This event was different from previous events because the vehicles in the 2007 competition were directly competing against each other. They had to avoid other competitors on the course and obey traffic laws set up beforehand. Such actions require computer software that allows the vehicles to make “intelligent” decisions based on the environment around them.

The course was set on a 60 mile (96 kilometer) area designed to simulate an urban setting. The time restriction to complete the course was 6 hours.

Based primarily on safety requirements, eleven teams qualified for the event: AnnieWay, Ben Franklin, CarOLO, Cornell, Honeywell/Intelligent Vehicle Systems, MIT, Stanford Racing, Tartan Racing, Team Oshkosh, Team UCF, and Victor Tango.

Three teams finished the DARPA Urban Challenge within the required time and without major problems: Stanford University (Stanford Racing, with their VW Passat), Virginia Tech (Victor Tango, with their modified Ford Escape Hybid), and Carnegie Mellon University (Tartan Racing, with their Chevrolet Tahoe).

The first prize will consist of $2 million and second prize at $1 million. The results will be announced on Sunday, November 4, 2007, which is based on various aspects of the race (not just speed on the course) such as compliance with traffic laws and safety.


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