Robotics Meets AI and Vision in South America (Topical Collection)

The integration of robotics research with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision (CV) has enabled the solution of practical tasks previously challenging with traditional techniques. This interdisciplinary approach focuses on developing intelligent computational systems for decision-making, planning, and object recognition, minimizing human intervention in various domains like e-commerce, healthcare, industry, and more. South American researchers contribute significantly, with emphasis on emerging AI technologies such as Deep Learning, statistical methods, and computer vision applied to robotics. The works within this collection highlight the increasing prominence of robotics in education, with it becoming a part of basic education, and discuss a topical collection showcasing research presented at Latin American robotics events in 2021. The papers cover diverse topics, including altitude control for hybrid aerial-underwater vehicles, robust localization in challenging environments, cross-domain localization for underwater robots, image-based navigation for agricultural rovers, continuous training of educators in Educational Robotics, and the role of robotic simulators in education. The collection aims to disseminate cutting-edge robotics research and foster collaboration in the field.