Shaping Future Roboticists: Highlights from the ROS-Industrial Bootcamp 2023

The ROS-Industrial Bootcamp 2023 recently concluded, marking another successful chapter in our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of robotic innovators. This 4-day highly anticipated event, held from October 2nd to 5th, brought together 24 aspiring Roboticists from three Institutes of Higher Learning: Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

Since its inception in 2017, the ROS-Industrial Bootcamp has been a cornerstone of our mission to equip students with essential knowledge in Robot Operating System (ROS) before embarking on their final year of studies or internships. The 4-day intensive program is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

The bootcamp commenced with a foundational session on the fundamental principles of ROS, expertly led by Vinu from SUTD. During this session, participants delved deep into the core concepts of ROS, gaining profound insights into its pivotal role within the realm of robotics.

On the second day, participants were introduced to the practical side of robotics. Collaborating with Weefa Robotics, a local startup specializing in educational robots, students had the unique opportunity to configure a robot, providing them with hands-on experience that is invaluable for their future endeavours.

The intensive 4-days program was packed with important ROS concepts. On day 1, students were provided with the basic knowledge of ROS. Manu, from SUTD provided a lecture on ROS

On the second day, the students were given the opportunity to configure a robot. This year, we engaged Weefa Robotics,a local startup specialising in education robot.

On the third day, the focus of the bootcamp shifted towards the exploration of advanced robotics applications that enable navigation for robots. Specifically, the day was centred around two crucial components: augmented reality and autonomous tracking. These in-depth sessions broadened the students' horizons while fostering an environment conducive to innovative thinking and problem-solving.

The highlight of the bootcamp on the final day was when students participated in a mini competition. Working in teams of two to three, they faced the challenge of guiding their robots through a maze in the fastest time. The competition brought together all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the bootcamp, providing a platform for students to showcase their abilities.

We extend our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to the exemplary champions who emerged victorious in the maze navigation challenge. Their remarkable achievements serve as a resounding testament to the unwavering dedication and extraordinary talent exhibited by our future robotic engineers.

At ROS-Industrial, we believe that events like the ROS-Industrial Bootcamp 2023 inspire young engineers to innovate and push the boundaries of robotics applications. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to fostering the next generation of robotics pioneers who will undoubtedly shape the landscape of robotics and automation.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our esteemed trainers: Adriel, Shalman, Vinu (SUTD), Sheila, Fairuz, and our amazing interns - Yu Cheng, Gabriel, and Ryan. Your dedication and support have played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success.

Author - Seok Yu Cheng