DARPA is seeking state-of-the-art virtual models, simulation meshes, and robot controllers for vehicles, sensors, and/or environments for informational and planning purposes in support of the agency's Subterranean (SubT) Challenge. The SubT Challenge is interested in how innovative technologies can disrupt and positively impact how the subterranean domain is leveraged without significant cost or risk to human lives.

Virtual models supplied via this request for information may be incorporated into SubT Challenge Virtual Competition events, and/or leveraged to enhance the simulation capabilities found in the SubT Virtual Testbed.

"The innovative approaches teams advance in the SubT Challenge Virtual Competition can inform development and applications in the real world," said Timothy Chung, program manager in DARPA's Tactical Technology Office (TTO). "Being able to explore the impact of technologies in the simulation environment at a faster rate and scale is a direct and significant benefit to the development of physical systems."

DARPA is looking for virtual models of vehicles with varying sizes, speeds, and methods of locomotion to provide diverse robots to the competitors of the SubT Challenge. Also of interest are virtual models of sensors and sensor software packages that may be useful in subterranean environments.

These sensor packages must be compatible with the Ignition Gazebo simulator in order to be integrated into the SubT Tech Repo, which is a collection of diverse simulation assets used in the SubT Challenge. Additionally, DARPA is interested in available 3D simulation models of subterranean environments, such as meshes or point clouds of tunnel, cave, or urban underground environments.

DARPA may request respondents of interesting models to validate relevant characteristics (e.g., accuracy of sensors, speed of vehicles) before final integration into the SubT Virtual Testbed.

More information about SubT Challenge virtual models is available via the Simulation Model Preparation Guide

Image Caption: Virtual models and environments available in the SubT Tech Repo. Click below for high-resolution image
Related Links
SubT Tech Repo
All about the robots on Earth and beyond!

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Northrop Grumman Remotec and Kinova Robotics sign distribution agreement for robotic manipulator
Clinton TN (SPX) Feb 05, 2020
Northrop Grumman Corporation's subsidiary Remotec Inc. and Kinova Inc. have entered into a distribution agreement for the Kinova Remote Robotic Manipulation System. This partnership delivers enhanced capability to Remotec customers, providing access to a best-in-class small manipulator for use as a tool/accessory on the Remotec Andros line of mobile robotic systems. Under the agreement, Remotec will sell the Kinova product as a remote option on the Andros platform to the first responder and law en ... read more