MassRobotics and AMD Launch Competition Aimed at Spurring Use of AMD Robotic Starter Kit

The pair will be accepting applications until June 15.

AMD


AMD released the Kira KR260 in May 2022. It can be purchased for $349.
MassRobotics and AMD have partnered on a new challenge designed to encourage startups to use AMD's Kira KR260 robotic starter kit.

MassRobotics is working with chip maker Advanced Micro Devices, or AMD, on a new competition. The AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge invites participants to explore the benefits and advantages of AMD Kria system-on-modules, or SOMs, to create solutions that integrate adaptive computing into their robotics projects.

Applications for the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge will be accepted from May 22 to June 15, 2023. Companies selected for the challenge will be granted access to Kria KR260 starter kits, AMD gear, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to show their technology in the AMD booth at robotics industry trade shows.

AMD KR260 offers access point to robot development

Companies with existing solutions that welcome customization and optimization using software and hardware re-programmability and acceleration are encouraged to apply.

Participants in the challenge will develop new solutions using tools such as the AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit. The platform is designed to help evaluate and develop applications targeted to robotics, machine vision, and industrial communications & control.

With real-time computing requirements becoming increasingly crucial in robot development, the KR260 offers low power consumption, high performance, reconfigurability, and reliability with a path to volume production with the K26 SOM, according to AMD.

Timeline of AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge

This is the timeline of the challenge. Source: MassRobotics 

MassRobotics and AMD are going after startups

Eligible companies for the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge should focus on addressing complex problems in the field of robotics, be an early-stage startup (up to Series A), have a solid team with digital and analog design expertise, possess strong leadership with a proven track record, and a defensible IP position.

Participants in the program will receive a range of benefits, including:

  • Prize funding of $5,000 (U.S.) per selected startup
  • Access to AMD’s innovation centers and experts in industrial, vision, healthcare, and sciences markets
  • Opportunity to showcase solutions at prominent events, such as ROSCon and SPS trade shows, under the AMD banner
  • Introductions to MassRobotics’ extensive robotics network access to AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kits
  • Opportunity to collaborate on marketing and media engagements such as press announcements, articles, and trade shows

“AMD is excited to collaborate with MassRobotics on the Robotics Innovation Challenge,” said Chetan Khona, senior director of industrial, vision, healthcare, and sciences markets at AMD. “AMD Kria SOMs are an ideal platform to accelerate robotics innovation and easily take ideas to production at scale. We look forward to seeing the creative applications that result of our ever-growing commitment to the robotics community.”

“We are thrilled to launch the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge in collaboration with AMD, a company that has played a key role in advancing the field of robotics through its many developments and investments,” said Juan Necochea, director of strategic partnerships at MassRobotics.

“This challenge presents a unique opportunity for early-stage robotics companies to demonstrate their skills and expertise utilizing the AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kits,” he added. “We are excited to witness the groundbreaking solutions that emerge from this collaboration.”

Apply for the AMD Robotics Innovation Challenge here.

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AMD

AMD released the Kira KR260 in May 2022. It can be purchased for $349.


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