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Another DARPA-Sponsored Robotics Competition
dexterpexter writes "While some say that DARPA played unfairly in eliminating Grand Challenge teams they deem unworthy, they, the Department of Defense, and General Motors (among others) sponsor an autonomous robotics competition in which they exercise less control over who competes and who does not. The rules are more lenient and the prizes are less illustrious, but this competition still holds the spirit of 'openness' and rewarding innovation that the Grand Challenge seems to have lost. Of course, you must be from a university to compete, but any university-based vehicle passing the competition-day qualifications gets a fair shot at winning. No pre-competition disqualifications. My team has competed for several years."
The only way you can get a decent, fair competition is to let anyone play and put it on TV...
Robot Wars!!!
No seriously, it's open to more than 'just universities' and it's (reasonably) fun to watch. All it needs is a push away from simple remote control vehicles into something more automated (i.e. robotics) and some sponsorship. I know I'd watch more episodes if they let you use projectile, beam and electronic weapons. Sure safety shouldn't be compromised, but there's gotta be a way to let people be just a bit more adventurous than building a wedge shape round an RC car?
I mean, let's be honest - Lego Mindstorms is more robotic than Robot Wars. A proper Robot Wars could eventually yield some useful technology through having fun...
This SUNDAY! The DARPA vs. IRRF grudge match! Come on down to the motor park speedway, only this SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!
I keep wanting to enter my robot into competitions, but it keeps saying that it can't let me do that.
Regards,
Dave
Mother, do you think they'll like this sig?
Dave? Would you like to hear me sing a song Dave? It's one of the first things I learnt.
"Academicians are more likely to share each other's toothbrush than each other's nomenclature."
Cohen