Newsgroups: comp.robotics
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From: hexmoor@cs.buffalo.edu (henry h hexmoor)
Subject: Robot Building Lab
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Organization: State University of New York at Buffalo/Comp Sci
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 03:15:50 GMT
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The 1994 AAAI Robot Building Laboratory (RBL-94)
(to be held in conjunction with AAAI-94 and IAAI-94)

Seattle Washington
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
July 31 - August 4, 1994

If you missed  the fun and   excitement of participating in  the Robot
Building Event of AAAI- 93, here is your chance  to participate in its
formal successor: the 1994 AAAI  Robot Building Laboratory (RBL-94) to
be held in conjunction with AAAI-94 in Seattle, Washington.
   Never built a robot before? No problem! RBL-94 will provide you the
opportunity  to   build one using   a variety  of   sensors, motors, a
micro-controller   board, and toy  parts.  By  programming it yourself
using C, you will endow your robot with its own personality and smarts
to compete against others in a series of contests.
   So you have been  working in AI or  developing theories for robots?
Ever wonder how fast you could build a  working robot to test out your
ideas?  RBL-94 is your answer. It is a  facility for rapid prototyping
of small robots.  These robots may lack  the industrial strength robot
precision and repeatability. They may also lack the reasoning power of
larger robots. However, they make up for  it by being cheaper, easier,
and  faster  to build.  They are  also  good replacements for computer
simulations and theories by forcing you to deal  with the real world -
imperfect sensors,    motors,     wheels,   finite   energy    sources
(viz. batteries) and, yes, things  do wear out and  break in the  real
world.   See what  you  can  do with   your  ideas with real   working
robots. See how much of your experience you can impart to your robot.
   Perhaps if you had done things a little differently, you might have
won the AAAI-93 robot building event.  Perhaps you should have built a
little more aggressiveness into your  robot. Maybe you should not have
used   that  world  map.   Or maybe  you   could  have  replaced  that
wall-following  behavior with something  neater.  Well,  here is  your
second chance. Participate   in RBL-94 and   build it right; build  to
win.
   Can your robot outwit  the others? You  may discover novel and neat
ways to do things. Think of the excitement, the possibilities, the fun
you will have at RBL-94. So do not miss it; participate in RBL-94.

Structure of RBL-94
   RBL-94   is composed of   three  major building blocks:  Jump Start
Session,  laboratory, and contests.  We  strongly  recommend that  all
participants attend the half-day  Jump Start Session given  by members
of the organizing committee on Sunday morning, July 31, 1994. The Jump
Start Session  will focus exclusively     on providing the   necessary
background and practical advice on robot building.
   RBL-94  participants     must  belong to   a team    of  4   (3  is
permitted).   Participants    should  form    teams  as   quickly   as
possible. Those who are unable to form their  own team will be grouped
into teams by the organizing committee.
   The laboratory will  begin   immediately following the  Jump  Start
Session.   Robot kits  will   be   distributed    to  teams at    that
time. Laboratory work continues  (round the clock as necessary), until
2PM Thursday, August 4, 1994, when the final contest starts.
   Each team competes  in a series of  contests.  These contests  will
take  place daily with  the final contest to be  held the afternoon of
Thursday, August 4, 1994.
   Each contest is designed  to require teams to  build more  and more
capabilities into their  robot.  The contest-paced robot  evolution is
designed  to help teams effectively  manage their development time. It
ensures early  feedback, gives teams a chance  to catch  up, maximizes
the number of robots ready for the final (most difficult and exciting)
contest, and improves participant satisfaction. The final contest will
include  random elements (e.g.,   obstacles, doors, etc.), designed to
encourage robust robot   solutions and cooperative and/or  adversarial
robot interaction. PLEASE SEE REGISTRATION FORM FOR FEES AND DETAILS.

Preliminary Schedule
(Subject to change without notice)

       Sunday, July 31
       9:00 AM - 12:30 PM:
       RBL-94 Jump Start Session
       1:00 PM: RBL-94 starts
       
       Monday, August 1
       5:00 PM: First contest
       
       Tuesday, August 2 
       5:00 PM: Second contest
       
       Wednesday, August 3
       5:00 PM: Third contest
       
       Thursday, August 4 
       2:00 PM: Final contest


AAAI-94/IAAI-94 
Program Registration
August 1-4, 1994

Your AAAI-94 / IAAI-94 program  registration includes admission to all
sessions,   invited  talks, the  AAAI-94   / IAAI-94 Joint Exhibition,
AI-on-Line panels, the AAAI-94 and IAAI-94 opening receptions, and the
AAAI-94 or IAAI-94 conference Proceedings. Your technical registration
package   includes  the Proceedings   for one   conference.  The other
conference Proceedings may be purchased at additional cost.
   Onsite Registration will be located in the lobby of Exhibit Hall 4B
on the  fourth  floor of  the  Washington State  Convention  and Trade
Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, Washington 98101.



RBL-94 Registration Fees

(Per Person)
Regular   $300   Student   $100

Robot Kits $650 (RBL-94 registrants get first preference and a
discount)

Payment & Registration Information

Prepayment of  registration  fees is  required.  Checks, international
money  orders,  bank transfers  and  traveler's checks  must be  in US
dollars.  Amex, MasterCard, Visa,  and  government purchase orders are
also accepted. Registrations postmarked after the July 1 deadline will
be subject   to on-site  registration fees.   The deadline  for refund
requests is July  8,   1994. All  refund   requests must be made    in
writing. A  $75.  00   processing  fee  will    be assessed for    all
refunds. Student   registrations  must be    accompanied  by proof  of
full-time student status.
   Registration forms and inquiries should be directed to:
   AAAI-94 / IAAI-94
   445 Burgess Drive
   Menlo Park, California 94025 USA
   415/328-3123; Fax: 415/321-4457
   Email ncai@aaai. org.
   On-Site Registration  will be located in the  lobby of Exhibit Hall
4B  on the fourth floor of  the  Washington State Convention and Trade
Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, Washington 98101.
   Registration  hours will be  Sunday,   July 31 through   Wednesday,
August 3 from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. On Thursday,  August 4, hours will be
8:00  AM  - 5:00 PM.   All attendees must  pick up  their registration
packets for admittance to programs.



Child Care Services

Child care services are available from Panda, 2617 NW 59th, Suite 102,
Seattle, Washington 98107, 206/  325-2327. A child care  provider will
come to your hotel room at a minimum cost of $8  per hour, with a four
hour minimum. The  price also depends on  how many children need to be
cared  for. All child  care providers are fully licensed. Reservations
must be made at least two weeks in advance and directly with Panda.
   (This information is  for your convenience,  and does not represent
an endorsement of Panda Child Care by AAAI.)



Housing

AAAI has reserved  a block of rooms  in Seattle properties  at reduced
conference  rates.  To qualify  for  these rates, housing reservations
must   be  made with   the Housing  Bureau   office.  The deadline for
reservations is June 29, 1994.
   To make housing  reservations, please contact AAAI at ncai@aaai.org
to have a Housing  Application form faxed  or mailed to you. This form
is not available  online.  Please fax or  mail the Housing Application
Form to:

   Housing Bureau
   520 Pike Street, Suite 1300
   Seattle, Washington 98101

The Housing Bureau reserves the right to  assign a hotel if your first
choice   is sold out  and  other choices are   not  included. All room
charges are subject to 15.2% state and room tax.
   All changes and cancellations prior to June 29, 1994 should be made
directly with the Housing Bureau. After this date convention rates may
not  apply and the Housing Bureau  will be working  on an availability
basis. Changes and    cancellations must be   made in  writing  to the
Housing Bureau. If a change or cancellation occurs within two weeks of
the convention dates, contact your assigned hotel directly.
   The Housing Bureau will  acknowledge receipt of your reservation by
mail. Confirmation will follow from the hotel.
   A deposit   is  not required  if  a  credit  card number   has been
given. If you wish to guarantee your room with a check, you may send a
first night's deposit  directly to  your  assigned hotel. Do  not mail
cash or checks with the form.


Headquarters Hotel:

Sheraton Hotel & Towers
1400 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Main Hotel
Single: $125.00
Double: $145.00
Suites from: $250-$500
Additional Person $25.00
Distance to Center: One block


Other Hotels:

Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza
1113 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-3048
Single: $113.00
Double: $113.00
Distance to Center: Approximately five blocks

West Coast Plaza Park Suites
1011 Pike Street
Seattle, Washington 98101
Room - Single: $90.00
Room - Double: $100.00
Suite - Single: $120.00
Suite - Double: $130.00
Distance to Center: One block

Hotel rooms are priced   as  singles (1  person,  1 bed),  doubles  (2
persons, 2 beds),  triples (3 persons, 2 beds)  or quads (4 persons, 2
beds).


Student Housing

AAAI   has reserved a  block of  dormitory rooms   at Washington State
University for student housing  during the  conference. Accommodations
include linen service. Buses (Nos. 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 83) run from
University Avenue to the downtown area every five minutes.

Package Rates per person: Single:  $139.80 Double: $99.80 Extra Nights
(July 29, 30, August 4, 5 if needed): Single: $29.00 Double: $19.00
   The package includes four nights of housing (July  31, August 1, 2,
3), breakfast Monday through Thursday and applicable sales tax.
   Student housing reservations must be received by no later than July
8, 1994.  Reservation forms  can be  obtained   by contacting  AAAI at
ncai@aaai.org.  They  can be  faxed  or mailed  to  you. They  are not
available  online.   Prepayment of housing  fees  is required. Checks,
international money orders, bank transfers, and traveler's checks must
be in US currency. MasterCard and Visa are also accepted. The deadline
for refund requests is two weeks prior to scheduled arrival.
   Student   housing  is     restricted to   full-time   graduate   or
undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university
program. Proof of full-time status  must accompany the student housing
form. Housing forms and inquiries should be directed to:
   Conference Reservations
   Conference Housing and Special Services
   University of Washington
   McCarthy Hall, GR-10
   A  limited  amount  of parking  is   available  near  the residence
halls. As you  enter the  University of Washington  gates  you will be
charged for the first day. Permits for your full stay may be purchased
on a first-come, first-served basis at the Conference Desk.
   More information about student housing can be  found on the back of
the reservation form.



Air Transportation and Car Rentals

Air Transportation

The  American  Association for  Artificial  Intelligence has  selected
United  Airlines as  the  official carrier.  Fares will   reflect a 5%
discount (ticket  designator is XF5)  off any United or United Express
published fare in   effect when tickets  are purchased  subject to all
applicable restrictions, or a 10% discount (ticket designator is XF10)
off applicable United  or United  Express coach  fares in  effect when
tickets are purchased 0 days in advance  and the reservations are made
in M class of service. These special fares are subject to availability
at the time of booking. Call United Airlines directly: 800/521-4041, 7
days a week from  7:00 AM-1:00 AM EST, or  for travel  agent services,
please  contact  Travel   with   Ulla,  phone:   415/389-6264;    fax:
415/388-6830. Be sure  to provide the  identification  code 545RS when
making your  reservation. The discount is valid  for the travel period
July 26-August 9, 1994.


Car Rental

Hertz has been designated  as the official  rental car company for the
National Conference on Artificial  Intelligence.  To qualify for   the
special rates arranged with  Hertz,  please call the  Hertz convention
desk  at 800/654-2240. Be sure to  identify yourself as an attendee of
the AAAI or IAAI Conference and give the code CV#3339. Hertz has three
convenient rental desks located at Seattle-Tacoma airport.



Ground Transportation

The  following information provided is  the  best  available at  press
time. Please confirm fares when making reservations.


Airport Connections:

Several companies  provide  service from  Seattle-  Tacoma  Airport to
downtown Seattle (a distance of approximately 16  miles. A sampling of
companies and their one-way rates are shown below. Contact the company
directly   for reservations.  (The  Convention  Center  is located  on
Interstate 5 and exit 165.)

Gray Line of Seattle  206/624-5077 Seattle-Tacoma Airport  to downtown
Seattle  Fare:   $7;  $12  round trip  Stita  Taxi  206/246-9999 >From
Seattle-Tacoma Airport to downtown Seattle Fare: approximately $29.


Bus The Seattle Greyhound/Trailways  terminal is located at Eighth and
Stewart Streets,  approximately  five blocks  from  the Convention and
Trade     Center.  For information   on    fares and  scheduling, call
800/231-2222.


Rail  Amtrak has  ten  trains daily that  link   Seattle to Vancouver,
Portland, San  Francisco, Denver,  Chicago  and  other west  coast and
mid-west cities.  The Amtrak  Station is located  at Third and Jackson
Streets  next to  the  Kingdome, approximately twelve  blocks from the
Convention  &  Trade Center (a cab  ride  is  recommended). For Amtrak
reservations or information, call 800/872-7245.


Metro Transit  Metro operates bus service  throughout Seattle and King
County. Metro rides are free in the  downtown Seattle area between the
hours of 4:00 AM and 9:00 PM. For help with routes and schedules, call
Rider Information at 206/553-3000.


Parking

Parking  is  available at the  Washington  State Convention  and Trade
Center  at $12  a day.  However,   if  their garage  is full,  parking
facilities are available across the  street from the Convention Center
at the establishments listed below.

The Sheraton Hotel  Garage 1400 Sixth Avenue  Parking is available for
both guests and nonguests of this hotel at $13.00 a day.

Union Square Garage 601 Union Street Parking  is available at $10.00 a
day.



Disclaimer

In offering  United Airlines, Hertz Rental,  Panda Child Care, Seattle
VIP Services,    Washington State  University  and all   other service
providers (hereinafter referred to as "Supplier(s)" for the Innovative
Applications Conference   and the  National  Conference on  Artificial
Intelligence,   AAAI  acts only   in the capacity  of   agent  for the
Suppliers which are the providers of  the service. Because AAAI has no
control over the  personnel,  equipment or operations of  providers of
accommodations  or other services included as  part of  the AAAI-94 or
IAAI-94 program, AAAI  assumes no responsibility for  and will not  be
liable for any personal delay, inconveniences or other damage suffered
by conference attendees which may arise  by reason of (1) any wrongful
or negligent acts  or omissions  on the  part of  any Supplier or  its
employees, (2) any  defect in or failure of  any vehicle, equipment or
instrumentality owned, operated or  otherwise used by any Supplier, or
(3) any wrongful  or negligent acts or  omissions  on the part of  any
other party not under the control, direct or otherwise, of AAAI.



Seattle: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest

First-time visitors are astonished at the  wealth of natural beauty in
and around  Seattle.   Literally touching the   city's  boundaries are
thousands of square miles of evergreen forest and hundreds of miles of
salt  and  freshwater shoreline. With this   wealth of nature at their
doorstep,   both Seattleites and  visitors   concentrate much of their
recreation on the outdoors.
   Surrounded    east  and west   by  freshwater  Lake  Washington and
saltwater Puget   Sound, the city   occupies  a north-south  corridor,
slender at the waist and embracing numerous hills. On a clear day, the
views of mountains and water are spectacular.
   Most of Seattle's   attractions are clustered   in pedestrian-scale
sections, best savored on  foot.  Central business district buses  are
free and the Monorail speeds  quickly between downtown and the Seattle
Center.


Location

The city  of Seattle is  located on  the  Pacific Coast of  Washington
State. It is in the center of western Washington, on the eastern shore
of Puget Sound, an inland  water body connected  to the Pacific Ocean.
There are  mountain ranges on both  sides of Seattle;  the Cascades to
the east and  the Olympics to the  west. Built on seven hills, Seattle
is a beautiful city with unmatched mountain and water views.


Climate

Seattle has  a mild  climate  all  year round. The  Olympic  Mountains
protect the Puget Sound  area from heavy  rainfall and high winds from
the west.  On the east, the Cascade Mountains shield the area from the
winter cold.
   Winter days are short,  but summer days are long,  with 16 hours of
daylight  in midsummer. The average summer  temperature is 73 degrees,
and   maximum  afternoon temperatures  of   90 degrees   or  more  are
uncommon. Average yearly rainfall in  Seattle is 36.2 inches.  Seattle
winters tend to be cloudy, with an annual snowfall of 8.6 inches.


Sights and Scenes

A   mini-poll, taken  by  consulting  a  panel  of persons-about-town,
produced the following best bets for a Seattle Sunday  (or any day for
that matter). Some  are designed for rain,  some for  shine. Some will
take a few minutes, some a whole day.

Pike   Place Market.  The  in-city   farmers'  market so captures  the
essence of Seattle it  is on almost  everyone's must- visit list.  The
Market, with  its profusion of  vegetables, flowers, fish, baked goods
and crafts is open from 9:00 a.m. to  6:00 p.m. weekdays and Saturday;
and Sundays, May 7 through December 31, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It's a
great place  to buy handicrafts, to  eat, to people-watch, and to view
the harbor.

Pioneer Square The area adjoining the Kingdome was settled by pioneers
soon after  they  landed in  1851.  This  is where   loggers built the
original Skid Road (along  Yesler Way) to skid   logs downhill to  the
waterfront. Pioneer   Square's handsome brick   buildings most of them
recently restored,  were built after the  Great Fire  of 1889. Pioneer
Square has scores    of interesting shops,  antique  galleries, ethnic
restaurants and more art galleries per square foot than any other city
in the US, most  of them open weekends. The  tours that go beneath the
current-day Pioneer Square cobblestones  provide a glimpse of Seattle,
circa 1889.

The Ballard Locks.   One of Seattle's   most popular attractions,  the
Ballard Locks serve  as  a watery elevator  to  lift vessels from  the
salt-water   of   Puget     Sound   to    freshwater   levels,     and
vice-versa. First-timers often get  mesmerized by the  sight of a lock
full of vessels being raised  or lowered from 6  to 26 feet (depending
on the tide). The fish ladder,  locks, and grounds (including the Carl
English Gardens) are  open to the public daily  from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m.   There are one hour tours  of the locks at  2:00 on Saturday and
Sunday. Beginning on June  15, tours run  daily at  1:30 and 3:30  For
more information call 783-7059.

The   Space Needle.   Seattle's   landmark  provides visitors with   a
matchless view of the  city and Puget Sound.  On a clear day, visitors
also  spot Mount  Rainier,  Mount Baker,  and the  Cascade and Olympic
ranges from the top-level observation deck. Hours for observation deck
are mid-June through  Labor Day; 7:30 a.m. to  1:00 a.m. (seven days a
week); after Labor  Day hours are 9:00 a.m.  to midnight (seven days a
week).  Observation deck free with meals.
   One level below, there are  two restaurants: the Emerald Suite, for
formal  dining with matching prices; and  the Space Needle Restaurant,
with a more   casual  family-style menu.  While  you dine,   the outer
seating area  revolves  ever so slowly,  making  a complete revolution
each hour. For more information call 443-2100.

Seattle   Center.   Seventy  four   acres    of  arts,  entertainment,
recreation, shopping,  dining and educational  and cultural adventures
for the  entire family  await  you.   Home of the  1962  World's Fair,
Seattle Center hosts the  Seattle Space Needle, Pacific Science Center
(site of the  AAAI-94 opening reception),  Fun  Forest Amusement Park,
Seattle  Children's Museum, and the  historic Seattle Center Monorail,
which now connects to the Westlake Center. Visit Seattle Center Today!
For more information call 684-7200 or for an  update of Seattle Center
Events call 684- 7165.

Woodland Park Zoo.   The zoo, recently named one  of  the nation's ten
best, is  known for its  natural habitats,  especially  a large,  lush
gorilla  exhibit and   tropical  forest for  elephants. The  five-acre
African savanna  is home  to  hippos, lions,  zebras, springboks,  and
giraffes.  Don't miss the  walk through the swamp  or the trip through
the  Nocturnal House, home of  the shy, seldom   seen creatures of the
night. The  zoo is open everyday of  the year including holidays. From
March  15 through    October    14 hours    are  9:30  a.m.   to  6:00
p.m. daily. For more information call 684-4800.

The Waterfront.  Seattle's waterfront,  once known  as "the Gold  Rush
Strip" stretches  from  Pier  51 on  the   south  to Pier  70   on the
north. It's   a  popular spot for   strolling,  shopping,  dining, and
exploring.  Pier  70 houses  a complex of   shops and restaurants in a
restored wharf. Pier 70 is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Other activities include
Waterfront Park (Pier 57) with its public  fishing pier, fish and chip
bars, and  import  houses with  merchandise from  around the world. Ye
Olde Curiosity   Shop at   Pier   54 specializes  in    souvenirs  and
curiosities, including two mummies  (Sylvester and Sylvia). Or  take a
ferry ride or visit Maritime Park. While visiting the waterfront, ride
on the vintage trolley system and  get a feeling  of some of Seattle's
historic past.

The  Museum of Flight.   This facility, the site   of the first Boeing
Airplane Company, is  south of the  city center at  9404 East Marginal
Way  South. The museum   covers the history  of flight  and the Boeing
Airplane Company from the days of  Wilbur and Orville Wright. Here you
can see a   barnstorming  Curtiss Jenny,   a C-45  Mercy  Plan (flying
ambulance), a Grumman F-9F  Cougar and a  Boeing  B-47 bomber. In  the
adjacent Red  Barn, there are  more  exhibits, books, models, clothing
and collectibles. Open   10:00  a.m. to  5:00 p.m.,   Saturday through
Wednesday and Friday,  10:00 a.m.   to 9:00  p.m., Thursday.  For more
information call (206) 764-5720.


For Additional Travel Information

Travelers wishing additional information can write Seattle-King County
Convention and Visitors Bureau,  Downtown Visitor  Information Office,
520 Pike Street, Suite   1300,  Seattle, Washington 98101,   telephone
(206) 461-5840.

WHEN REGISTERING, PLEASE RETURN THE FOLLOWING TWO PAGES ONLY

--------------------------- CUT HERE ----------------------------------



ROBOT-BUILDING LAB (Space is limited & preregistration is required.)

FEE (per person)
Regular: $300			Student: $100

Total RBL-94 Fee: ______

RBL-94 TEAM SIGN-UP:
(Although single sign-ups are accepted, we encourage you to form or join
a robot-building team.   All team members must register for the robot-building
lab. See brochure for further details.)

Team Member Name:
Team Member Name:
Team Member Name:


                               PAYMENT

Email registrations must be accompanied by a credit card number.

Total Amount Due: ______

Check one: Mastercard ___  Visa ___  American Express ___

Credit Card Account Number:

Expiration Date:

Name as it appears on card:

Forms cannot be processed if information is incomplete. The refund request
deadline is July 8, 1994. A $75.00 processing fee will be assessed for refunds.
Registration postmarked after July 1 are subject to onsite rates.

Mail completed application to ncai@aaai.org.

For a membership application, please write to membership@aaai.org.

For housing or student housing applications, please write to
housing@aaai.org.


-- 
No man is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the
Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a
manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes
