Northrop Grumman Annual ROBOTICS Essay Contest

Goal: Discuss the most pressing needs where ROBOTICS may be a solution

The Challenge: “Next year, the US Air Force will procure more unmanned aircraft than manned aircraft,” Air Force Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, commander of Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), has predicted.   Will advances keep up with the needs of our military, first responders and the hazmat industry?  Have developers bumped up against technological obstacles, or are new breakthroughs the inevitable outcome of ongoing research?

About Robotics: The extraordinary capability of hazardous duty robotics to save lives on the battlefield is an extension of similar work ranging from local law enforcement to hazmat and first responders.  In the field of science they have made possible the exploration of hostile environments from space to the crushing depths of our oceans.  The ability to control these remarkable machines remotely, from great distances has implications for safety, costs and control of missions that would otherwise be impractical.  Often great advances in technology come as distinctions between the scientific disciplines blur.  The new science produces startling new capabilities that open advanced applications from those willing to peer into the future.  Few have more practical uses than robotics.

* * Contest Highlights * *

Eligibility: Open to all members of the Naval Institute. Join at www.usni.org

Focus: New and Enhanced Applications for Robotics.

Papers Due: July 15, 2009.  Submit to essays@usni.org with full contact information.

Publication: Winners will be announced and will publish the work, in the September, 2009 issue of Proceedings.

Cash Awards:  Will be presented at USNI Honors Night, in October 2009.

* * Contest Awards * *

1^st Prize – $10,000 & Life Membership

2^nd Prize – $5000 & Life Membership

Two 3^rd Prizes – $2500 & One-Year Membership