A competition to develop next-generation robots capable of saving lives in disaster zones has been unveiled by the Pentagon’s advanced research laboratory.
Darpa says it wants “adaptable robots with the ability to use human tools – from hand tools to vehicles”.
It plans to hold a series of emergency response physical challenges.
A $2m (£1.3m) prize is being offered to the team with the best technology. The competition begins in October.
The agency says it hopes software engineers, video game developers and other experts from fields outside robotics will take part “to increase the diversity of innovative solutions”.
Radiation-resistant
Robots have already been deployed into danger zones.
After the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown in 2011, Japanese authorities used unmanned vehicles and “first responder” robotsdeveloped by the British firm Qintetiq to move heavy debris and measure radiation levels.
The US Army has also used robots in Iraq and Afghanistan to clear buildings and check for explosive devices.
However, Darpa says more work needs to be done to make the machines interact with humans more naturally.
“This challenge is going to test supervised autonomy in perception and decision-making, mounted and dismounted mobility, dexterity, strength and endurance in an environment designed for human use but degraded due to disaster,” said Gill Pratt, Darpa’s programme manager.
“Adaptability is also essential because we don’t know where the next disaster will strike.”
BBC has the full article
