Call for Proposals: Distributed Online Technical Activities (Before ICRA)

Dear TC and Cluster Leaders,

The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Technical Activities Board (TAB) is pleased to launch a new initiative, Distributed Online Technical Activities, to support TC- and Cluster-led hybrid events that expand global engagement in technical activities.

This initiative is intended to encourage globally distributed technical exchange through hybrid formats that combine online programming with local in-person participation. It also aims to strengthen engagement in under-represented regions and support scalable models for future global technical activities.

This effort builds on the successful experience of the Global Soft Robotics Day 2025, which demonstrated the value of a globally coordinated hybrid model through free online participation, distributed in-person hubs, and broad international engagement.

We invite Letters of Intent (LOIs) for initiatives led by one or more TCs and/or Clusters.

Proposed activities may include:

• Global thematic technical days;
• Distributed hybrid forums;
• Multi-hub technical events;
• Other globally coordinated technical engagement models.

The LOI should briefly describe:

• Basic Information
• Event Overview
• Concept & Objectives
• Global Participation
• Program Structure
• Outreach & Inclusion
• Operations
• Support Needs (Optional)
• Budget (up to $10k)

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical quality, inclusiveness, feasibility, outreach strength, and potential community impact. Preference will be given to proposals that include hubs or speakers from under-represented countries.

TAB expects to select approximately 3-4 initiatives per year.

Selected initiatives may require coordination with MSB and RAS staff on registration, communications, media release procedures, and participant consent processes.

Please refer to the guideline and submit your LOI using the form below:

* Link: click

* Application Form:https://forms.gle/XuPYwvZz3j8yfxvC8 (by May 11th)

We warmly encourage TCs and Clusters to consider creative and inclusive proposals that can broaden global participation in RAS technical activities.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hugo Rodrigue

Vice President

IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Technical Activities Board