  We present an observational approach for the independent detection of the
early optical emission of long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For this purpose, we
explore the potential of the Large Array Survey Telescope (LAST). This array of
small optical telescopes can be used to scan a wide region of the sky, and to
focus on a smaller field of view with increased sensitivity, as needed. The
modularity of the array facilitates dynamic scanning of multiple fields, by
shifting telescope pointing directions with high cadence. This can
significantly increase the effective sky coverage of a blind survey on short
time scales. For events associated with gamma-ray counterparts, the valuable
early time data can supplement high-energy observations. Regardless of
gamma-ray association, detections can potentially be used to explore various
phenomena associated with GRBs, such as orphan afterglows; dirty fireballs; and
choked jets. We simulate a sample of GRBs and their respective optical signals
at early times. After accounting for dynamic cadence, the light curves are
given as input to a machine learning classifier, used to identify astrophysical
transients. We find that by dedicating half of a LAST array to a blind search,
one would expect to independently detect 7-11 GRBs per year, corresponding to
an approximate intrinsic event rate of 0.12 per square degree per year.
