Australian team among six to face final robot Grand Challenge
Six high-tech teams from the USA, Turkey, Japan and Australia have made it to the finals of an international challenge to develop the next generation of fully autonomous robots that could undertake dangerous missions on the future battlefield.
Australia's Acting Chief Defence Scientist Dr. Warren Harch today announced the six finalists who will compete in the Multi-Autonomous Ground-robotics International Challenge (MAGIC) at the Royal Showground in Adelaide, South Australia in November.
The six teams are: Cappadocia (Turkey), Chiba (Japan), Magician (Australia), RASR (USA), Team Michigan (USA), and University of Pennsylvania (USA).
"These teams are at the forefront of robotics technology," Dr Harch said. "They have survived a rigorous assessment and elimination process against six other semi-finalist teams."
USA Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center Director Dr. Grace Bochenek said the competition fosters international cooperation.
"We hope to inspire the next generation of researchers," she said. "We are always seeking good ideas and fresh perspectives. This challenge is a win-win - we are investing in solutions that will make our soldiers stronger through technology."
Australian and USA officials visited all twelve short-listed teams during a hectic period of several weeks to evaluate their robots. The teams performed a range of activities to demonstrate certain capabilities including the ability to operate autonomously and to map their surroundings digitally.
"The six successful teams displayed high levels of innovation and dexterity in completing their assigned tasks," Dr Harch said.
"They now have a few more months to fine-tune their concepts for the grand final challenge when they will be required to field at least three robots and accomplish a complex task involving mapping and identification of threats while demonstrating a high level of autonomy between the robots.
We want to move from the current paradigm of one man-one robot to one man and many robots."
MAGIC is a joint initiative of Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the USA Department of Defense. The aim is to develop teams of robots which can operate autonomously on the battlefield in dangerous situations, keeping soldiers out of harm's way.
Twenty three teams from five countries submitted entries. Competition officials chose 12 teams for the semi-finals. Now, six teams will compete in the final challenge. The results from the final challenge will be announced in mid-November.
"I congratulate all the finalists and wish them well for the MAGIC Grand Challenge in Australia," Dr Harch said.
Source: DSTO
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.