The 8 Daunting Tasks Of The DARPA Robotics Challenge

The DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Trials—taking place December 20-21 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla.—aim to speed development of robots that could aid in response efforts after future natural and man-made disasters. The 17 teams competing at the DRC Trials will direct their 10 different robots to accomplish eight tasks, each presenting distinct challenges for the robots and their operators:

1. Drive and Exit Utility Vehicle

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The hardest single task and the one that requires the most robot-human interaction. The operators must direct the robots to drive the vehicle safely despite occasional communications disruptions. Getting out of the driver’s seat poses significant strength and dexterity challenges for the robots.

2. Walk Across Rough Terrain

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The robots must maintain their balance and identify safe routes for placement of limbs.

3. Climb Industrial Ladder

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To avoid falls, the robots must safely navigate the ladder and maintain their balance as they climb. Strength is required to stop a fall.

4. Remove Debris from Doorway

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Robots must demonstrate a wide range of motion, in addition to balance and strength, to clear a path forward.

5. Open Series of Doors

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Moving the doors in an arc challenges the robots’ perception and dexterity. The robots must figure out how to align and move themselves as they open each door.

6. Cut Through Wall

Via theroboticschallenge.org

Using power tools tests the robots’ strength, dexterity and ability to perceive their environment. The robots must also simultaneously apply rigid force to hold a tool, yet demonstrate the flexibility to smoothly manipulate it.

7. Locate and Close Leaking Valves

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The robots must identify the valves, determine which ones are open and have sufficient range of motion to turn the valve wheels in an arc to close them.

8. Carry and Connect Fire Hose

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The robots must identify the standpipe and then transport a bulky, non-rigid item (the fire hose) to it. The robots must then have sufficient dexterity and strength to attach the hose to a standpipe and open the spigot.

The DRC Trials are free and open to the public and media. In addition to the competition, the onsite DRC Exposition will showcase technology related to disaster response, robotics and autonomy. It will include, among others, demonstrations of DARPA's "Wild Cat" (an untethered, all-terrain version of the "Cheetah" robot), Legged Squad Support System (LS3) and Warrior Web program. More information is available at www.theroboticschallenge.org.

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