MSL Workshop 2016

The University of Kassel hosted the RoboCup 6th International Middle Size League Workshop.

Our guests:

• ASML Falcons (ASML Veldhoven, Netherlands)
• CAMBADA (University of Aveiro, Portugal)
• Tech United Eindhoven (Technical University of Eindhoven, Netherlands)
• Guest Speaker, Matthias Löbach (RWTH Aachen)
• as well as an interested party from Technical University of Munich

The workshop began with a welcome speech from Prof. Kurt Geihs, the head of the Distributed Systems Group at the University of Kassel. After a guest speaker from the Technical University of Aachen presented their Fawkes Framework for Logistics Robotics, the ASML Falcons discussed their improvements since the last event. Then Carpe Noctem Cassel explained a new design using the Beagle Board device and the design of the new goalkeeper that is equipped with a laser sensor. Tech United continued the session with a presentation of an 8-wheeled robot, along with a demonstration of a prototype. Then, last but not least, a new algorithm for obstacle recognition was presented by CAMBADA, which was considered successful in the last tournament. In the end of an informative first workshop day, all teams enjoyed dinner together for the social event.

Materials from the first Workshop day:

• ASML Falcons - Team Update - Slides, Video
• Tech United Eindhoven - Eight wheeled Platform - Slides, Video
• Carpe Noctem Cassel - Charging board improvements, Team update - Slides,Video 1,2
• CAMBADA - Perception Challenges in MSL - Slides, Video
• Matthias Löbach - FAWKES Robot Software Framework - Slides, Video

The hands-on session was done by forming two groups where each of them worked on a log-file analyzer and simulation link, respectively.The former aim was based on the fact that available log files have not been used any further, and the latter has the goal of playing simulated games with the purpose of strategic training. The first group managed to build an additional feature for analyzing and furthermore replaying the full game, while the second still requires more time for a full result. Nevertheless, the current state potentially had significant impact to improve the quality of the gameplay.

Finally on the third day, the participants discussed the proposals for new rules in our league were made. The aim of having this meeting is to improve and smoothen gameplay and furthermore to bring more attractive games, that offers the thrill of a natural soccer game. The result of this discussion will be brought to the RoboCup executives as a recommendation.