new DARPA robotics challenge; want to join SoR team?

[Admin]

DARPA has a new robotics challenge. I am strongly interested in forming a team of SoR members.

Team members will be paid as a full time job, and must be willing to commit to a full year. Depending on your task, you will likely be required to be on location (Washington, DC). Non-US citizens are welcome, but visas are your responsibility.

the task:
The task is to build a robot that can drive a car, climb in and out of a car on it's own, climb a ladder, navigate through and around obstacles, smash through a concrete wall, open doors, turn valves, and replace a pump (whatever that means). It must have some level of autonomy, with a human overseeing decisions.

We are doing Track A.

the incentive:

Track A is for teams proposing to develop their own robot and software, and if selected, they'll receive funding from DARPA . . . DARPA plans to select at most five teams for Track A, each receiving up to $3 million in the first phase of the program . . . The incentive for doing well in the first challenge is funding by DARPA for the top scorers to go on to the second challenge. $2 million cash prize to be awarded to a single team at the end of the second challenge.

more info:
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-here-are-the-official-details

the first step:
We are currently in the process of finalizing up the robot design, and writing the proposal.


I AM STILL HIRING
If you fit any of these descriptions, I want to hire you:

1) has proven machine-shop experience (100% on location)
2) extensive experience with either OpenCV, RoboRealm, or the Blackfin Camera (50% time on location)
3) extensive experience with Gazebo robot simulation software (10% on location)
4) proven PCB design skills and experience building DC and/or stepper motor drivers (30% on location)
5) has written GUI software that interfaces with a serial port (20% on location)
6) has extensive CAD and mechanical design experience (70% on location)

Email me if you're interested, and include pics and detailed description of your most impressive project that demonstrates your skills.

[Admin]

update: I'm also willing to take additional part-time people.



Remember, to be selected on the team, you need to show your proven experience and specify your expertise. I'm not too interested in seeing resumes.

Also for non-US citizens, I am not able to sponsor work visas. You would have to figure that out on your own. You can of course do the design work abroad, but when it comes time for assembly and testing your physical presence will likely be required.

[Admin]

The complete rules can be found here:
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=ee8e770bcfe1fe217472342c67d6bd5a&tab=core&_cview=0

[Admin]

An interview with the people setting up the contest, with plenty more inside information:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-qa-with-gill-pratt

[Soeren]

Hi,

I am specifically looking for about 3 team members.
1) A programmer,
2) an electrical engineer,
3) a machinist,
?) and a mechanical engineer.

[...]
edit: I'm looking for serious experienced/professional self-motivated individuals with proven track records.

Does that include experience in basic math? 
Sorry...

Sounds extremely interesting, but going long distance to play for a full year would probably get me on the bad side with my GF, sons and grandson/-daughter and certainly keep me from the infusions that I need every 6th week (to keep my rheumatoid arthritis down) 

Too bad, but I'll cheer very loud, although from a distance

[Admin]

hey Soeren, I'll add you on the list.

If anything, you can feed us your input and double check for mistakes.

[Webbot]

I'm in - either  as 'programmer' and/or 'tea boy'

[Curt Welch]

Hey, I'm interested!  I live in Vienna VA.  We should talk to see if we can work together on this!  I found out about your interest in forming a team form a facebook post on one of the AI groups.  I've been looking for a way to get involved in this challenge.  I'm still really pissed I didn't get involved in the first  Grand Challenge series!

[Soeren]

Hi,

hey Soeren, I'll add you on the list.

If anything, you can feed us your input and double check for mistakes.

Absolutely!

But OTOH, don't write me off yet for some on location presence - my GF deemed me crazy for passing up this opportunity (and she only knows what DARPA is from my mumblings ), as it might be possible to work things out with a couple of 12 hour flights here and there.

I'll have to check out the stuff on acquiring the needed working permits (the Green Card is for permanent residency I think(?)), lodging etc. before I can really commit... When will you know if they'll let us in?

And just in case... How about "tools" and such - cannot fit an entire workshop in a suitcase

[Admin]

I'm still looking for a full time on location person to do machining, testing, and general misc lab stuff.

@Soeren
I'll be using the money to purchase nice tools for us, and/or we'll just outsource whatever while we focus on design. There is also a local club in DC that has space, and I'm sure they'll be more than happy to let us take over a big portion of it with a nice donation of money and tools. I know almost nothing about visas, but I understand the US has temporary work visas that are easier to do. I'm sure 80% of everything can be done without being on location. We'll probably know if our proposal is accepted by this summer.

@Curt Welch
Send me your resume or whatever you got that shows your robot building skills so I know that you'll fit on the team (and how you'll fit). Also, let me know if you're willing to work on location.

[Admin]

I am now looking for a programmer who has experience in physics-based robot simulations. If you or anyone you know is interested in a paid job to simulate a robot, using the DARPA supplied robot simulator, please contact me with your resume (by email!).

[jitrc]

Update on the Simulation Software:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/darpa-robotics-challenge-simulation-software-open-source-robotics-foundation

[Admin]

Update on the Simulation Software:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/darpa-robotics-challenge-simulation-software-open-source-robotics-foundation

thanks!

I predicted they would likely choose Gazebo, assuming they wanted the open source free route. I looked into Gazebo a few years ago and was not impressed, but maybe they've improved a lot since?

Anyway, anyone who has proven experience with Gazebo has a job with Team SoR, so email me

[Admin]

I updated the first post. I am still hiring.

Please, only serious inquiries, ie you're willing to put in full effort in writing the proposal.