2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
A technology race to develop the first un-manned ground vehicle to autonomously traverse unknown terrain in real scale, range, and time.
On October 8, 2005, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will conduct the second Grand Challenge for autonomous robotic ground vehicles. Approximately 20 robots will navigate a course of more than 140 miles over rugged desert terrain in the southwest United States. The team whose vehicle completes the course the fastest—in less than 10 hours—will receive a check for $2 million.
DARPA is the central research and development (R&D) agency in the DoD and has pioneered major technology breakthroughs such as the Internet, Stealth aircraft, smart bombs, and the pilotless Predator aircraft. DARPA maintains a distinguished reputation among leaders in the technology, science, and academic communities.
The DARPA Grand Challenge is a Congressionally mandated program that expressly authorizes DARPA to conduct contests and award prizes for advancements in vital technologies. In the 2001 Defense Authorization Act, Congress set a goal that one-third of operational ground combat vehicles will be unmanned by 2015.
The intent of the Grand Challenge is to encourage participation in robotics R&D by nontraditional individuals and organizations—outside the Military/Defense procurement sector—who may offer new, innovative ways of thinking that lead to scientific or technological breakthroughs.
The first DARPA Grand Challenge was conducted on March 13, 2004, along a route that ran from the environs of Los Angeles to a location outside Las Vegas. Fifteen fully autonomous (not remote-controlled!) vehicles attempted to navigate a tough course. None succeeded, but the excitement and momentum generated by the first field test has continued to build in anticipation of DARPA Grand Challenge 2005. The first field test, and the events leading up to it, gained nationwide media coverage in major print and broadcast outlets, and raising expectations for 2005. DARPA routinely receives inquiries from documentary producers about filming the event. This media interest is bound to heighten as the second DARPA Grand Challenge unfolds, culminating in several days of intense media coverage before, during, and after the October 8, 2005, field test.
For updates along the road to DARPA Grand Challenge 2005, please visit www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge.
