Zhihao shares his experience of attending the Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems (TAROS) 2024 conference.
As a current doctoral student, attending the Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems (TAROS) 2024 conference was an enlightening journey into the cutting-edge of robotics technology and its future trajectory. This year’s conference showcased an array of pioneering research and development from leading academics and industry professionals, presenting an exciting glimpse into the advancements shaping the field of robotics.
One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation on “YOLOv-8-LiDAR Fusion” by Ahmet Serhat Yildiz from Brunel University. This innovative approach integrates the YOLOv8 detection system with LiDAR technology to enhance object detection and depth mapping in varied environments. The system focuses on identifying specific objects within a scene, employing YOLOv8 for detection, followed by sparse map projection along with bounding box and segmentation mask projection, culminating in detailed depth maps. This technique not only improves object recognition accuracy but also enhances the environmental interaction capabilities of robotic systems. During the conference, there were also significant discussions about the use of 3D printing in robotics. The integration of 3D printing technologies allows for the rapid prototyping of robotic components, which accelerates the development process and opens up new possibilities for customisation and automation. Another intriguing area of research presented at TAROS 2024 was the concept of identifying the ‘skeleton’ of objects. This approach posits that every object possesses a fundamental structure or ‘skeleton’ that contains the most critical information. Understanding and modelling this skeleton can significantly enhance how robots perceive and interact with their surroundings.
I also had the chance to give an oral presentation on our current research about how depth priors affect Removal Neural Radiance Fields. TAROS allowed us to get advice from other researchers on how to improve our work. Networking with peers and industry leaders at TAROS provided not only deep insights into current research but also sparked discussions on the future challenges and opportunities in robotics. The collaborative atmosphere fostered at the conference is a testament to the vibrant and innovative community that drives the field forward.
As I reflect on the wealth of knowledge gained, I am excited to contribute to this dynamic field and anticipate what future TAROS conferences will unveil.
