Victorville (CA) – While some Urban Challenge teams are just happy to be in the final race this Saturday, Team Gray from Louisiana is already looking into commercial and military applications for its proprietary blue “bot in a box” device.  According to team member Paul Trepagnier, the self-contained, rack-mountable, unit provides most of the software and hardware needed for autonomous vehicle operations.

Video interview with Team Gray

Video of slalom test (interior view)

Video of slalom test 

The “Gray Matter” Autonomous Vehicle System (AVS) that powers the team’s bot is a far cry from other the computing setup of other teams.  As we looked around the team pit area during the DARPA Urban Challenge qualifications, we saw many cars with wiring, computers and sensors strewn about the trunk, cabins and even the tops of vehicles.  Trepagnier told us that their team wanted a simple and robust solution, adding, “DARPA isn’t looking for a science project.”

According to Trepagnier, the AVS churns through the GPS and laser readings to plot a course.  The box runs a scripting language so vehicles can be instructed to stop in pit areas to refuel when gas is running low.  Crashes and bumps aren’t a problem because the AVS uses all solid-state components.

So far Team Gray has built five of the boxes and believes there is a market for about 200 to 250 commercial units a year.  But who would buy such a device?  Team leader Eric Gray told us that tire and car companies currently use human drivers to test vehicle and component durability.  “They just drive around and around a track.  It’s so boring.” Gray said of the human drivers.  Such boring and methodical testing could be better suited to an autonomous vehicle since it could feasibly run effortlessly until a part fails or gas runs out.

Team Gray finished the 2005 Grand Challenge desert race in Primm Nevada and has been selected as a finalist for this Saturday’s Urban Challenge race.

Complete DARPA Urban Challenge coverage here

Comments (1)