Humanoid robots compete in Fla.

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot rests in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013, before engineers begin work with the humanoid robot made for a robot competition.

The 6-foot tall, 300-pound robot is one of 17 humanoid robots that will be evaluated Friday and Saturday at Homestead Miami Speedway for how well they can complete tasks including getting into an all-terrain vehicle and driving it, and opening doors.

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, is put through some paces as it is switching the hold of a fire hose from one grasping unit to another at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Carnegie Mellon researchers are testing the new search-and-rescue robot that will compete in the U.S. Defense Department's upcoming national robotics competition in Florida.

Competitors from other schools and companies will be vying for a $2 million U.S. Defense Department prize.

Robots

Engineer Dave Kotfif examines Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013, before beginning work with the humanoid robot made for a robot competition.

Robots

Engineer Dave Kotfif examines defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013, before beginning a practice session with the humanoid robot made for a robot competition.

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, performs a set of doorway tests during a preparation run at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot clears a path through debris in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013.

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, performs a set of doorway tests during a preparation run at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot rests in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013,

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, is put through some paces as it is switching the hold of a fire hose from one grasping unit to another at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

Robotics engineer Jordan Brindza explains how he and the team use multiple computer displays to make sure the CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, operates properly at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburg, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, performs a set of doorway tests during a preparation run at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

Engineers work "blind" behind a black cloth as they operate defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013.

Robots

Engineer Nick Letwin watches as the CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, is put through some paces as it pulls a fire hose from during a preparation run at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.

Robots

Engineer Brett Breslow holds a safety rope attached to defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013.

Robots

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Laboratories’ robot takes a step in Pennsauken, N.J., Dec. 12, 2013.

Robots

The CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot, known as CHIMP, finishes a set of doorway tests during a preparation run at the National Robotics Engineering Center in Pittsburgh, Dec. 11, 2013.