The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) wants to encourage students to play an active role in existing robotics standardization efforts. IEEE-RAS has a number of approved and active standardization efforts, which you can read about here, and we have set aside funds to provide travel support to students interested in attending the 2026 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2026), which will be held in Pittsburgh, USA from 27 September – 1 October, 2026. IROS 2026 will feature numerous IEEE robotics standardization meetings.
We expect to award 3 travel grants to cover flights and hotel reservations within the IEEE guidelines and not to exceed $2,500 each. Conference registration will be covered as well through issuance of a complimentary registration code. This award is for undergraduate students, and priority will be given to students that would not have otherwise attended IROS (e.g., do not have a paper accepted). You do not need to be an IEEE member to apply. Complimentary IEEE and RAS memberships will be included in the award.
Reimbursements will be processed after attendance at IROS. Selected students will be expected to participate in the full-day standards coordination meeting (if scheduled) as well as at least one standards working group meeting. They will also be required to write a 2-3 page report, submitted to IEEE-RAS, describing their experiences at the conference and how they expect to use what they learned in the future.
To apply for the travel grant, please complete this form. The application will require your general information, one letter of recommendation, and an essay (maximum 1000 words) describing the following:
Applications are due 1 May 2026 and notification of acceptance is expected on or around June 15th 2026. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
