DARPA Announces Semifinalist Teams, Location of Finals

We’re a little behind on our blogging here at darpagrandchallenge.com, but it’s worth noting that DARPA has announced the list of the thirty-six semifinalist teams (here), and also that the finals will be held on the grounds of the former George AFB in Victorville, CA. The competition site is apparently used as an urban battlefield training ground by the Army, so it sounds like a good fit, and it’s doubtful that the Urban Challenge vehicles will be able to do more damage than Army live-fire exercises.

I’m sure he meant it in all seriousness, but DARPA Director Tony Tether said of the competition, “The vehicles must perform as well as someone with a California Driver’s License.” Nothing against Golden State residents, but I’m not sure if that’s an adequate requirement for autonomous operation…