DARPA's new grand challenge focuses on a collaborative electromagnetic spectrum
NewsMarch 28, 2016
ARLINGTON, Va. The Spectrum Collaboration Challenge (SC2) aims to imbue radios with advanced machine-learning capabilities so they can develop strategies that optimize the use of the wireless spectrum. In this new Grand Challenge announced by DARPA officials, the agency will reward teams that develop smart systems that collaborate and maximize the flow of radio frequency (RF) signals.
“DARPA Challenges have traditionally rewarded teams that dominate their competitors, but when it comes to making the most of the electromagnetic spectrum, the team that shares most intelligently is going to win,” says SC2 program manager Paul Tilghman of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). “We want to radically accelerate the development of machine-learning technologies and strategies that will allow on-the-fly sharing of spectrum at machine timescales.”
DARPA engineers will construct a wireless testbed, called the Colosseum, which will serve during and after the SC2. The Colosseum will allow researches to remotely conduct experiments with intelligent radio systems.
The challenge will encompass three year-long phases that will begin in 2017 and finish in 2020. After two preliminary contests, there will be a live competition with the finalists. The team whose radios collaborate most effectively will walk away with the grand prize of $2 million.
The Broad Agency Announcement will be available via FedBizOpps.gov. For more information visit, http://spectrumcollaborationchallenge.com.
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