Stanford Volkswagon wins robot race across the desert
Sanford’s modified Volkswagon Touareg won the $2 million Pentagon-sponsored robot race across the desert. Stanford’s unmanned VW cleared the 132 mile obstacle course in 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The race was designed by the military to encourage teams to build a robotic car that required no human control. There is currently a congressional mandate to have a third of the military’s ground vehicles unmanned in 20 years to reduce casualties.
Last year, when the race was first introduced, no one was able to complete the course. This year five cars were able to complete the course.
How will Stanley the VW Touareg celebrate his victory? No trip to Disney just yet. Stanley will act in several commercials before being retired to a Museum in Germany.
Christen Costa
