Tandy Trower, General Manager of the Microsoft Robotics Group:

Here we are again. Following close on the heels of our December 1.0 release, we have continued to look for improvements and features to deliver. That includes some great on-demand video tutorials on our website that provide an introduction to Microsoft Robotics Studio straight from the people who have contributed to those components. We then followed that up with the first preview of our new robot soccer simulation competition that will be featured at RoboCup 2007 in Atlanta.

And that was just the start because with this post, I am pleased to announce the release of the first Community Technical Preview (CTP) of Microsoft Robotics Studio 1.5. This release builds on the official 1.0 release adding a number of new features. However, as a preview, its license only permits non-commercial use.

Also available:

• MEDC 2007 Robot Sumo Simulation For Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5) Preview

  This package includes a 3-D simulated sumo robot ring, a scoring system, and a 3D physics-based model of an iRobot Create robot. Download today to create your own sumo robot competition�or come to MEDC 07 and enter the sumo Robot Competition. Finalists will be invited to port their simlation code into real robots.

• Soccer Simulation for Microsoft Robotics Studio (1.5) Preview

  Microsoft is sponsoring RoboCup 2007 in Atlanta, and will host a competitive simulation demonstration league. Download the preview today and stay tuned for info on using this new soccer playing field and scoring system.