“This is better than Euro 2012!”, said one of the spectators at the final match of RoboCup SSL North American Open at UBC, echoing the atmosphere of excitement and fun that eveyone felt at the RoboCup NAO for one amazing week! The conference came to an official end this weekend, after a closing banquet and award ceremony. The teams from Canada, China and Germany set off to Mexico for the RoboCup 2012, where they will compete for the world championships of the small sized league.

The first of its kind in Canada, the RoboCup SSL North American Open was a success, bringing together bright and young minds from around the world in the spirit of learning and friendly competition. It gave the teams a chance to test out their robots before the world title, and to get to know one another and learn from each other in a fun atmosphere. The response from the public and community was great, and the teams had an eager audience for their games, technical challenges, and even routine practice.

The organizing committee wishes to thank the teams, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, enthusiasts, spectators, and everyone else who made the RoboCup SSL North American Open a success, and to say a big Good Luck to all the teams competing in Mexico City!