DARPA Robotics Challenge | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The DARPA Robotics Challenge (Funding Opportunity Number: DARPA BAA 12 39) is a U.S. government research and development funding opportunity run by DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. Its central purpose is to push forward the state of the art in ground robotics so robots can carry out complicated, real-world tasks in hazardous, degraded conditions inside human-built environments. In practical terms, the program is aimed at robots that can be deployed into places that are unsafe or difficult for people to enter, where visibility, terrain, infrastructure, and communications may all be compromised, yet the robot still needs to do useful work.

A defining feature of this program is the emphasis on robots that can operate within the human world rather than requiring a specially prepared robotic environment. That includes the ability to use common tools and interfaces designed for people, spanning everything from basic hand tools (for example, turning valves, using drills, manipulating handles and latches) to interacting with larger equipment and even vehicles. The challenge is not just to build a robot that can move around, but one that can function effectively in spaces built around human dimensions, human controls, and human work patterns, even when conditions are messy, damaged, or unpredictable.

Technically, the opportunity targets several core capability areas. One major thrust is supervised autonomy, meaning the robot should be able to perform meaningful actions with limited, high-level human oversight rather than constant joystick-level control. DARPA is specifically interested in making these systems usable by non-expert operators, reducing the amount of training and specialized skill needed to run the robot. This is paired with a strong focus on lowering operator workload so one person can accomplish more with less micromanagement. The autonomy work is also designed to handle poor communications links, including low bandwidth, high latency, and intermittent connectivity, which are common realities in disaster zones, industrial sites, and other harsh environments. In other words, the robot should not fall apart when the network is slow or drops; it should still be able to make progress safely and sensibly.

Beyond autonomy, the program seeks advances in mobility and physical performance. Mounted mobility refers to movement capabilities when the robot is operating on or with a platform or vehicle, while dismounted mobility focuses on the robot moving under its own power through complex terrain, structures, and obstacles. The solicitation also highlights dexterity and strength, reflecting the need for robots that can grasp, manipulate, lift, and apply force in ways that match real operational demands. Finally, platform endurance is a key objective, pointing to the need for systems that can run long enough to be operationally relevant without constant servicing, battery swaps, or fragile maintenance requirements.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, with CFDA number 12.910 (Research and Technology Development). The solicitation lists multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, other procurement contracts, and potentially other mechanisms, which suggests DARPA intended flexibility in how it structured relationships with performers depending on the proposed effort. No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to different types of organizations, subject to any additional clarifications in the full announcement.

Key dates included a posted and creation date of April 10, 2012, and an original and current closing date of May 31, 2012 at 4:00 PM Eastern. The full Broad Agency Announcement was made available through the Federal Business Opportunities site (as referenced in the notice). For access issues or questions, the contact point listed is DARPA/TTO, ATTN BAA 12 39, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714, with email directed to DARPA BAA 12 39@darpa.mil.

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