The inaugural 2016 competition will consist of three Challenges and a triathlon type "Grand Challenge.

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 19, 2015--

The organizers of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) have released details about the competition, in addition call for "Intention to Participate and Request for Information (ITP-RFI)". MBZIRC was launched in February 2015 as a major international robotics competition that will be held every two years, offering prizes worth a total of USD 5 million, with the first challenge scheduled to be held in November, 2016.

The inaugural 2016 competition will consist of three Challenges and a triathlon type "Grand Challenge." The competition will take place in an outdoor open arena the approximate size of a football pitch. Challenge 1 requires an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to locate, track and land on top of a moving ground vehicle. Challenge 2 requires an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to locate and reach a second ground vehicle, and locate and physically operate a valve on a side of the vehicle. Challenge 3 requires a team of UAVs to collaborate to search, locate, track, pick and place a set of static and moving objects. The Grand Challenge requires a team of robots (UAVs and UGVs) to compete in an event that combines Challenges 1, 2 and 3. Performing such tasks requires the development of advanced and innovative solutions in key robotic technologies.

"One of the goals of this competition is to pose challenges that will inspire the need for true research and advancement of the state-of-the-art," said Dr. Tod Laursen, Khalifa University's President. "Robotics technology is poised to change almost every aspect of our lives, and the UAE, with its focus on innovation, wants to be a hub for the creativity needed to spur these changes. Competitions are just one of the ways that this can be achieved. Some of the components of this challenge are not readily achieved by techniques available in the open literature today; new inventions and innovations will be required to achieve success. The outcomes of this challenge will therefore be an exciting prospect for the future of the robotics industry."

Teams interested in participating in the competition and applying for sponsorship are requested to submit an online application form at http://www.mbzirc.com by 15 June 2015. Also, individuals can look for more information on MBZIRC on social media via #MBZIRC on Twitter and Facebook @MBZIRC.