I have had a few questions about the IRI and how the team invitation system works. Here are some of the basics.
1. We will open up an "Application" system where teams can indicate if they would like to attend. The application requires team name, team number, contact information, and a short answer of why you want to attend and what you can "bring" to the event (special capability, lead something, the MC

), etc.
2. After the application period closes, we will evaluate all of the teams that applied. The primary factor is Robot Performance in 2012, but other factors are considered. We do not publish the criteria.
3. We will send out invitations to teams. We invite more that we expect and then have a deadline for commitment and payment to assure a full field. There are usually a few invited teams that cannot attend for different reasons.
Entry fee, dates and other information will be released soon.