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Tufts Nano Lab received the 2023 Kind and Operate Problem with its Ingestible Capsule for Multi-Spot Intestine Sampling. Supply: MassRobotics
There are many robotics challenges, however many are narrowly targeted on a particular activity or software, in line with MassRobotics. The group yesterday hosted an informational session to clarify its Kind and Operate Robotics Problem.
The competitors requires college groups to “create any kind of robotics or automation undertaking that delivers a compelling kind issue particular to its activity whereas carrying out a helpful operate,” stated MassRobotics.
“This name is purposefully broad,” Russ Nickerson, associate engagement liaison at MassRobotics, stated throughout the name. “I’ve seen competitions with a spotlight akin to underwater robots or drones, however numerous robots don’t get discover or have a spot. We wish to permit creativity and ingenuity to shine.”
MassRobotics is an group devoted to nurturing startups and different robotics and related system firms in Massachusetts. It gives co-working house in Boston, networking alternatives, and applications for training and mentorship. This week, MassRobotics additionally introduced the classes for its fourth Jumpstart cohort for highschool women in Boston and growth to Lowell, Mass.
MassRobotics gives prizes and partnerships
The second annual Kind and Operate Robotics Problem gives a grand prize of $10,000, plus $1,000 prizes for second and third place, in addition to a $1,000 Viewers Selection Award. The Viewers Selection Award may overlap with one of many different prizes, stated Nickerson.
“This problem pairs properly with pupil initiatives, capstones, and present works,” he stated in a launch. “It’s also a good way for college kids to work with business leaders.”
One of many standards for the problem is that groups should use at the least two parts supplied by MassRobotics’ strategic companions. They embody AMD‘s robotics starter package, Analog Units‘ inertial measurement models (IMUs), Danfoss controllers, Festo‘s pneumatic kits, Lattice Semiconductor modules with NVIDIA know-how, Novanta motors, Solidworks design licenses, and varied techniques from Mitsubishi Electrical and igus.
“This encourages cross-collaboration between state-of-the-art software program and {hardware} suppliers,” Nickerson stated. “It might’t simply be an AMD board duct-taped on prime of a tool.”
“Analog Units is happy to take part with MassRobotics as soon as once more within the Kind and Operate Problem,” acknowledged Natalie Brown, principal account supervisor at Analog Units (ADI). “The problem gives bi-directional studying with know-how that paves the way in which for innovation in robotics and introduces groups to ADI as a future employer, provider, or associate.”
The collaborating groups preserve their mental property (IP) however ought to examine with particular person sponsors relating to nondisclosure agreements, stated Nickerson.
MIT’s WORMS staff positioned second in final yr’s Kind and Operate Problem. Supply: MassRobotics
Kind and Operate winners to be named on the Robotics Summit & Expo
The groups should construct a system that may “sense, compute, and actuate,” stated MassRobotics. Its judging standards contains originality, reliability, the issue of the problem being solved, and the system’s end and undertaking execution.
“We’re not that involved with business viability for this problem, however we’re searching for utility,” Nickerson stated. “Is the shape polished, and the way far is it to a ultimate product? We’ll additionally take a look at the staff dynamic and presentation and technical experience.”
“The options can be evaluated by business leaders, not the companions,” he added. “Final yr, MITRE and PNG had been judges.”
MassRobotics opened functions for this yr’s Kind and Operate Robotics Problem on Dec. 12, 2023, and all are due by Feb. 12, 2024.
The group is searching for about 10 groups from all over the world to take part, however journey just isn’t backed, replied Nickerson to questions on the decision. As well as, a staff can submit a number of entries, and a college can submit a number of groups.
MassRobotics will announce the groups chosen on Feb. 15, and it’ll maintain a compulsory data session on Feb. 21. In-person attendance is most well-liked. The precise submissions are due on April 30.
The groups will showcase their work in devoted house on the Robotics Summit & Expo on Could 1 and a couple of on the Boston Conference and Exhibition Heart. WTWH Media, which produces The Robotic Report and the Robotics Summit & Expo, is a strategic associate of MassRobotics.
“The Kind and Operate Problem added an exciting dimension to the Robotics Summit in 2023,” stated Steve Crowe, government editor for robotics and WTWH Media and chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. “It’s all the time nice to see what inventive college students provide you with all over the world. We’re ecstatic to be internet hosting the finals once more on the 2024 Robotics Summit and may’t wait to see the improvements the groups provide you with.”
MassRobotics supplied extra data on the way to apply on its website.
