HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Multi-Terrain Micro Robotic Systems

Aerial view of a town with brightly colored rooftops, overlaid with a topographical map pattern.

Summary of Challenge

Can you develop a miniature and highly agile uncrewed robotic system capable of operating seamlessly across water, land and air? This is the latest 10-week, funded challenge launched by HMGCC Co-Creation – now open for applications.

Robotic platforms moving discreetly through complex built environments may need to switch between different routes and modes of travel. For example a robot might travel through water infrastructure, move across ground through confined spaces and then fly to reach a stairwell or elevated area.

We are aiming to fund several ambitious proof-of-concept demonstrations exploring how future robotic systems could combine different types of mobility to access places that conventional uncrewed systems cannot reach. HMGCC Co-Creation will provide funding for time, materials, overheads and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

Entering and exiting buildings discreetly to conduct reconnaissance missions is a key requirement for national security and defence organisations. Uncrewed vehicles offer a safer, more discreet alternative to deploying human personnel. However, buildings often contain complex infrastructure that is difficult to access and navigate, especially for robots limited to a single mode of movement. Ground robots often struggle with vertical obstacles, stairs and gaps. Aerial systems can reach elevated areas but may have limited flight time and are easier to detect. Maritime systems work well in water but cannot easily move into buildings or across dry terrain. Emerging technologies now make it possible to combine multiple mobility methods into a single robotic platform, opening up access routes that were previously unavailable to uncrewed systems.

The gap

We want to explore a single, small, robotic system that can move effectively between water, land, and air and navigate through confined infrastructure. This involves significant challenges in:

This challenge seeks to assess the feasibility of such systems and identify the most promising technical approaches for future development.

Dates

*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.

Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk before the deadline with the challenge title as the subject. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required. Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances. Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

How to Apply

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk and cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk.

All information you provide to us as part of your application will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserves the right to stop reading after six pages if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:

Challenge Documents