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![Tufts Nano Lab won the 2023 Form and Function Challenge with its Ingestible Pill for Multi-Spot Gut Sampling. Source: MassRobotics](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Form_Function_2023.jpg)
Tufts Nano Lab gained the 2023 Kind and Operate Problem with its Ingestible Tablet for Multi-Spot Intestine Sampling. Supply: MassRobotics
There are many robotics challenges, however many are narrowly centered on a selected job or utility, in accordance 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 job whereas engaging in a helpful operate,” stated MassRobotics.
“This name is purposefully broad,” Russ Nickerson, accomplice engagement liaison at MassRobotics, stated through 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 need to permit creativity and ingenuity to shine.”
MassRobotics is a company devoted to nurturing startups and different robotics and linked gadget corporations in Massachusetts. It provides co-working area in Boston, networking alternatives, and packages for schooling and mentorship. This week, MassRobotics additionally introduced the classes for its fourth Jumpstart cohort for highschool women in Boston and enlargement to Lowell, Mass.
MassRobotics provides prizes and partnerships
The second annual Kind and Operate Robotics Problem provides 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 effectively with pupil initiatives, capstones, and current 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 a minimum of two parts supplied by MassRobotics’ strategic companions. They embrace AMD‘s robotics starter equipment, Analog Units‘ inertial measurement items (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 stated. “It might probably’t simply be an AMD board duct-taped on prime of a tool.”
“Analog Units is worked up 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 offers bi-directional studying with expertise that paves the best way for innovation in robotics and introduces groups to ADI as a future employer, provider, or accomplice.”
The taking part groups maintain their mental property (IP) however ought to test with particular person sponsors concerning nondisclosure agreements, stated Nickerson.
![MIT's WORMS team placed second in last year's Form and Function Challenge.](https://www.therobotreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-1836-1-1500x844-1.jpg)
MIT’s WORMS staff positioned second in final 12 months’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 consists of originality, reliability, the issue of the problem being solved, and the system’s end and undertaking execution.
“We’re not that involved with industrial viability for this problem, however we’re in search of 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 will likely be evaluated by business leaders, not the companions,” he added. “Final 12 months, MITRE and PNG had been judges.”
MassRobotics opened functions for this 12 months’s Kind and Operate Robotics Problem on Dec. 12, 2023, and all are due by Feb. 12, 2024.
The group is in search of about 10 groups from all over the world to take part, however journey will not be 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 info 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 area on the Robotics Summit & Expo on Might 1 and a pair of on the Boston Conference and Exhibition Middle. WTWH Media, which produces The Robotic Report and the Robotics Summit & Expo, is a strategic accomplice of MassRobotics.
“The Kind and Operate Problem added an exhilarating dimension to the Robotics Summit in 2023,” stated Steve Crowe, govt editor for robotics and WTWH Media and chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. “It’s all the time nice to see what artistic 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 provided extra info on easy methods to apply on its web site.