission step ‘Additional Information’.

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RoboCup Symposium day, including awards ceremonies
by Peter Stone 28 Jun '21

28 Jun '21

Dear RoboCuppers, Congratulations to everyone on what by all appearances was a very successful set of competitions! While the competitions have completed, Monday brings the RoboCup Symposium, our community's main scientific event. Please tune in on the Underline mainstage starting at 9am UTC for a fun and interesting program. Each paper will be presented with a short 5-minute video. There will be time to talk with the authors and ask questions afterwards at the interactive sessions in Gather Town. You can browse the posters and videos in Gather Town at your convenience any time. At 11am UTC, there will be a panel on building a research career in RoboCup with representatives from different stages of their careers. Between noon and 2pm UTC, there will be the RoboCup Junior awards ceremony (noon), the Handover ceremony for everyone with a preview of RoboCup 2022 (12:45), and the RoboCup Major awards ceremony (1:15). All participants are strongly encouraged to attend - whether or not you won an award! Immediately following, we will have our final keynote speech, by Stefanie Tellex: "Towards Complex Language in Partially Observed Environments." At the end of the day, there will be a panel reflecting back on 25 years of RoboCup. I look forward to seeing you all there! Best, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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PhD studentship in Machine Learning for Human-Robot Interaction (PI: Frank Foerster, University of Hertfordshire)
by Daniel Polani 28 Jun '21

28 Jun '21

Dear all, on behalf of Frank Förster, I'd like to bring to your notice this PhD opportunity (deadline for applications 30. June 2021): PhD studentship MACHINE LEARNING FOR HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION Adaptive Systems Research Group Centre for Computer Science and Informatics Research School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science University of Hertfordshire, UK Contact: Frank Foerster (f.foerster(a)herts.ac.uk) ============ Short-listings will start on 30 June 2021* Bursary £15,285 p.a. * application before this date is strongly encouraged We invite applications for a PhD studentship at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, under the supervision of Dr. Frank Foerster in the area of robotic language acquisition or symbol grounding as well as approaches to implement repair mechanisms in human-robot interaction more generally. We are particularly interested in pursuing research that connects to the following two topics, but alternative ideas will be considered too. Research Topics Topic 1: Socially driven Machine Learning in Robotic Language Acquisition Topic 2: Repair Mechanisms in Interaction More information including relevant papers are provided in the following PDF: https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/331737/ML_HRI.pdf Independent of the particular topic, we have recently become member of the HomeBank corpora, and would strongly encourage interaction and collaboration with developmental psychologists and psycholinguists. Person Profile You will have an excellent first degree and a very keen interest and motivation in human-machine interaction in general or in language acquisition in particular. Optimally you should have an excellent background in Computer Science, Computational/Cognitive Robotics, (computational) linguistics, Artificial intelligence, or similar disciplines with a considerable quantitative/computational component. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic we will also consider applicants with a background in (developmental) psychology, philosophy, or pragmatics as long as you have some experience in programming, machine learning, or dialogue systems. Prior experience with topics such as reinforcement learning, or statistical learning more generally is highly desirable, but not essential if the quantitative background is otherwise very strong. The knowledge of later Wittgenstein is a big plus. If you have questions, have alternative suggestions for a related, but distinct topic, and/or are generally interested in applying, please contact Dr. Frank Foerster f.foerster(a)herts.ac.uk ============ Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent by the latest Research Assessment Exercise, with 50% of the research submitted being rated as internationally excellent or world leading. The University of Hertfordshire provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London. Hatfield is close to Central London (less than 25 minutes by direct train to Kings Cross), with convenient access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow airports, and, via the nearby historic town of St. Albans, also to Gatwick airport. Application forms and submission instructions are available under https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/physics-engineering-and-comp… Eligibility ----------- Applicants must submit or obtain: - a completed application form, which can be obtained from website linked above - a research statement stating past experience/research background and interest and motivation/research ambition for current project - two academic references - copies of qualification certificates and transcripts - a copy of your passport Applications from outside the UK or EU are eligible for this studentship. The application form should be returned to: doctoralcollegeadmissions(a)herts.ac.uk

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Finals day!
by Peter Stone 27 Jun '21

27 Jun '21

Dear RoboCuppers, Sunday brings our last day of competitions in RoboCup 2021. Traditionally, we schedule the games sequentially so that we can all watch the finals in all the leagues and then at the end of the day we have the awards ceremony. Due to people being in different time zones, we don't have such a scripted finals day this year. But I still encourage you to watch the top teams in as many leagues as possible. We may be able to update the schedule on the website. But in case not, I'm attaching a document with the timings and links of Sunday's games in many of the leagues. Meanwhile, we will hold the award ceremony in the middle of the symposium on Monday. Please plan on being there. Good luck to everyone on Sunday! Best, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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Friday at RoboCup: 2nd keynote talk
by Peter Stone 25 Jun '21

25 Jun '21

RoboCuppers, I know I've said this already, but it really is thrilling to see the videos and livestreams of the competitions from all around the world. Kudos to all of you for keeping the RoboCup spirit alive this year! On Friday, please tune in to the Underline main stage at 13:30 UTC for the 2nd keynote talk of the symposium by Jean-Paul Laumond: "Robotics: The Science of Motion." Immediately after the talk, I will be in the gather.town space to meet with some of my RoboCup friends. I hope you'll join us there as well! Best, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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Recordings of opening ceremony and invited talk available
by Peter Stone 24 Jun '21

24 Jun '21

Dear RoboCuppers, I hope your competitions are all proceeding nicely. In case you missed them, there are now recordings of the opening ceremony and the first keynote talk available on the Underline page. Click on the schedule for June 23rd to find them. By the way, I've heard reports that the website works better in Firefox and Chrome than in Safari. If you're having any trouble with it, you may want to try switching browsers. Good luck with your games on Thursday! Best, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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Main stage access
by Peter Stone 23 Jun '21

23 Jun '21

RoboCup participants, In case it isn't clear, to access the main stage, click on the star in the left navigation window of the Underline page. The direct link is: https://www.underline.io/events/108/mainstage Best, Peter

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RoboCup 2021 opening ceremony and first keynote
by Peter Stone 23 Jun '21

23 Jun '21

Dear RoboCuppers, It's exciting to see some of the live streams from the leagues running. Congratulations to everyone on getting to this point! The opening ceremony will begin in just a few hours - at 13:30 UTC on Wednesday. Please plan to tune in to the Underline mainstage at that time, followed by the first symposium keynote by Dieter Fox "Toward Robust Manipulation in Complex Environments" at 14:00. Immediately after that (around 15:00), I encourage you to log in to gather.town. Dieter intends to be there to answer questions, and you will have an opportunity to also mingle with each other. Remember that all the symposium posters and presentations are now accessible in the symposium room. And next to the symposium room, there is now a set of meeting rooms that you can use as needed (in addition to the league rooms). I've already enjoyed catching up with some of you in gather.town, and I look forward to seeing more of you there over the coming days. See you soon! Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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RoboCup 2021!
by Peter Stone 21 Jun '21

21 Jun '21

RoboCup community, I'm very excited about RoboCup getting started. Some of the leagues are already underway, and the rest will be starting in the next couple of days. While fine-tuning your code and preparing for the competition, I hope you'll all take the time to also interact with each other - learn about the approaches other teams are taking, share your own advances, catch up with friends from past years, and make new friends - both within your leagues and across leagues. As usual, each league is expected to have league meetings to go over the rules, brainstorm changes for next year, and elect technical committees for next year. To help that happen, we've prepared gather.town environments for you to join, with separate rooms for each league and booths for our sponsors - please visit them! Registered participants can log in on the underline site and then navigate to "RoboCup Lounge" in the left panel to get there. These can be used for informal meetings, league meetings, or however you wish - you should be able to join any time (some leagues are using other platforms for such meetings, which is also fine - please follow the instructions of your own organizing committees). I'm mainly writing now to ask everyone to mark your calendar for the opening ceremony and first symposium invited talk on Wednesday: June 23rd ========= UTC 13:30 - opening ceremony - Underline mainstage UTC 14:00 - invited talk by Dieter Fox - Underline mainstage UTC 15:00 - community gathering - Gather.town Before then, please make sure that if you've registered, you are able to access Underline and successfully join our Gather.town. I look forward to seeing you all soon. And good luck to all your teams! Best, Peter Stone President, RoboCup Federation

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