The first ARGOS competition of June 2015 was a challenging experience for all participating teams. Many lessons learned have been compiled and analyzed by the FOXIRIS team. A major conclusion was the need of practicing and completing the proposed autonomous missions before starting on any modifications of the current robot version. For that purpose our engineers have been continuously exercising the robot this summer both over the virtual UMAD simulator and our outdoor industrial mock-up area until successfully fulfilling the missions of the first competition.

At the same time we have been working on an improved design of the robot’s capabilities in view of the comments and feedback from the ARGOS Jury. At present, the FOXIRIS consortium, led by GMV together with IDMind, Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and University of Malaga (UMA), is working very hard on the detail design and manufacture of a new robot body with better traction abilities and integrated sensors. Minor modifications will be performed depending on the final version of the incoming rules for the Second Competition.

All hardware upgrades are expected to be performed during this autumn 2015 allowing us to start an intensive testing period by next January 2016: climbing of stairs, validation of new perception and manipulation capabilities, increase of robot safety, inclusion of a versatile Control Centre, etc. Following this roadmap the FOXIRIS robot will be ready for the second ARGOS Challenge competition and prepared to play a major role among all participating teams.