The intersection of the two major powers of Google and DARPA over robot development
ByJiuguang Wang
It is Google, the giant of the Internet world, but in 2013Acquired 7 robot companiesThe attitude of embarking on the field of robot technology is becoming clearer. Its main aim is thought to be the development of civil robots, and we lead the robot development for many years and develop military-related technology mainlyDARPA(National Defense Advanced Research Projects Bureau) has come to see the distance attitude.
Google rejects military funding for its advanced humanoid robot | The Verge
http://www.theverge.com/2014/3/21/5534090/google-rejects-darpa-funding-for-one-of-its-new-robotics-companies
The development of a robot often requires a huge cost, so far it has been almost a way to rely on military-related organizations to realize that budget. But such a time will change completely since Google, one of the most profitable companies in the world, now becomes involved in robot development. Develop a walking robotBoston DynamicsMany robot-related companies and other companiesArtificial intelligence development startup company "DeepMind"Google, which has been proceeding with the acquisition, is now building a structure that will become the largest patron for advanced robot companies.
Among companies acquired, Boston Dynamics and Japanese companiesSCHAFT(Shaft) company etc had been involved with DARPA before, so it was a relationship affected by both Google and DARPA.
However, since the direction that Google and DARPA are aiming is completely different, it is thought that conflict is occurring between them. The goal of Google to develop robot technology is to introduce to the consumer market where more profit can be expected, whereas the technology of DARPA eventuallyPentagonIt is aimed at being bought at the same time, and it is forced to say that the speculation of both sides are in a completely different direction.
That tension increased,Robot event for disaster relief sponsored by DARPA technologyIsDARPA · Robotic · ChallengeIt was a place of DRC. Although Google has not officially participated in the competition which was competed for the prize money of 2 million dollars (about 200 million yen), in fact, many of the robots produced by participants are related to Google There is a reality that technology is used. Five of the eight teams that won the prelimbs are technologies developed by Boston Dynamics acquired by GoogleAtlas"Is used.
In addition, although the Japanese SCHAFT team entered for qualifying, I passed the top of the preliminary round by separating 7th in 2nd place. The team received a financial support of $ 2.6 million (about 270 million yen) from DARPA and participated in the qualifying, but from the latter half of 2014 to the final tournament scheduled to be held during 2015, Announced to participate based on. It is believed that this intention is to work away from military-related funds.
At the final event, the robot developed by NASAValkyrie(Valkyrie) "and teams that are not affected by Google and DARPA will also participate. Interest is gathered in the direction of the game including both intentions.
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