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DARPA Robotics Challenge

4 episodes 95%4KCC

Inside the high-stakes race to build robots for disaster zones.

See how the 2015 competition pushed robotics teams to create machines built for places humans cannot safely reach. Through demanding tasks like driving, opening valves, cutting through walls, and crossing rubble, the series reveals how engineers and robots learn to work together under pressure. Sign up to watch ideas born from real-world disasters turn into technology with life-saving potential.

Episode guide

4 episodes
1
1DARPA Robotics Challenge: DRC 101
“Can robots save lives?” This is the question at the heart of the DARPA Robotics Challenge. In DRC 101, we embed with the organizers and engineers pushing robots to perform tasks that might someday mean the difference between life and death, and explore the course for this year's event.
5 min
2
2The Road To The DRC Finals
Who will take top prize for creating the world’s most advanced robot? The Road to the DARPA Challenge chronicles the intense competition and collaboration that’s fueling the biggest robotic showdown on the planet. At stake for the teams -- a $2 million dollar prize.
12 min
3
3DARPA Robotics Challenge Team ViGIR
Profile of Team ViGIR, which placed 10th in 2013. ViGIR is programming an “Atlas” robot named “Florian” from Boston Dynamics, recently acquired by Google. Its humanoid design gives it the edge in performing human tasks in human environments. But will the team have time complete the programming?
9 min
4
4DARPA Robotics Challenge Tartan Rescue
Profile of Carnegie Mellon’s Tartan Rescue team, which placed 3rd in 2013. They’re programming a custom robot, CHIMP, that resembles a monkey, but is able to operate on four legs and roll with treads. It remains a favorite to take home the $2 milllion grand prize.
4 min
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