 |
|
| Welcome
to the World of FIRA ! |
|
 |
The world we are living in today is changing
in unprecedented ways, and with unimaginable speed. Up to now,
most of the robots installed worldwide are being used in manufacturing
process industries. Although the vast majority of robots today
are used in factories, rapid advances in technology have enabled
robots to automate many tasks in non-manufacturing industries
such as agriculture, construction, health care, entertainment
and education. Intelligent robots, dreamt about and seen only
in science fictions, novels and movies, are becoming a reality.
Although robotics has a relatively short history, within the
next 10 years, it is envisaged that personal robots will enter
our households, and become very much part of our everyday life,
as mobile phones are today.
FIRA robot soccer began in 1995 and the first international
championship was held at KAIST, Daejeon, Korea in 1996. The
Federation of International Robot-soccer Association (or FIRA,
in short) was founded in June 1997 with a basic goal of |
taking
the spirit of science and technology of robotics to the laymen
and the younger generation, through the game of robot soccer.
Robot soccer can be portrayed as a competition of advanced robot
technology within a confined space. It offers a challenging
arena to the young generation and researchers working with autonomous
mobile robotic systems.
It is hoped that the FIRA Cup,
held annually since 1996, and many other FIRA events, will help
generate interests in robotics in the young minds. Through these
events, we hope to help them better understand and appreciate
the scientific concepts and technological developments involved.
Some of these interests will fuel scientific and engineering
skills that ultimately develop into research outcomes to serve
mankind in a variety of ways.
Ever since its establishment, FIRA has had venues for its FIRA Cup
in Australia, Brazil, China, France and Korea. Every FIRA Cup
and other FIRA events were a new experience
for all that participated and witnessed them. Making progress
over successive years since 1996, FIRA Cup has now attained world
recognition as a robot festival.
We will do our best to further establish and sustain FIRA
Cup as a Science and Technology Robot Soccer
World Cup. We believe that this is possible only with your continued
support of the FIRA Cup
and your active participation in related FIRA events.
Thank you.
Professor Jong-Hwan Kim
President, FIRA. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
optimized
internet explorer 6.0
1024X768 mode |
|
