This innovation challenge invites robotics developers and innovators to tackle a pressing issue in warehouse automation: designing a system that efficiently grasps, lifts, and places heavy, awkwardly shaped items in confined warehouse spaces.

MassRobotics, in collaboration with Chewy, a trusted destination for pet parents and partners everywhere, announces the launch of the CHAMP (Chewy Autonomous Mobile Picking) Challenge. This innovation challenge invites robotics developers and innovators to tackle a pressing issue in warehouse automation: designing a system that efficiently grasps, lifts, and places heavy, awkwardly shaped items in confined warehouse spaces.

The CHAMP Challenge focuses specifically on the challenges of grasping and picking large, bulky items, such as bags, boxes, and pails of dog food and cat litter. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, support worker safety, and advance the robotics solutions available in modern logistics. With a prize pool of $30,000 and the chance to collaborate further with Chewy, the CHAMP Challenge encourages participants to push the boundaries of robotic handling solutions.

Challenge Details

The CHAMP Challenge addresses the physical demands of handling large, heavy products within confined warehouse environments. Robots are required to:

● Grasp and lift various items from standard pallets.
● Place items accurately into open cardboard boxes, maximizing space use and ensuring stability.
● Operate autonomously and collaborate safely with human employees in close quarters.

Tom Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We are thrilled to partner with Chewy on the CHAMP Challenge, inviting innovators to address one of the most complex challenges in robotics today. By bringing together fresh perspectives and advanced technology, we aim to inspire solutions that will push the boundaries of automation in warehouse logistics," said Ryden

Tim Foley, Senior Director of Fulfillment Technology at Chewy, echoed the excitement, emphasizing Chewy's commitment to innovation. "At Chewy, innovation isn't just a goal — it's in our DNA. We're embarking on a transformative journey to reshape warehouse operations while creating a better experience for our customers and team members alike," said Foley.

The CHAMP Challenge is open for applications; an information session takes place on December 4, 2024 where participants can learn more about requirements, application details, and key dates. Applications will close on December 16. Finalists will have the opportunity to demonstrate their robotic solutions in mid-2025, with the winning team awarded a $30,000 prize and the potential for direct collaboration with Chewy.

For more information about the CHAMP Challenge, eligibility requirements, and application details, please visit https://www.massrobotics.org/the-chewy-autonomous-mobile-picking-champ-challenge or contact MassRobotics at info@massrobotics.org.

About MassRobotics
MassRobotics is the largest independent non-profit robotics hub dedicated to accelerating innovation and adoption in the field of robotics. Our mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics technology and connected devices companies by providing entrepreneurs and startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions. While MassRobotics originated and is headquartered in Boston, we are reaching and supporting robotics acceleration and adoption globally and are working with startups, academia, industry, and governments both domestically and internationally.

About Chewy
Our mission is to be the most trusted and convenient destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. We believe that we are the preeminent online source for pet products, supplies and prescriptions as a result of our broad selection of high-quality products and services, which we offer at competitive prices and deliver with an exceptional level of care and a personal touch to build brand loyalty and drive repeat purchasing. We seek to continually develop innovative ways for our customers to engage with us, as our websites and mobile applications allow our pet parents to manage their pets' health, wellness, and merchandise needs, while enabling them to conveniently shop for our products. We partner with approximately 3,500 of the best and most trusted brands in the pet industry, and we create and offer our own private brands. Through our websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers approximately 115,000 products and services offerings, to bring what we believe is a high-bar, customer-centric experience to our customers.