Robot Race!The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the technological godfather of things stealth, smart bullets and the Internet, is sponsoring a road race this week – with one overriding entry requirement.
Only robots need apply.
The race, called the DARPA Grand Challenge, begins Saturday at dawn at the Slash X Ranch near Barstow. The still-secret course is guaranteed to be a grueling grind over 200 miles of highways, back roads, trails and open desert from Barstow to the Nevada state line.
Twenty-five robots with assorted pedigrees – modified Humvees, souped-up sport utility vehicles, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles, a six-wheeled military truck and a motorcycle – will vie for a Congress-authorized prize of $1 million.
The winner also gets bragging rights to one of the most daunting challenges robots have ever faced: that distinctly human, infinitely complex activity we call driving.
Only robots need apply.
The race, called the DARPA Grand Challenge, begins Saturday at dawn at the Slash X Ranch near Barstow. The still-secret course is guaranteed to be a grueling grind over 200 miles of highways, back roads, trails and open desert from Barstow to the Nevada state line.
Twenty-five robots with assorted pedigrees – modified Humvees, souped-up sport utility vehicles, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles, a six-wheeled military truck and a motorcycle – will vie for a Congress-authorized prize of $1 million.
The winner also gets bragging rights to one of the most daunting challenges robots have ever faced: that distinctly human, infinitely complex activity we call driving.
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