2015 Humanitarian Robotics and Automation Technology Challenge [Humanitarian Technology]

The Humanitarian Robotics and Automation Technology Challenge (HRATC) provides a unique opportunity for the robotics and automation (RA) community from around the world to collaborate using its skills and education to benefit humanity. The HRATC'15 framework runs on a Linux/Robot operating system (ROS) environment and is responsible for connecting the team code to the robot. The framework also offers simulation scenarios, visualization tools, and scoring metrics. In the simulation phase, sensor data, such as from cameras and laser range-finder readings, are simulated by Gazebo, through Husky modules, while the metal-detector information is simulated using a custom module based on previously collected information. In the testing phase, the Husky robot provides the sensor data, including that for metal detection. In the 2015 challenge, Clearpath's Husky robot was upgraded with a new two-degrees-of-freedom arm, including compliance in both motion axes. If the arm hits the ground or an obstacle, there will be no major damage to the system. HRATC'15 started with 15 teams in the simulation phase, which lasted for 12 weeks. Based on their performance, eight teams progressed to the six-week testing phase.