Khalifa University announced the launch of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC).
The international robotics competition will be held every two years and offers prizes worth a total of USD 5 million, with the first challenge being held in November, 2016.
The Challenge was announced at a launching ceremony held at Khalifa University’s Abu Dhabi campus by HH Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and Deputy Chairman of Khalifa University Board of Trustees. Guests were shown to their seats by two robots, Reem and Reem-C, the robots acted as masters of the ceremony.
We are thankful to His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage of this challenge, and to His Highness Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his close supervision and continuous encouragement. Challenges like this stimulate students and researchers from all over the world to enable scientific research and innovation, said Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President.
The Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge intends to attract the world’s best and brightest in robotics.
This event will undoubtedly attract some of the best robotics minds in the world, and bring international attention to the growing robotics industry in the UAE, said Khalifa University President, Dr. Tod Laursen. Throughout history, challenges issued by governments, scientific communities, and international entities have often played a central role in advancing knowledge – the so-called “space race” of the 1960s is perhaps one of the most memorable examples of this idea, and the UAE has picked up this theme recently with its aspirations for a Mars mission. In a similar spirit, the MBZIRC will spur future development of worldwide robotic technology by requiring research, invention and real-life application of its winners. Challenges issued in this event will stretch participants a bit beyond the current state of the art, such that new developments and discoveries will be needed for success. We believe that a bit of audacity in challenge specification is key to the innovation process.
The first challenge will require competitors to develop aerial and ground vehicles capable of executing tasks in complex, dynamic environments.
Teams interested in entering the challenge can find more information here. individuals can look for more information on MBZIRC on social media via .
