Introduction

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2024 in Yokohama, Japan, a gathering of some of the brightest minds in robotics. It was my first time at ICRA, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience, blending cutting-edge research, inspiring conversations, and the chance to explore Japan’s rich culture. Here’s a recap of my time at the conference and the adventures that followed!

Papers That Caught My Eye 📄

ICRA featured an incredible range of papers, but a few stood out. Here’s a selection of the ones I found most fascinating (with links where available):

1. Globally Stable Neural Imitation Policies This paper introduced a framework for globally stable neural imitation policies, ensuring robust and reliable performance when training robots to mimic human or expert demonstrations. It’s a step forward in creating safer and more predictable robotic systems.

2. Reinforcement Learning for Blind Stair Climbing with Legged and Wheeled-Legged Robots
   This work tackled the challenging problem of teaching robots to climb stairs without relying on vision. The combination of legged and wheeled-leg robots demonstrated impressive versatility and adaptability.

4. Low-to-High Resolution Path Planner for Robotic Gas Distribution Mapping
   A fascinating approach to environmental monitoring, this paper presented a path planner capable of efficiently mapping gas distributions by transitioning between low-resolution and high-resolution data. It ties closely to my own research on adaptive sampling in aquatic environments.

Exploring Japan: Beyond the Conference 🎌

While ICRA was the main event, exploring Japan was an adventure of its own. Yokohama is 30min away from Tokyo so I got to experience both cities. I also visited Kyoto. From the serene Fushimi Inari Taisha and Senso-ji Temple to the bustling streets of Shibuya and Ginza.

A Few Highlights:

• Local Cuisine 🍛: I enjoyed curries and tempura, discovered the most amazing mochi on Earth and to my surprise, fell in love with their strong ginger ale. It’s nothing like the mild versions I was used to — the intense ginger kick was so refreshing.
• Fascinating buildings 🌆: I visited Tokyo SkyTree and Shibuya Sky and watching the city stretch out in every direction was an unforgettable experience
• Hachikō Statue 🐕: In Shibuya, I couldn’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Hachikō statue. The story of the loyal Akita who waited for his owner every day.

Memories Through Photos 📸

Here are a few snapshots from my trip to give you a glimpse of the experience:

1. Poster Sessions and Demos

3. Exploring the City

4. Randomly ran into a Banksy exhibit, a beautiful tea/matcha store, and a cute Hachi bus

5. Ginger ale, matcha icecream, and Marion crepe

Final Thoughts ✨

Attending ICRA 2024 was a fantastic experience that went beyond just robotics—it was an opportunity to immerse myself in innovation, build connections, and explore an amazing country. From the fascinating papers to the vibrant streets of Japan, every moment was memorable.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to reach out if you want to chat about robotics, ICRA, or Japan! 😊