NSWC Crane AISUM Prize Challenge: Submit by January 29

This Prize Challenge reaches out to the defense, academic and industrial communities to enhance research and development in the field of artificial intelligence for small unit maneuver. The objective of the Prize Challenge is for the development of an algorithm to enhance the maneuver and reconnaissance capabilities of autonomous drones within defined scenarios. The objective includes the utilization of the Government Furnished Property (GFP) drones, sensors, and onboard processing.

Total Cash Prizes Offered: $250,000

Type of Challenge: Ideas, Technology demonstration and hardware, Scientific

Partner Agencies | Federal: Office of Naval Research Science and Technology (ONR), NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge

Submission Start: 12/10/2020 02:00 PM ET

Submission End: 01/29/2021 02:00 PM ET

The AISUM Prize Challenge is broken into three phases; technical white paper submission, virtual simulation environment, and live scenario at a military training site.

Phase I will be conducted in two phases: Initial submission of White Paper Concept followed by an invitation to provide Virtual Presentation of the White Paper Concept. The White Paper Concept shall describe the details of the technical approach in response to the problem statement.

White Paper Concept should be developed around the following conditions:

GFP will consist of stretch X drone, onboard processing, frontal camera, and optical avoidance sensors

Operation in a Non-GPS environment and an autonomous flight mode

Additional hardware payload proposals may be considered

The Government will select up to 25 White Papers Concept(s) for invitation for a Virtual Presentation of their proposed concept to a panel of judges. The Virtual Presentation shall provide a summary of the White Paper Concept and include detail on how participants intend to accomplish the Prize Challenge objective. Up to 10 winners will be selected to participate in Phase II.

Phase II participants shall develop specific algorithms that will be used to compete in virtual scenarios. The participants will be evaluated for their algorithms to be used within a Government provided virtual map.

GFP Includes:

Microsoft Research AIRSIM environment for autonomous system using UE Unreal Engine Version 4

Map will be an open environment containing a multi-story, multiple room building

Up to 10 winners will be selected to participate in Phase III.

Phase III participants will utilize their developed algorithms with the provided drone and compete in real life scenarios.

GFP will consist of stretch X drone, onboard processing, frontal camera, and optical avoidance sensors

Operation in a Non-GPS environment and an autonomous flight mode

All winner(s) will be determined at the end of this phase.

Read more: https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/nswc-crane-aisum-prize-challenge/