Tales of the Golem; or, the Modern Epimetheus

DARPA Grand Challenge With A Vengeance

DARPA has announced the next Grand Challenge. Generally speaking, the twist this time is that the vehicle has to interact with 30 mph traffic in a safe manner: staying in a lane, changing lanes when appropriate, merging, stopping at intersections, etc. It also has to be able to pull in and out of a parking space, and to do a 3-point turn.

It doesn't have to be able to recognize signs and traffic lights, or drive faster than 30 mph.

Currently neither Golem vehicle can shift into reverse, so we'll have to implement that...

Another wrinkle: vehicles now more-or-less have to be based on full-size commercial platforms. No more ATVs or motorcycles.

posted by Richard Mason @ Monday, May 01, 2006