SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Submitted via IRC for AndyTheAbsurd
The DARPA Robotics Challenge was a showcase for how very large, very expensive robots could potentially be useful in disaster recovery and high-risk environments. Humanoids are particularly capable in some very specific situations, but the rest of the time, they're probably overkill, and using smaller, cheaper, more specialized robots is much more efficient.
[...] Yesterday, DARPA announced a new program called SHRIMP: SHort-Range Independent Microrobotic Platforms. The goal is "to develop and demonstrate multi-functional micro-to-milli robotic platforms for use in natural and critical disaster scenarios." To enable robots that are both tiny and useful, SHRIMP will support fundamental research in the component parts that are the most difficult to engineer, including actuators, mobility systems, and power storage.
[...] One of our favorite things about DARPA programs like these is their competitive nature, and SHRIMP is no exception. Both components and integrated robots will compete in "a series of Olympic-themed competitions [for] multi-functional mm-to-cm scale robotic platforms," performing tasks "associated with maneuverability, dexterity, [and] manipulation." DARPA will be splitting the competition into two parts: one for actuators and power sources, and the other for complete robots.
[...] DARPA has US $32 million of funding to spread around across multiple projects for SHRIMP. Abstracts are due August 10, proposals are due September 26, and the competition could happen as early as March of next year.
(Score: 2) by Immerman on Tuesday July 24 2018, @12:54PM
Diesel has roughly 1.5x the volumetric energy density of glucose, and 4x by mass. The problem is not the fuel, it's scaling down a reactor to utilize it effectively.