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MAGIC 2010: Super-smart robots wanted for international challenge

MAGIC 2010

The down selection process will involve a series of increasingly detailed technical reviews over a one-year period. To be considered for selection, teams are required to submit their initial proposals in electronic form by 2nd October 2009. The initial proposal requires competitors to submit a DVD or video and a written description of their current robotics research programs, experience with development of autonomous systems, search and tracking, multi-UVS concepts, and a technical paper describing the likely capabilities, platforms, architecture, sensors, processing, testing plan, technical specifications, supervision and task allocation strategies, etc that they plan to use in the challenge.

Forms and approved formats are available from this website, www.dsto.defence.gov.au/MAGIC2010/ and in Section 13: Guidelines for Submissions.

In October 2009 the initial proposals will be assessed by members of a Technical Assessment Panel (TAP) against criteria that are specified in Section 14: Evaluation of Initial Submissions.

Ten teams will be selected from the applications received and notified of their selection by 19th October 2009. These ten “semi-finalists” will then be asked to submit phased expenditure proposals for the $100,000 awards by 26th October and host site visits by the TAP in November 2009 where they will be invited to provide detailed presentations and demonstrations of capability.

Finally, up to five research awards of US$100,000 per team will be granted to the most promising proposals. These will be payable 50% on commencement and 50% following a progress assessment approximately six months later (June 2010). The semi-finalists that do not receive funding may participate in the June 2010 progress assessment using their own resources, but must notify organisers of their intention by 4th December 2009. The TAP will conduct site visits to all competing teams in June 2010 for progress assessment and final down selection to five teams who will compete in MAGIC 2010 in Australia.

If the TAP determines that an insufficient number of initial proposals and/or interim progress demonstrations have satisfied the evaluation criteria, the challenge event will be re-scheduled.