ICRA 2022 “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO”

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IEEE welcomes you to this year’s International Conference on Robotics Automation (ICRA) in Philadelphia. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this quick reference guide so you’re ready for a successful event.

For the most up-to-date information, continue to monitor the ICRA 2022 website and don’t forget to download the conference app (InfoVaya) which includes direct access to the presentations, videos, polling information and more!!!

You can also follow us on social media:  #ICRA2022

General Information

Official Conference Venue
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Conference Hotel
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1200 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

The conference hotel is attached to the convention center. Alternatively, it is a short walk outside. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the location, and the internal layout of the convention center, which is available on the ICRA website.

Registration

Badge Pickup

Pick up your badge at the ICRA registration booth located inside the Broad Street entrance to the convention center (at the 100s/street level) across from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.  Avoid the lines and pick up your badge and attendee materials on Sunday.  

On site registration desk, located at the Broad Street entrance, will be open during following hours:

Sunday, May 22   12:00 - 17:00
Monday, May 23  07:00 - 19:00
Tuesday, May 24  07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday, May 25  07:30 - 19:30
Thursday, May 26  07:30 - 18:00
Friday, May 27     07:00 - 13:00

InfoVaya & ConferenceApp

The InfoVaya web platform for ICRA is now open to all registrants! This platform is the only place to view the program and develop a personalized schedule of sessions and activities you want to attend.  Furthermore, you’ll be able to access all ICRA 2022 technical papers including the 4-minute oral presentation videos that will be presented at the conference. It also serves as the main gateway for all virtual registrants.

Log in using the same email address aligned with your ICRA 2022 registration. If you are a first-time user, please click on “Logging in for the first time?” and follow instructions to set your password. We encourage you to login, familiarize yourself with the platform, review the program, and update your profile.

The InfoVaya mobile app is available to Apple and Android users.

WiFi

ICRA attendees will be able to access complimentary internet by using the following credentials: SSID: ComcastICRA2022 and Password: IEEE2022

Program Highlights

Plenary & Keynote Presentations
Participate in the daily plenary and keynote sessions.  Start your day listening to world renowned experts in the field of robotics and take time to join the conversation during the afternoon keynotes. 

Oral Sessions & Poster Presentations
One of the main reasons to participate in this conference is to either present or attend presentations by your peers.  Following each oral session, authors will have the opportunity to present their work via a poster session in the exhibit hall. Check here for in-person and virtual presentation instructions.  

Forums
With topics ranging from “Research Programs in Robotics” to the impact of robotics on “The Future of Work”, this year’s 6 forums provide in-depth discussions with the robotics community.

Workshops & Tutorials
Those registered for the workshops/tutorials program will have access to more than 50 full or half day events. 

Competitions
The conference has numerous exciting competitions on the exhibit floor ranging from robot racing to First Lego League competitions with regional - middle school students. 

ICRA Outstanding Paper Awards
We will be announcing the ICRA 2022 outstanding paper awards during the awards lunch on Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we will have award sessions, in parallel to the oral session, where you can see all the award finalists.

Networking Activities

We've been waiting a long time to see each other in person!  We’ve packed this year’s program with plenty of face-to-face opportunities for networking with the community.

ICRA Welcome Reception
Monday, May 23rd at 18:00 – 20:00 in the Grand Hall
(2nd level) between the Convention Center and the Marriott Hotel. 

RAS Lunch with Leaders (LwL) for Students (registration required)
Tuesday, May 24th at 12:30 – 14:00 in room 126A (1st level) 

ICRA Lunch
Tuesday, May 24th at 12:30 – 14:00 in the Exhibit Hall (2nd level) 

Black in Robotics Networking Event
Tuesday, May 24th at 18:00 – 19:00 in the Terrace Ballroom I (4th level) 

ICRA Lunch
Wednesday, May 25th at 12:30 – 14:00 in the Exhibit Hall (2nd level) 

WIE Apero Event (registration required)
Wednesday, May 25th at 17:30 – 19:30 in room 126A (1st level)

ICRA Dinner Reception
Wednesday, May 25th at 19:00 – 21:30 in the Terrace Ballroom II-IV (4th level) 

ICRA Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 26th at 12:30 – 14:00 in the Terrace Ballroom II-IV (4th level) 

RAS Town Hall
Thursday, May 26th at 16:00 – 17:00 in room 302 at the Marriott Hotel 

Partnerships & Exhibits

ICRA 2022 has a fantastic set of almost one hundred partners and exhibitors that will showcase the latest technologies in all areas of robotics. The map of all exhibitors can be found on this site.  Our partners and exhibitors are very eager to engage with the robotics community as well as those seeking employment opportunities.  Looking for a job?  Consider participating in the Access to Talent Program before you arrive in Philadelphia and join the Industry Tech Huddles covering a variety of topics and held during the Poster Sessions at Booth #635 of the Exhibit Hall.

On Site Exhibit Hours

Tuesday, May 24th   9:30 - 18:00
Wednesday, May 25th     9:30 - 18:00
Thursday, May 26th         9:30 - 18:00

About Philadelphia

The first World Heritage City in the U.S., Philadelphia is home to American history, chef-driven cuisine, abundant outdoor space, and an unparalleled arts and culture community.  Philadelphia offers everything you will find in a major metropolitan city, with the ease of a small town. Ranked the 4th most walkable city in the nation by Redfin, visitors can easily explore multiple neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants. 

Timezone
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is located in the Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) = GMT-4. 

Weather
Typical weather this time of year is 57°F – 75°F (13°C-24°C).  Here is the latest weather forecast.  

Transportation
The convention center and conference hotel are 10 miles from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).  Transportation options include:  taxis, trains, buses and rideshares.  For more information about local transportation options click here.  Once you’ve settled in, you’ll see that Philadelphia is an easy - ‘walking city’. 

Restaurants
The food scene in Philadelphia goes well beyond the cheesesteak and soft pretzel. It also has amazing vegan fare, BYOB (bring-your-own-bottle) restaurants, James Beard restaurants, world-class craft local beer, a flourishing distillery culture, and chef-driven concepts and passion projects. From Asian to Mexican or Greek to Italian, you’ll be sure to find your favorite ethnic cuisine.  Check out some great suggestions from your local organizers. 

Health & Safety

We take the health and safety of ICRA attendees seriously and encourage everyone to follow recommended guidelines in order to keep our community safe. 

Self-Monitor
We request all authors, attendees, and participants to be diligent in their own health and safety monitoring. Wash your hands and practice good hygiene.  If you have COVID-19 symptoms prior to, or during ICRA, please get tested immediately and continue with your participation only after receiving a negative test result.  For more information about local testing facilities please visit the Health & Safety tab on the ICRA website. 

Traveling to the USA from abroad
Depending on where you are traveling from and what airline you are taking, rules may vary.  For the most up to date information be sure to contact your airline.  Additional details can be found on the CDC website

Philadelphia & Convention Center
Attendees are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the city of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Currently, (at the time of this email) neither masks nor proof of vaccination are required for indoor, public spaces.   Please be aware that this policy is subject to change at any time.  Masks will be available for anyone who wishes to wear one.

For the most up to date information, regarding local requirements please click here

Comfort Ribbons 
We are excited to meet in person while making ICRA a safe way to interact with each other.  In addition to face masks, we will offer comfort level ribbons to adhere to your badges.  These colors will help identify your comfort level when interacting with fellow attendees: 

RED               = Elbow Bump Only

YELLOW       = OK to Handshake

GREEN          = Happy to Hug

We are looking forward to a safe and exciting ICRA!

We Would Like to Thank ICRA 2022 Partners!