Next on NOVA: "The Great Robot Race"
http://www.pbs.org/nova/darpaBroadcast: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT
(NOVA airs Tuesdays on PBS at 8 p.m. Check your local listings as
dates and times may vary.)
Join NOVA for an exclusive backstage pass to the DARPA Grand
Challenge--a raucous race for robotic, driverless vehicles sponsored
by the Pentagon, which awards a $2 million purse to the winning
team. Armed with artificial intelligence, laser-guided vision, GPS
navigation, and 3-D mapping systems, the contenders are some of the
world's most advanced robots. Yet even their formidable technology
and mechanical prowess may not be enough to overcome the grueling
130-mile course through Nevada's desert terrain. From concept to
construction to the final competition, "The Great Robot Race"
delivers the absorbing inside story of clever engineers and their
unyielding drive to create a champion, capturing the only aerial
footage that exists of the Grand Challenge.
Here's what you'll find on the companion Web site:
PROFILES & INTERVIEW
Meet the Teams
Watch video clips and learn more about "Sandstorm,"
"Ghostrider," and 10 other racing robots.
Cars That Drive Themselves
In a lively interview, Stanford's Sebastian Thrun shares his
excitement about real-world applications for autonomous
vehicles.
VIDEO & SLIDE SHOW
Watch the Program
The hour-long program will be available to view online starting
on March 29.
Video Extras
See a wild and bumpy Grand Challenge practice run in the Mojave,
find out how the motorcycle robot balances itself, and more.
What Robots See
In this slide show, look out through the "eyes" of
computer-driven vehicles.
Also, Links & Books, the Teacher's Guide, the program transcript,
and more.
http://www.pbs.org/nova/darpa