DARPA Grand Challenge - Who's with me?

[Dukes69]

I was watching some TV and saw a segment about this DARPA Grand Challenge. Basically its a GPS/LIDAR guided unmanned vehicle that has to travel 200 miles across the Mojave desert. Sound fun?

Here is what we need:
Welder/Fabricator
A Rocket Scientist
Some one who knows Electronics
A Computer Programmer
A New Jeep Rubicon Unlimited - Maybe even a sponsorship?

Anything I'm missing? Come on, I know there are some of those here on MJR!

[sarah]

Rick has a welder ... and knows electronics ... can fabricate some stuff ... can program computers ... all he needs is a Jeep to make the project complete! C'mon Rick, let's get to work!
hahah

[NAILER341]

now we need 10 milllliiiooonnn dollllaarrrrss, and this project would be toight like a toiga

[mikeythefireman]

I'm in. I can measure stuff.

[cbremer]

i'm not a rocket scientist... but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.


count me in :yawn:

[sarah]

i'm not a rocket scientist... but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.


count me in :yawn:

lame!

[flywaterguide]

Well, if you come up with all this stuff and get it working.... I can make sure nobody ever steals the idea(s) from ya!

best,

fg

[JeepJunkie]

not only can i measure i can count to 200....count me in

[H8PVMT]

I've got some beer for the effort!

[drivenhardse]

if i was out that way i would defenatly help out with buying the bear

[Dukes69]

if i was out that way i would defenatly help out with buying the bear

hmmmmm, that sounds interesting. I think I'll take you up on that.

[tjrubicon]

if i was out that way i would defenatly help out with buying the bear

That is very interesting....hmmmm...bear....rocket scientist...jeep....computer gadgets...beer....yeah I think the bear will fit in nicely Just keep him away from the beer, every try to take a bear's beer away? It's probably not pretty

[goodtimes]

Chris, are you serious about it?

I wheel with a guy who has worked on several robots involved in this. He is one of them super smart computer/robotics guys (Phd).

You better find a sponser....or 10! You are not talking about slapping together a few parts and pointing this thing across the desert. If you are really interested, I will get you in touch with Jack.

Oh, Erik--the prize is $2mil I believe.

[Dukes69]

Chris, are you serious about it?

I wheel with a guy who has worked on several robots involved in this. He is one of them super smart computer/robotics guys (Phd).

You better find a sponser....or 10! You are not talking about slapping together a few parts and pointing this thing across the desert. If you are really interested, I will get you in touch with Jack.

Oh, Erik--the prize is $2mil I believe.

Sure why not. I dont have any money, But I do have a plasma and a welder!! Anyone know someone that works at Jeep Corporate? :confused:

[seapahn]

I just read the all the rules, regulations, requirements. I can tell you you are going to need a LOT more than "an electronics guy and a programmer"

I think at the very least you are going to need the following:

1. Someone with practical knowledge of microwave and/or infrared radar
2. Someone with good signal processing background ... especially in classification and estimation
3. Someone with a strong control theory background
4. Maybe someone with a computer vision background (optional)
5. An guy good with AI algorithms
6. Robotics expertise will definitely be very helpful as brian suggested

Now on top of these you need a REALLY good electronics, servo, actuation person ... now here this doesn't necessarily mean a Ph.D. ... a weekend hobyist or an RC car enthsiast etc may just be the perfect choice.

Then welder, fabricator, all around mechanic, and someone familiar with the vehicle chosen as a platform will definitely be needed.

This is definitely a serious undertaking and it's not going to be easy having a vehicle travel 200 miles in the desert, recognizing, negotiating, and avoiding obstacles on its own!