RE: "DARPA Challenge" Robot race

> From: ~ On Behalf Of K.H.Ranitzsch
> Sent: 29 September 2003 16:49
> Subject: "DARPA Challenge" Robot race

> they want robot vehicles to drive the distance without any
> external guidance.

> http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/overview.htm

The rules in section 6(.0) and 8.5.4 don't appear to preclude
a robot ringing UPS in the two hours between the route being
handed out and the race starting. However, several potential
problems arise:

8.1.3 The route may set a maximum speed limit that no self-
      respecting courier would obey.

6.4.3 Nor is any courier going to be back-seat driven by a
      robot squawking "My emergency stop has been activated!"
      More subtle means (such as a simulated police siren)
      may be necessary.

8.6   Although this clause covers the possibility of the
      robot being damaged in transit, enough of it needs to
      remain servicable to avoid disqualification at the
      finish line.

Nathan "Drat, curses! Foiled again" Girdler