In the Beginning
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the arm of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for advancing military technology, fostered the development of key technologies for robotic, self-driving cars. Through its Grand Challenges, DARPA has driven innovation and collaboration within the research community.
The first DARPA Grand Challenge was held in 2004. This driverless TerraMax vehicle, designed by Oshkosh Defense, was one of the competitors in the agency's first competition.
2004 DARPA Grand Challenge
In the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge, none of the robotic, self-driving cars successfully finished the challenging course from Barstow, Calif., to Primm, Nev.
Overcoming Obstacles
In DARPA's 2004 Grand Challenge, none of the competing self-driving vehicles successfully completed the course. Yet, the lessons learned paved the way for successful runs in the next challenge, 18 months later.
2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
In DARPA's second Grand Challenge, held in 2005, five out of 195 participating teams successfully completed the course.
Off-Roading
In the 2005 Grand Challenge, self-driving cars had to navigate through a 132-mile (212 kilometers) course across southern Nevada.
Put to the Test
An robotic, driverless car tackles the challenging course in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge.
Through the Desert
Self-driving cars had to navigate through a challenging 132-mile (212 kilometers) course across southern Nevada in DARPA's second Grand Challenge, held in 2005.
Upgrading Technology
Improvements to sensors helped teams navigate a more complex course during DARPA's 2007 Urban Challenge.
Checkered Flag
DARPA's Urban Challenge, held in November 2007, demonstrated the technological feasibility of self-driving ground vehicles.
