Racing robots: Defense Dept. pushes unmanned vehicles
This desert pitstop with a handful of casinos was supposed to be the finish line for a robot race sponsored by the Pentagon last year to spur development of unmanned vehicles for warfare.
Problem was, none of the self-driving entries made it this far.
On Saturday, 23 more robot racers will assemble here at the relocated starting line in a sequel to see if any can crisscross at least 145 miles of rough desert and mountain trails without a human driver or remote control.
The first to cover the course in less than 10 hours will win the $2 million purse of the Grand Challenge.
"We'll say a little prayer and hope for some Irish luck," said Bill Kehaly of Westlake Village, California-based Axion Racing, which is entering a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee named Spirit.
