What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Microsoft? I bet it’s not simulated robotics leagues. But from now on it just might be, as today they are unveiling RoboChamps.

According to the information I received, “RoboChamps is built on top of the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio(MSRDS) 2008 CTP, and uses that product’s robust, physics enabled simulation environment to remove the barriers of entry that exist for many today. This simulated league provides individuals with immersive 3-d environments, simulated versions of robots, and compelling scenario-specific challenges where they can win real robots.”

You have to be 18 to enter, but otherwise…game on.

Today Microsoft unveils RoboChamps, a simulated robotics league that is open to academics, hobbyists and developers from around the world, demonstrating the power of the Microsoft platform to enable a broad range of developers to explore new ways to use .NET for robotics programming.

RoboChamps is built on top of the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio(MSRDS) 2008 CTP, and uses that product’s robust, physics enabled simulation environment to remove the barriers of entry that exist for many today. This simulated league provides individuals with immersive 3-d environments, simulated versions of robots, and compelling scenario-specific challenges where they can win real robots.

Over the course of the league season, participants will have the opportunity to compete and program simulated robots to complete a number of challenges. These challenges evolve the individual’s skill in robotics, and include:

-Navigate a ‘trap’ filled maze
-Explore the surface of the planet Mars in a rover

-Program a car to autonomously navigate a rich city environment, complete with moving traffic and working traffic lights
-Search and rescue in an urban environment hit by an earthquake

-Sumo – program a robot to compete in a sumo competition where their robot must out-navigate their opponent and push him out of the ring
-Tournament – program a simulated robotics competition, where participants compete against one another.

At the end of the season, top finalists in the tournament will be flown to PDC 08, where they will take the code they’ve used in the simulator and apply it to real robots in a live finals competition. Winners will receive prizes. There is no cost to participate in RoboChamps and MSRDS is available at no charge for non-commercial use.

Related posts:

1. What Is Microsoft Mesh and How The Heck Do I Register For It?
2. Microsoft Surface Preview Starting Today in 5 AT&T Stores
3. Microsoft Technet – 40% Off Coupon
4. Microsoft To Shutter Plays For Sure August 31, 2008 – Orphans YOUR Music – Yet Another Reason DRM Sucks
5. Microsoft Surface Images Available at Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com!