Robotic VX to compete again!

[Art]

Some of you may have seen the NOVA special about the Great Robot Race:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/darpa/outtakes.html

Yes, that's our VX in the amusing section ... the VX detects the parked car and picks the wrong side (left) quickly slamming on the brakes in a panic to avoid the concrete barrier. That was at the qualifying event in the semi-finals... we didn't make it to the race.

Today DARPA announced the next Grand Challenge, the Urban Challenge... 60 miles of dealing with traffic, pulling out of parking spots, making left-hand turns at busy intersections, merging into traffic, etc. It is not off-road (some unpaved roads with potholes perhaps) but nothing to challenge the VX. We are still happy with our choice of vehicle. We have a year to write the software and then half a year of testing ahead of us.
I've been busy since the race with the software... Yes fellow VX'ers we are still in the game.

http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge

[mbeach]

This'll be interesting -most human beings can't even deal with traffic.

[Ruflyf]

looking foreward to some vdeo of this

[Triathlete]

Glad to see you guys are still "tinkering" around with the RoboVX! Was wondering what had happened to you guys. Keep us updated of the progress. This challenge should make the last one seem like a walk in the park. Good luck!

[Art]

WormGod has contributed his 3D model of the VX to the cause! We will be using the 3D model as part of our visualization tool to better understand the behavior of our robot and its perception of the environment. This contribution is very much appreciated... vehicross.info rocks! Gary rocks!

[WormGod]

Good luck to the team Art. I am just glad to see the model getting some worthy use.

[Velvis]

I know of a maroon Mercury that ALMOST negotiated it's way around a car and a bus and through on-coming Southbound traffic to make a U-turn into Northbound traffic and INTO MY PATH! Perhaps you could brain-tap the driver and put his skill to use. Let me know if I need to collect the head. Sorry, just a little bitter...deep breath...

velvis

[vt_maverick]

Let's go... Hokies!

[Triathlete]