Writing for a robotics conference isn’t just about sharing your results; it’s about telling a story that captures attention and proves value. These conferences bring together some of the brightest minds, making it essential that your work stands out. Many researchers struggle with where to start, which makes preparation even more important.
So, how to write a paper for a robotics conference? The answer is simple but structured. Begin with a clear topic, organize your sections properly, and back your claims with solid experiments. Adding visuals, following conference rules, and revising carefully all play a key role in building credibility.
If you want your work to leave a lasting impact, knowing the right process is non-negotiable. Keep reading this guide to uncover practical steps, useful templates, and proven tips to make your paper conference-ready.
How to Write a Paper for a Robotics Conference?
Writing a paper for a robotics conference may seem complex, but breaking it into steps makes it much easier. By focusing on the right topic, doing proper research, and following a tested structure, you can create a paper that gets noticed and valued by reviewers.
Step 1: Pick the Right Topic
Choose a robotics subject that’s both current and specific. It should tackle an open challenge or bring fresh insight, like autonomous navigation, robotic arms, or human-robot interaction. A narrow focus helps you explain your methods clearly and keeps the paper within conference limits.
Step 2: Do Your Homework
Before you write, dive into papers from past conferences like ICRA, IROS, or RSS. This shows you the current standards and avoids repeating work that’s already been covered. Spotting gaps in existing research helps you position your paper as useful and worth reading.
Step 3: Follow a Clear Structure
Robotics conference papers are easiest to read when they follow a standard outline. Reviewers expect sections like introduction, method, results, and conclusion. A clear conference paper structure makes your research flow naturally and ensures you don’t miss important details that the conference committee is looking for.
Step 4: Add Visuals
Strong visuals can explain what words sometimes cannot. Diagrams, robot photos, or charts give readers a quick way to grasp your findings. They also make your paper more engaging. A good figure can often highlight results or methods better than lengthy paragraphs ever could.
Step 5: Revise and Polish
Never settle for your first draft. Read it carefully, fix unclear sentences, and ask colleagues for feedback. Clean, simple writing is appreciated by reviewers. Small improvements in clarity, flow, and grammar can make the difference between a paper that struggles and one that stands out.
Step 6: Respect Guidelines
Every robotics conference has strict requirements for format, word count, and submission. Some even ask for a short video. Always check these rules before submitting, or your paper might get rejected before it’s even reviewed. Following guidelines shows professionalism and respect for the process.
Paper Template (Quick Version)
Always make sure your abstract follows the recommended conference abstract format, keeping it concise while covering the problem, method, and main findings.
Title: Clear and specific
Abstract: Short summary of the problem, method, and main results
Introduction: Why the work matters + contributions
Related Work: What others have done
Method: How you solved the problem
Experiments: Metrics, results, comparisons with baselines
Limitations: Where your approach still struggles
Conclusion: What’s next and how your work helps the field
References: Cite relevant sources
At its core, writing a robotics conference paper is about clarity, honesty, and structure. Pick a topic that matters, write it in a way others can follow, and polish it until it’s easy to read. With the templates above, you’re already halfway prepared to submit confidently to upcoming robotics conferences and make your research stand out.
Types of Topics You Can Cover for a Robotics Conference Paper
Choosing the right topic is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when preparing your paper. The field of robotics moves quickly, and reviewers appreciate research that connects with current challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the hot areas worth considering.
Foundation Models for Robotics
These large-scale models can handle multiple tasks by learning general skills from vast datasets. Papers in this area often explore how foundation models improve adaptability, reduce training time, or make robots more versatile in real-world tasks.
Vision-language-action Models
Combining vision, text, and actions, these models allow robots to understand instructions more naturally. Research here can show how robots respond to verbal commands, interpret images, and carry out tasks in a way that feels intuitive for humans.
Safe Autonomy & Trust
As robots take on more independent tasks, safety and reliability become crucial. Papers may cover algorithms that prevent harmful actions, approaches to explain decisions clearly, or methods that help people trust robots in sensitive environments like healthcare or transportation.
Dexterous Manipulation
Creating robots that use hands as effectively as humans is still a major challenge. Topics in this space include fine-grained control, tactile sensing, and learning-based approaches for grasping delicate objects, which are especially important for manufacturing and surgical robots.
Multi-robot Coordination
When groups of robots work together, coordination is key. Papers may cover swarm robotics, shared decision-making, or distributed sensing systems. These studies often have applications in agriculture, search-and-rescue operations, and large-scale environmental monitoring.
Simulation & Sim-to-real Transfer
Many robotic systems are tested first in simulation. Research here focuses on making simulation results translate effectively into the real world. Topics include building better simulators, domain adaptation, and reducing performance gaps between virtual and physical robots.
Benchmark Creation
Benchmarking helps the community compare results fairly. Papers in this category may introduce new datasets, standardized tasks, or evaluation platforms that push the field forward and provide common grounds for testing different approaches.
Human-robot Collaboration Metrics
Robots are often designed to work with people, not just alongside them. This area includes measuring usability, workload, and effectiveness when humans and robots collaborate, which is especially important for attendees of robotics conferences who want to see practical and people-focused outcomes. Clear metrics in this space help improve trust and teamwork between users and machines.
Picking a strong topic sets the direction for your entire paper. By focusing on current and meaningful areas like these, you not only raise your chances of acceptance but also contribute valuable work that moves robotics research forward.
Know Your Target Venue
Before you start writing, it’s smart to know what each major robotics conference actually expects from your paper. While the topics may overlap, the submission rules, page limits, and even extra requirements like videos or limitations sections are not the same. Let’s break it down so you can choose wisely.
Quick Comparison of Major Robotics Conferences
| Conference | Page Limits | Video / Extra Material | Unique Requirements |
| ICRA (IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation) | 6 pages main content + unlimited references | Optional video (≤5 minutes) encouraged | Uses PaperPlaza submission system; strict PDF size checks |
| IROS (IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems) | 6 pages, with up to 2 extra pages available for a fee | Video submission is optional, often linked to the final version | Double-blind review; page charges apply for extras |
| RSS (Robotics: Science and Systems) | Typically 8 pages main text, extra pages allowed for references | No external links in initial submission; video required at final stage | Mandatory “Limitations” section; emphasis on reproducibility |
| CoRL (Conference on Robot Learning) | 8 pages main, references don’t count toward the limit | Supplementary material and video accepted | Limitations section required; strong ML/robotics overlap |
Formatting Resource
To make life easier, you can start directly with the official IEEE LaTeX conference template. Most robotics conferences either require this template or something very close to it.
Each venue has its own flavor, and knowing these details upfront will save you time and reduce frustration later. Pick the one that matches your research style and follow their rules closely—it’s the simplest way to stay on the safe side.
Formatting & Anonymization
When it comes to submitting a robotics conference paper, how you format and prepare the file matters just as much as the content inside. Every conference has strict rules to ensure fairness and readability, and missing them can cause unnecessary rejection. Let’s look at the key details you should keep in mind.
IEEEtran Style
Most robotics conferences, including ICRA and IROS, require papers to be written using the official IEEEtran two-column format. This template ensures that every submission looks consistent and professional. Using it from the very beginning saves you from reformatting stress later.
Double-anonymous Review Rules
Conferences like IROS, RSS, and CoRL use double-anonymous review, which means reviewers should not know who the authors are. This requires you to:
- Remove your name and affiliation from the paper.
- Avoid mentioning your lab, project website, or grant numbers.
- Cite your own work neutrally (e.g., “As shown in [12]…” instead of “In our previous work…”).
File Size and Submission Portals
Robotics conferences usually rely on submission systems like PaperPlaza (used by ICRA and IROS) or Precision Conference (used by RSS and CoRL). These platforms strictly enforce file size and format rules. Make sure your PDF is within the allowed size, uses embedded fonts, and passes the conference’s automated checker.
Formatting and anonymization may feel like small details, but they can decide whether your paper even gets reviewed. By starting with the IEEEtran template, respecting the double-anonymous rules, and checking file requirements on the submission portal, you’ll avoid last-minute headaches.
Figures & Video in a Robotics Conference Paper
Great research doesn’t shine if it isn’t presented well. Reviewers and readers rely on visuals and short videos to quickly understand what your paper is about. That’s why getting your figures and video right is just as important as writing clearly. Let’s look at the best practices to follow.
First-page Storyboard Figure
One of the smartest moves is to place a strong figure on the very first page. Think of it like a storyboard: it should show the overall system, the main idea, or the workflow at a glance. A clear first-page figure helps reviewers immediately understand what your work is about before they dive into the details.
Vector PDFs and Caption Clarity
Always use vector graphics (PDF or EPS) instead of pixel-based images, because they look sharp at any zoom level. Captions should explain what the figure shows without needing the reader to hunt through the text. A good caption answers “what am I looking at, and why does it matter?” in one or two sentences.
60-90 Second Highlight Video
Many robotics conferences ask for a short video to go with your paper. Keep it between 60 and 90 seconds. Show your robot or system in action, highlight comparisons, and add simple captions so it makes sense even without audio. Think of it as your research trailer – short, clear, and memorable.
Figures and videos are not extras; they are powerful tools that can make your paper more convincing and memorable. By starting with a strong first-page figure, using crisp visuals, and creating a short highlight video, you give your work the attention it deserves and highlight the kind of robotics innovations at conferences that inspire both reviewers and audiences.
Experiments That Strengthen Your Paper
When writing a paper for a robotics conference, your experiments are what give weight to your ideas. Reviewers look for results that are meaningful, measurable, and easy to compare with existing work. Simply showing your system works is not enough; you need to prove it with the right tests. Let’s look at the kinds of experiments that make a strong impression.
Perception Metrics
If your work involves vision or sensing, use standard metrics like mean Average Precision (mAP) and Precision-Recall (PR) curves. These show how well your system detects, classifies, or tracks objects. Including such measures makes your results easy to compare with established baselines.
Manipulation Metrics
For robot arms and hands, reviewers expect metrics like task success rate, timed trials, or benchmarks such as the YCB object set. These measures tell readers not only if the robot can complete a task but also how efficiently it performs under real conditions.
Navigation Metrics
In navigation and mapping work, include numbers such as Success weighted by Path Length (SPL), Absolute Trajectory Error (ATE), or Relative Pose Error (RPE). These metrics reveal how accurate and reliable your system is when moving in complex environments.
Human-robot Interaction (HRI) Metrics
If your paper deals with people working with robots, you’ll need user-centered measures like the System Usability Scale (SUS) or NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). These help show how comfortable and effective human collaboration is with your robotic system.
Strong Baselines and Ablations
Always compare your method against well-known baselines. This shows where your work stands in the bigger picture. Ablation studies, where you remove parts of your system, help prove which components actually matter and strengthen your technical claims.
Sim-to-real Generalization
A convincing robotics paper often goes beyond simulation. Showing your system in both simulated and real environments demonstrates reliability. Even if real-world tests are limited, including a few trials can give your paper more credibility.
Experiments are the backbone of any robotics paper. By using the right metrics, testing against baselines, and showing sim-to-real performance, you give reviewers solid reasons to value your work. Strong evidence speaks louder than any claim you could write.
Reproducibility & Ethics in Your Paper
Good robotics research doesn’t stop at results; it also needs to be reproducible and ethically sound. Reviewers want to know that others can repeat your work and that your experiments are safe and responsible. Paying attention to these details strengthens your paper. Let’s go over the essentials.
Artifact Checklist
Make your work reproducible by sharing the tools needed to run it again. This usually means including code, random seeds, configuration files, datasets, and pretrained weights. Think of it as learning how to document a robotics project, where even if you cannot release everything, clearly listing what you used helps others understand and verify your results.
Human or Animal Study Approvals
If your research involves people or animals, approvals from recognized review boards (like IRB or ethics committees) must be mentioned. This step shows that your work respects participants and follows established standards. Without it, your paper risks being rejected.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Robotics often interacts with the real world, so safety cannot be ignored. Be clear about potential risks, whether it’s physical harm, privacy issues, or misuse. Also mention the safety measures you built in, such as emergency stops or controlled test setups.
Reproducibility and ethics add weight to your research by making it trustworthy. Including artifacts, stating approvals, and addressing safety concerns not only helps your paper meet conference requirements but also shows that your work is serious and reliable.
Common Rejection Reasons & Fixes
Even a solid piece of research can get rejected if it doesn’t meet certain standards. Reviewers look for clarity, strong evidence, and proper structure, and missing these can cost you acceptance. Knowing the common mistakes ahead of time makes it easier to avoid them. Let’s look at the usual reasons and how to fix them.
Out of Scope
Sometimes papers get turned down simply because they don’t match the conference theme. Always double-check the conference’s call for papers and ensure your work clearly fits. A small tweak in how you frame your contributions can make your paper relevant.
Weak or Missing Baselines
If you don’t compare your method against strong baselines, reviewers have no way to judge progress. Include benchmarks that are widely accepted in the field. Even if your method doesn’t beat them in every case, showing fair comparisons builds credibility.
Claims Not Supported by Experiments
Big claims without strong evidence are a fast track to rejection. Back every key statement with data, metrics, or figures. If you’re limited by resources, be honest about it and explain why your results are still meaningful.
Poor Writing or Formatting
Reviewers won’t spend extra time untangling confusing text. Keep your sentences clear, avoid jargon where possible, and stick to the conference’s formatting rules. Using the official template from the start saves time and avoids last-minute formatting errors.
Missing Limitations Section
Conferences like RSS and CoRL require a limitations section. Even if it’s not mandatory, it shows maturity and transparency. A short but honest note about where your method struggles often leaves a better impression than pretending it’s flawless.
Rejections are often about presentation and structure rather than the quality of the research itself. By staying within scope, adding strong baselines, backing claims with experiments, writing clearly, and including limitations, you give your paper a much stronger chance of acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common and practical questions that often come up after learning how to prepare robotics papers for conferences. These answers are written simply, so you can quickly understand and apply them without extra effort.
How Early Should I Start Writing My Paper?
It’s best to start at least three to four months before the deadline. This gives you enough time to refine experiments, polish your writing, and handle formatting. Rushing at the last moment usually leads to mistakes.
Do Conferences Accept Papers With Negative Results?
Yes, if the results are explained clearly and backed by strong experiments. Negative results still add value by showing what doesn’t work. Reviewers often appreciate honesty when it highlights important limits or directions for future work.
Can I Reuse Figures or Text From My Previous Work?
You can reuse your own material if it’s cited and not under review elsewhere. Always check copyright rules from publishers before reusing figures. Avoid copying large parts of text, rephrase and update to keep it fresh.
Should I Share My Code Publicly Before the Conference?
It depends on the conference policy and your comfort level. Some venues encourage sharing after acceptance, not before. A good middle ground is preparing clean code privately and releasing it once the paper is officially published.
What Happens If I Miss the Submission Deadline?
Conferences rarely allow late submissions, no matter the reason. Once the portal closes, it’s usually final. That’s why planning early and uploading a few days in advance is the safest approach.
How Important Are Reviewer Comments After Rejection?
Reviewer feedback is often more valuable than it seems. Even if your paper gets rejected, the comments highlight weaknesses and possible improvements. Using them carefully can help you prepare a stronger version for the next conference.
Can I Turn My Conference Paper Into a Journal Article?
Yes, many researchers expand their conference papers into journal articles. The journal version usually includes more experiments, deeper analysis, and stronger discussions. Just make sure it offers enough new content beyond the original paper.
Concluding Words
Writing for robotics conferences is about more than results; it’s about clarity, structure, and presenting your work in a way others can easily understand. A well-written paper shows both your technical skill and your ability to communicate clearly.
The core of how to write a paper for a robotics conference comes down to careful planning. Pick a relevant topic, support it with meaningful experiments, and follow formatting rules. Adding strong visuals and refining your draft makes a huge difference.
By focusing on structure, evidence, and clear presentation, your paper can stand out in competitive conferences. Use the tips and templates shared here to prepare with confidence and give your research the best chance of recognition.
