TECHNOLOGY: $5 mln Abu Dhabi challenge for best robotics

The Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge was launched at the Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, a race for the best that will be held every two years and carries a $5 mln award.

"This event will undoubtedly attract some of the best robotics minds in the world, and bring international attention to the growing robotics industry in the UAE," said Khalifa University President, Dr. Tod Laursen.
"The UAE has picked up this theme recently with its aspirations for a Mars mission. In a similar spirit, the MBZIRC will spur future development of worldwide robotic technology by requiring research, invention and real-life application of its winners."
The first MBZIRC, named after the UAE Crown Prince, will require competitors to develop aerial and ground vehicles capable of executing tasks in complex, dynamic environments.
The challenge will be to create a vehicle that can complete tasks in a simulated disaster response scenario. It will involve the collaboration of a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in a changing environment that requires the robots to carry out a series of tasks using autonomous navigation and environmental interactions.
Teams interested can enter the challenge at http://www.mbzirc.com by June, and participants will be selected in October. Also, individuals can look for more information on MBZIRC on social media via #MBZIRC on Twitter and Facebook @MBZIRC.