Robots in a Driverless Car Contest
Last night, I watched a DVD of the movie “Transformers” once again. And in an instant, I suddenly thought of how my BMW 735 parts will be transforming into a robot figure. On the second thought, well it wouldn’t be nice watching over a war of robots in the city. It just seems to be too dangerous living in a world were robots think on their own. That is for knowing that they might also have greedy interests on others, just like normal people have. The only difference is that they are much powerful than humans, that they could do things faster, even the undesirable ones.
At present, there are robots created that don't actually possess individual perception and own thought yet. These robots are mostly run by programs for specific purpose, which mostly is to bring forth speed and ease in doing things.
Just this morning, I gained the interest to know what is up in line with robotics. From technewsworld.com, I have learned that the Pentagon’s research selected three thirty-six semifinalist that will compete for limited spots in a robot challenge. That test was in goal to know how well autonomous vehicles can navigate city streets without human help.
Earlier, twenty-four teams dueled in a similar contest sponsored by DARPA and Stanford University. Last year, Volkswagen achieved the title of the race in Mojave Desert.
The rest of the three dozens, specifically the 12, were first-time participants. They will be part in the semifinals on October at an urban military training facility at the former George Air Force Base, Victorville.
From thirty-six, they will break it down to 20 for the final race that will be held on November 3.
As stated, the competitors will follow California traffic law, wherein they will run in traffic, sharp turns and obstacles (utility poles, trees, parked cars). It will be done without the aid of human control.
It is not a cheap competition, since prizes is held as high as US $2 million, $1 million, and $500,000 for the top three placers. That is as they complete the obstacle course in six hours. Last 2004, there was no winner, since none of the competitors finished the desert course. Last year, five were able to cross. So, this year might be a bit more than that. I’m sure everyone will be preparing their best for this much awaited competition.
