demo that robotic cars have no trouble running a race track.
Most SERVO readers know of the DARPA Grand Challenge
and Urban Challenge, and are happy to see another
successful autonomous course completion. However, most
typical race fans got their first taste of robot cars and,
hopefully, their appetites have been whetted. The fans saw
drivers pilot two green electric race cars and a green (well,
it was bright yellow ...) solar-powered car run a lap (a
relatively warmish lap at that!). Sadly, the I-look-far-cooler-than-anything-that-Batman-has-ever-driven Mazda speed
alternative energy rotary engine car never got out of the
pits. These cars were followed by a big Chevy SUV and a
VW wagon navigating the course smoothly, confidently,
and precisely. They also saw a little Toyota Prius navigate
the course with some timidity, trepidation, and
nervousness. But which one won the race?
50 SERVO 08.2008
