Grand Challenge seeks to boost robotic prowess of British military

From what we've seen, the British military is pretty savvy on its robotics. Apparently mechanical beings aren't integrated enough, however, as the British Ministry of Defense has launched its first ever Grand Challenge, which "encourages participants to turn their ideas into prototypes for machines the army can use in urban environments." The six finalists that were chosen each received around $600,000 in order to construct their contraptions, and this August, we'll see an unmanned buggy that can analyze a gunman's movements, a self-propelled, remote-controlled camera and minuscule helicopters used for reconnaissance missions. Best of all, these creations won't just be propped up on some shiny display -- oh no, they'll be taking part in a mock battle in Copehill Down, with even more loot and an enviable trophy on the line.

[Alan @ May 8th 2008 5:02PM]

"Shhh... If I stand very quietly, maybe they can't see me."

[LordJohnWhorfin @ May 8th 2008 5:16PM]

They need them to put onboard the Valiant.

[Ben Arent @ May 8th 2008 5:21PM]

Awesome,, Great to see you on Engadget Mehmet . Mehmet is a great student from the vibrant (but not well known) Middlesex Product Design Department.

You will be able to see Mehmets product, along with many other great designs at Middlesex Final year show. For more info see http://www.pdeproduce.com

[lebsral @ May 8th 2008 8:09PM]

I for one, welcome our robotic overlords.

[Tom Dowler @ May 9th 2008 7:48AM]

That would be Ministry of DefenCe, not DefenSe.

[fanman @ May 9th 2008 8:22AM]

Actually it Defence. The "c" isn't capitalised. :P

[Brian @ May 9th 2008 10:35AM]

"Back away - I shall not be intimidated by your feeble attempts to give me a makeover!"

[Earl Jr. @ May 9th 2008 4:07PM]

Oh my god what has he done to that poor quadrotor?