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Tufts Nano Lab received the 2023 Type and Perform 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 job or utility, in accordance with MassRobotics. The group yesterday hosted an informational session to elucidate its Type and Perform Robotics Problem.
The competitors requires college groups to “create any sort of robotics or automation venture that delivers a compelling kind issue particular to its job whereas undertaking a helpful perform,” mentioned MassRobotics.
“This name is purposefully broad,” Russ Nickerson, associate engagement liaison at MassRobotics, mentioned in the course of the name. “I’ve seen competitions with a spotlight akin to underwater robots or drones, however a variety of 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 corporations in Massachusetts. It gives co-working house in Boston, networking alternatives, and packages for schooling and mentorship. This week, MassRobotics additionally introduced the periods for its fourth Jumpstart cohort for highschool ladies in Boston and enlargement to Lowell, Mass.
MassRobotics gives prizes and partnerships
The second annual Type and Perform 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 might overlap with one of many different prizes, mentioned Nickerson.
“This problem pairs properly with scholar initiatives, capstones, and current works,” he mentioned in a launch. “It’s also a good way for college kids to work with trade leaders.”
One of many standards for the problem is that groups should use not less than 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 expertise, 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 mentioned. “It could’t simply be an AMD board duct-taped on high of a tool.”
“Analog Units is happy to take part with MassRobotics as soon as once more within the Type and Perform Problem,” acknowledged Natalie Brown, principal account supervisor at Analog Units (ADI). “The problem offers bi-directional studying with expertise 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 hold their mental property (IP) however ought to examine with particular person sponsors relating to nondisclosure agreements, mentioned Nickerson.
MIT’s WORMS workforce positioned second in final yr’s Type and Perform Problem. Supply: MassRobotics
Type and Perform winners to be named on the Robotics Summit & Expo
The groups should construct a system that may “sense, compute, and actuate,” mentioned MassRobotics. Its judging standards consists of originality, reliability, the problem of the problem being solved, and the system’s end and venture execution.
“We’re not that involved with industrial viability for this problem, however we’re searching for utility,” Nickerson mentioned. “Is the shape polished, and the way far is it to a remaining product? We’ll additionally take a look at the workforce dynamic and presentation and technical experience.”
“The options can be evaluated by trade leaders, not the companions,” he added. “Final yr, MITRE and PNG have been judges.”
MassRobotics opened purposes for this yr’s Type and Perform 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 shouldn’t be backed, replied Nickerson to questions on the decision. As well as, a workforce 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 popular. The precise submissions are due on April 30.
The groups will showcase their work in devoted house on the Robotics Summit & Expo on Might 1 and a pair 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 Type and Perform Problem added an exciting dimension to the Robotics Summit in 2023,” mentioned 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 give you 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 give you.”
MassRobotics supplied extra data on easy methods to apply on its website.