Defence Online

A pipeline has been launched for Shape changing robotics: current status and future directions.The contract start Date is 20 May 2022. Approach to market date is 25 March 2022.PLEASE NOTE: All dates specified within this noticed are anticipated and a subject to change.This is a notice to inform you that this requirement will be competed via the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP) and Is estimated to be sent out shortly after the 21/03/2022.Dstl would like to encourage you to sign up via the DSP website in order to form part of the competition and receive the ITT pack.If you are having any problems accessing your account or navigation issues, please contact the DSP central inbox, guidance for this is stated on the DSP website.We are fundamentally looking for a review to be undertaken of the current state of the art in shape changing robotics. Shape changing robotics as described here comprises of all types of technology and applications for robotics, where through design the system changes shape to enable a different type of capability or a particular goal to be achieved. It includes novel approaches to design and manufacture (e.g. 4D printing), novel/ smart materials, novel approaches to shape changing (e.g. origami). It also includes systems that shape change to enable function in more than one environment – e.g. pipe access to a reactor core, or a flying system changing form to an underwater system. This will be followed by work to evaluate potential use cases and potential future directions of technology development.This is a potential opportunity from the government, and the pipeline gives advance notice of an opportunity that might be offered by the public sector in the future – allowing potential suppliers to plan accordingly. When a public sector organisation publishes a pipeline notice, it does not necessarily mean that an opportunity will be offered in the future.For more information contact: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SALISBURY SP40JQ. Tel: 01980 955382. Email@ jamcdonald@dstl.gov.uk (Jamal McDonald)