Black-I Robotics Secures $30,000 Prize in CHAMP Challenge for Autonomous Systems

On June 21, 2025, Black-I Robotics, a prominent technology firm based in Massachusetts and a member of MassRobotics, achieved a significant milestone by winning the Chewy Autonomous Mobile Picking (CHAMP) Challenge. This competition, organized by Chewy, a leading online pet product retailer, in collaboration with MassRobotics, challenged participants to develop innovative solutions for a complex issue in warehouse automation: enabling fully autonomous robots to handle large, non-rigid items within dynamic fulfillment center environments.

The CHAMP Challenge specifically targeted the manipulation of heavy items, often exceeding 40 pounds, which possess irregular shapes and varying surface textures. These characteristics pose substantial challenges for traditional robotic gripping techniques, such as suction or parallel-jaw grippers. Inconsistent stacking and presentation on pallets further complicate the tasks of object recognition and grasp planning, making the development of effective robotic solutions essential for the future of automated warehousing.

Black-I Robotics distinguished itself by delivering a comprehensive autonomous picking system, earning a grand prize of $30,000. The company's solution combined a mobile base with a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) industrial arm, equipped with custom multi-modal end effectors engineered specifically to handle the unique demands of large and deformable stock-keeping units (SKUs).

Twelve teams from around the globe participated in the CHAMP Challenge, representing a diverse array of early-stage startups and independent robotics engineers. Throughout the competition, participants collaborated closely with Chewy's Robotics Team, gaining insights into operational constraints, fulfillment workflows, and essential system-level requirements. This synergy facilitated a richer understanding of the challenges faced in real-world warehouse settings.

According to the official challenge guidelines, participants were required to not only focus on the manipulation tasks but also ensure that their robotic platforms could navigate aisles as narrow as 20 inches. The robots needed to integrate seamlessly with live warehouse operations, placing picked items into various shipping containers, often containing mixed products. The challenge emphasized the development of embodied AI systems capable of perception-driven decision-making, robust grasp adaptation, and safe operation in collaborative environments.

The Chewy Robotics Team supported the contestants with extensive resources, including access to their robotics lab, photographs and videos of fulfillment operations, and a comprehensive simulation package from NVIDIA Omniverse, which featured a digital twin of the Chewy warehouse and 3D assets representing a subset of their product line. This support was crucial for teams to validate their systems, whether through simulation-based prototypes or physical systems prepared for real-world interaction.

Black-I Robotics' entry excelled due to its integration of AI-driven perception, which enabled high-confidence object detection and pose estimation, allowing for precise handling of non-rigid items stacked on mixed pallets. The robot showcased its capabilities through full-facility navigation using fiducial markers, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and dynamic obstacle avoidance, ensuring safe interactions with warehouse personnel.

Arturas Malinauskas, Chief Engineer and Founder of Breezey Machine Company, led the second-place team, which was awarded $15,000 for their innovative end-of-arm tool design. Breezey’s submission featured a low-profile gripper capable of adapting to variable items without extensive pre-alignment, emphasizing mechanical compliance and passive alignment strategies. This practical approach highlighted the potential for their design to serve as a robust subsystem within larger automation workflows.

The CHAMP Challenge not only showcased advancements in robotics but also underscored the growing importance of automating warehouse operations. As e-commerce continues to expand, the demand for sophisticated and adaptable robotic systems that can efficiently manage complex logistical tasks will only intensify. The success of Black-I Robotics and the innovative solutions presented during the challenge indicate a promising future for automation in fulfillment centers, potentially revolutionizing the industry and setting new standards for operational efficiency.