NASA Seeks Autonomous Robots to Help with Space Exploration Efforts

NASA recently announced that it is in search of robots to help advance the efforts of long-term space exploration. The agency recently released phase II of its Space Robotics Challenge, which seeks to develop and improve on the autonomous capabilities of lunar surface robots. These include robots can that perform tasks in an environment where no GPS signal exists with little-to-no human intervention.

The first phase of the Space Robotics Challenge was awarded in June of last year. Phase I sought to increase the autonomous dexterous capabilities of humanoid robots in a virtual Martian environment. With this second phase of the challenge, NASA is looking for projects that focus on the ability of virtual robotic systems to perform a long-term fully-autonomous in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) mission for the moon. The robots will need to operate completely autonomously for a specified amount of time.

To pass the qualification round, robots will need to successfully accomplish three tasks in a continuous time frame.  The top 25 competitors from the qualification round will receive a prize and be invited to compete in the competition round. The top 1o competitors from the competition round will receive prizes ranging from $185,000-$30,000.

The competition is currently open and closes December 20th.

To submit a project and for further information, click here: http://www.spaceroboticschallenge.com/