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There are plenty of robotics challenges, but many are narrowly focused on a specific task or application, according to MassRobotics. The organization yesterday hosted an informational session to explain its Form and Function Robotics Challenge.

The competition calls for university teams to “create any type of robotics or automation project that delivers a compelling form factor specific to its task while accomplishing a useful function,” said MassRobotics.

“This call is purposefully broad,” Russ Nickerson, partner engagement liaison at MassRobotics, said during the call. “I’ve seen competitions with a focus such as underwater robots or drones, but a lot of robots don’t get notice or have a place. We want to allow creativity and ingenuity to shine.”

MassRobotics is an organization dedicated to nurturing startups and other robotics and connected device companies in Massachusetts. It offers co-working space in Boston, networking opportunities, and programs for education and mentorship. This week, MassRobotics also announced the sessions for its fourth Jumpstart cohort for high school girls in Boston and expansion to Lowell, Mass.

MassRobotics offers prizes and partnerships

The second annual Form and Function Robotics Challenge offers a grand prize of $10,000, plus $1,000 prizes for second and third place, as well as a $1,000 Audience Choice Award. The Audience Choice Award could overlap with one of the other prizes, said Nickerson.

“This challenge pairs well with student projects, capstones, and existing works,” he said in a release. “It is also a great way for students to work with industry leaders.”

One of the criteria for the challenge is that teams must use at least two components provided by MassRobotics’ strategic partners. They include AMD‘s robotics starter kit, Analog Devices‘ inertial measurement units (IMUs), Danfoss controllers, Festo‘s pneumatic kits, Lattice Semiconductor modules with NVIDIA technology, Novanta motors, Solidworks design licenses, and various systems from Mitsubishi Electric and igus.

“This encourages cross-collaboration between state-of-the-art software and hardware providers,” Nickerson said. “It can’t just be an AMD board duct-taped on top of a device.”

“Analog Devices is excited to participate with MassRobotics once again in the Form and Function Challenge,” stated Natalie Brown, principal account manager at Analog Devices (ADI). “The challenge provides bi-directional learning with technology that paves the way for innovation in robotics and introduces teams to ADI as a future employer, supplier, or partner.”

The participating teams keep their intellectual property (IP) but should check with individual sponsors regarding nondisclosure agreements, said Nickerson.

Form and Function winners to be named at the Robotics Summit & Expo

The teams must build a system that can “sense, compute, and actuate,” said MassRobotics. Its judging criteria includes originality, reliability, the difficulty of the challenge being solved, and the system’s finish and project execution.

“We’re not that concerned with commercial viability for this challenge, but we are looking for utility,” Nickerson said. “Is the form polished, and how far is it to a final product? We’ll also look at the team dynamic and presentation and technical expertise.”

“The solutions will be evaluated by industry leaders, not the partners,” he added. “Last year, MITRE and PNG were judges.”

MassRobotics opened applications for this year’s Form and Function Robotics Challenge on Dec. 12, 2023, and all are due by Feb. 12, 2024.

The organization is looking for about 10 teams from around the world to participate, but travel is not subsidized, replied Nickerson to questions on the call. In addition, a team can submit multiple entries, and a university can submit multiple teams.

MassRobotics will announce the teams selected on Feb. 15, and it will hold a mandatory information session on Feb. 21. In-person attendance is preferred. The actual submissions are due on April 30.

The teams will showcase their work in dedicated space at the Robotics Summit & Expo on May 1 and 2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. WTWH Media, which produces The Robot Report and the Robotics Summit & Expo, is a strategic partner of MassRobotics.

“The Form and Function Challenge added a thrilling dimension to the Robotics Summit in 2023,” said Steve Crowe, executive editor for robotics and WTWH Media and chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. “It’s always great to see what creative students come up with around the world. We’re ecstatic to be hosting the finals again at the 2024 Robotics Summit and can’t wait to see the innovations the teams come up with.”

MassRobotics offered more information on how to apply on its site.