Earlier this year I posted about the DARPA humanoid robot challenge last year.

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Last year DARPA had a challenge to prove what robots could do.

http://www.theroboticschallenge.org/

Lots of robots doing stuff that’s hard, for robots.

A video.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/g2050/these-are-darpas-next-gen-robotic-challenge-contestants/?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1457_189372248

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a15907/best-falls-from-darpa-robot-challenge/

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/drc-finals-video-post

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/welcome-to-the-darpa-robotics-challenge-finals

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/walkman-humanoid-robot-iit

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-drc-finals-know-your-robots

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/drc-finals-course

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/drc-finals-cmu-chimp-gets-up-after-fall-shows-how-awesome-robots-can-be

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-finals-day-1

http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/darpa-robotics-challenge-finals-winner

A video playlist from DARPA.

Autonomous robotics is probably the most difficult technical challenge out there.  The ability to react to chaotic environments is difficult for the nonchoatic world in the computer.  It turns out that the binary nature of computer logic doesn’t work when you need yes, no or maybe yes and know and the advantage of situational memory.  I’m a bit surprised that DARPA hasn’t continues the challenges.  The challenge provides a platform for advancement and like the air races of the 1920’s and 1930’s provide a platform for people to get together and share ideas.  This was a win-win for everybody and I hope that work keeps moving.