Competition # 1
Concept Competition
Visions of Environmentally Powered Soft Machines
This concept competition invites imaginative visions for new application domains of environmentally powered soft machines. The emphasis is on what these systems could enable and where they could be used, rather than on the development of new technologies, materials, or actuation mechanisms. The competition explicitly encourages participation from students and early-career researchers.
Submission details
Proposals may be preliminary/early-stage research results. However, purely conceptual ideas, including speculative applications supported by conceptual designs or illustrative scenarios, are equally welcome. Each participant is expected to submit the following:
- A single PDF file including:
- A title
- A short abstract of the flash talk
- (Optional) A single-slide presentation for the 3-minute talk.
- (Optional) An accompanying poster for discussion.
Initial submission and result notification date
Submissions received after the deadline may still be considered on a rolling basis, subject to available slots. Late submissions will be notified as soon as possible if space permits. Each accepted participant will give a 3-minute flash talk based on a single presentation slide (or a short video), introducing the application vision and its motivation.
Best Concept Award - Evaluation Criteria
Presentations will be evaluated through online voting by organizers, experts, and workshop attendees during the workshop, and the top-ranked contribution will receive the Best Concept Award.
Competition # 2
Demonstration Competition
Realizing Environmentally Powered Soft Machines
This demonstration competition highlights working prototypes and functional systems of environmentally powered soft machines. The focus is on real-world realization, system integration, and performance, rather than conceptual design alone. Participation is open to students and student teams.
Submission details
The competition follows a two-stage submission and evaluation process. Each participant is expected to submit the following materials:
- A single PDF file including:
- A title
- A short abstract describing the prototype and its demonstrated function
- A description of the environmental stimuli required for the on-site demonstration (e.g., light, heat, humidity, airflow, mechanical vibration)
- (Optional) A short video (maximum 1 minute) showing the functional prototype in operation
On-site demonstration
If accepted, the selected teams are required to bring their physical demonstration to the workshop and participate in a live, hands-on demonstration session, where attendees can directly experience the system’s performance and behavior.
Evaluation Criteria
Voting during the on-site session including organizers and audience will determine the Best System Realization Award, recognizing demonstrations that excel in efficiency, robustness, and clarity of application.
Initial submission and result notification date
Submissions received after the deadline may still be considered on a rolling basis, subject to available slots. Late submissions will be notified as soon as possible if space permits.
Competition # 2
Poster sessions
Submission form