Many readers will have already heard of this, but if you haven't check out DARPA's million dollar prize contest for a fully autonomous vehicle that can self-drive from LA to Vegas in ten hours. As of today, 55 teams have submitted applications, which will be winnowed down based on submitted technical papers on October 14. And on March 13, 2004, they race! If there's no winner in the allotted time, they do it again every year until someone gets the pot.

Now this is all undoubtedly great for robotics progress, and to forward DARPA's goal of building weapons systems that can chase Qaeda-heads and Saddamites around the desert without jeopardiziing our guy's lives. But, folks, inquiring minds want to know: Will you be selling tickets?. I mean, we're talking the best thing to come along since SRL. Think of the budget enhancement potential! (And in all seriousness, they are looking for volunteers to help run the event, should you have the time and inclination.)
11:02:05 AM