Gearing up for RoboCupJunior: Interview with Ana Patrícia Magalhães - Robohub

The article features an interview with Ana Patrícia Magalhães, the lead organizer of RoboCupJunior at RoboCup 2024, which will be held in Salvador, Brazil, from July 15-21. RoboCupJunior is a segment of the larger RoboCup event aimed at introducing robotics competitions to school children and teenagers. This year, the event expects participation from over 40 countries, with approximately 48 teams in Soccer, 86 in Rescue, and 27 in OnStage leagues, totaling around 600 participants including students, parents, and educators. Special arrangements have been made to support the young participants, such as dedicated shuttle services, a handbook with safety and local information, a separate competition space, and a welcome party to immerse them in Brazilian culture. Magalhães highlights the increased participation of Brazilian teams due to the event's local venue, which reduces travel costs and makes it more accessible for them to compete. She emphasizes the value of RoboCupJunior as a platform for