Growing AI through Competitions
DARPA Challenges spur innovation
Started in 2004 by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the DARPA Grand Challenge was created to sponsor “revolutionary, high-payoff research” that would help spur on new technologies for autonomous ground vehicles. While no vehicles completed the race in 2004, the challenge was held again on a different course in 2005 with some successful course completions, driving 132 miles over dessert terrain.
In 2007, the challenge took place in an urban setting. Vehicles would need to navigate the streets, encounter other moving vehicles, and adhere to all traffic laws during their travel. The competition was revised again in 2012 and 2013 with humanoid robotics and the Fast Adaptable Next-Generation Ground Vehicle (FANG) Mobility/Drivetrain Challenge, respectively.
The 2021 event will focus on subterranean environments. Technology and insights expected from this event include the ability to conduct subterranean missions quickly and autonomously, with the ability to save lives through situational awareness. Competition followers and participants also expect to see the development of capabilities in traveling…
