POMONA, Calif., June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) is an outdoor competition of 24 teams from around the world vying to develop robots capable of helping humans respond to natural and man-made disasters. Sponsored by the Defense Department's advanced technology agency in response to a need that became glaringly clear during the nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan, in 2011, the competition demands that robots complete a difficult course of disaster-relief tasks and offers $3.5 million in prizes. Participating teams, representing some of the most advanced robotics research and development organizations in the world, have been collaborating and innovating to develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control interfaces that will enable their robots to perform such tasks as driving alone into a disaster zone, navigating through rubble, cutting holes in walls and turning valves.
The DRC Finals is taking place June 5-6, 2015, at Fairplex in Pomona, California. The DRC Finals will require robots to attempt a circuit of consecutive physical tasks, with degraded communications between the robots and their operators. The winning team will receive a $2 million grand prize; DARPA plans to award $1 million to the runner-up and $500,000 to the third-place team.
Technologies resulting from the DRC promise to accelerate the field of robotics and catapult development of robots featuring task-level autonomy that can operate in the hazardous, degraded conditions common in disaster zones.
In addition to the competition, an on-site robotics exposition will feature interactive exhibits and demonstrations of technology from diverse organizations related to disaster response, robotics and unmanned systems. The outdoor event is open to the public, free to attend, and suitable for all ages.
The DARPA public affairs team has organized an extensive on-site set of services to help reporters cover the DRC. There also is a comprehensive set of online resources for those who cannot attend the event itself, including a comprehensive DRC Finals app downloadable for free.
Where:
The Fairplex Fairground, Pomona, California
When:
-Demonstrations and Expo: Friday and Saturday, June 5-6, 8am-6:00pm PDT*
-Opening Ceremony: Friday, June 5, 7:00am
-Closing Ceremony: Saturday, June 6, 7:00pm*
-DRC Workshop: Sunday, June 7, 9:30am-3:30pm PDT*
*Times are subject to change; download the DRC Mobile App in iTunes or Google for up-to-date information
DRC Demonstration
Event:
24 teams and their robots will attempt to complete a simulated disaster course featuring 8 tasks on the track area in front of the Fairplex Grandstands. Four robots will run simultaneously on four identical courses, and will have one hour to complete as many tasks as possible.
In addition to the competition, DARPA will be hosting a robotics exposition (Expo) on June 5-6. This large, outdoor space will feature interactive demonstrations by approximately 70 robotics organizations, first responder teams, and unmanned systems. It will also include an overview exhibit describing DARPA's mission and legacy.
On June 7, DARPA is hosting an open-press day of presentations by the winning teams, discussions about robotics and presentations by DARPA officials, industry leaders, and the 5 winners of the Robots4Us student video contest. The intent for this day is for the teams to share how they pulled off their victories, DARPA staff to place the challenge in context, industry to share perspectives on how robots might be used in the future, and the students to share their visions of what roles robots might play in future society. The day is open to teams, media, and invited guests and is not open to the public. Registration for this event is separate from DRC Media Registration.
Registration:
Media pre-registration is now closed. Hours for onsite registration are as follows:
Friday, June 5, 2015
6AM to 5 PM at the Fairplex (Grandstands – outside Club 1)
Saturday, June 6, 2015
6 AM to 5 PM at the Fairplex (Grandstands – outside Club 1)
Sunday, June 7, 2015
9:00am to 3:00pm at the Sheraton Conference Center
Event Viewing/ Coverage: There will be a number of designated media viewing spots around the Grandstand and access locations near the robot demonstration courses so you will be assured a variety of unobstructed views. In addition, we have a number of spaces reserved for satellite trucks within 100 yards of the robot courses.
Media Room: A staffed and air conditioned media work room in the Grandstand areas is available to you during the hours of the event to conduct interviews. There will also be Wi-Fi made available to you to file your stories. (Please note: All other Wi-Fi and hotspots at the event are not allowed)
Interviews: We will provide opportunities and quiet space (if needed) to interview DARPA and distinguished visitors as available during the hours of the event. Also, by checking into the media room (or by contacting [email protected]), we can schedule in-person interviews as time allows with DARPA officials and special guests. (Additional details about interview avails and distinguished visitors will be available closer to the event).
Interviews or passes to see teams in their work area should be scheduled with team Public Affairs contacts.
Wireless Requirements: In order to avoid interference with the robot demonstrations, DARPA needs to know about any radio frequency devices that you need to use to cover the event. Information DARPA requires in advance includes the type of device, frequency under which it operates, and RF output power. Details about the wireless requirements can be found here and on the media registration page.
DARPA Usage Policy: Any DARPA multimedia content may be reused, without additional permission, according to the terms of the DARPA Usage Policy. Please credit DARPA or other organizations (Teams, exhibitors, etc.) as appropriate.
Can't Attend the DRC Finals? No Problem
If you can't attend the event in-person, we will have announcements, b-roll and images available updated daily on www.theroboticschallenge.org website as well as following the event on our special DRC mobile app (available in May 2015). The demonstration event will also be streamed live through the DRC website. In addition, call-in information will be made available for daily media briefings.
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