The goal of the International Foundation of Robotics Research (IFRR) is to promote the development of robotics as a scientific field establishing the theoretical foundations and technology basis for its ever expanding applications, with emphasis on its potential role to benefit humans. The Foundation was formally established in 1986 following the success of a series of pioneering symposia that were conceived to provide the emerging community with a forum entirely devoted to all areas of robotics research.

The international dimensions of the Foundation were reflected in the broad composition of its Board of eighteen officers, equally distributed across the regions of Asia-Australia, Europe, and North America.

Through closer cooperation and coordination with other robotics conferences, societies, and publications, IFRR continues to expand its effort to promote the development and dissemination of research within our growing robotics community.