Ann Arbor, Michigan – Team Cybernet, a semifinalist in the 2007 DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Urban Challenge, arrived in Victorville, California, today to compete in the final stages of the competition. Thirty-five entries have been selected by DARPA to compete in the race for $3.5 million in prizes, beginning October 26.
Team Cybernet performed final testing on their unmanned operational vehicle known as the “Cybervan” in San Antonio, Texas, last week before traveling to Victorville. An 11-year old Chrysler minivan fitted with only $45,000 of mostly commercial off-the-shelf materials, the “Cybervan” is fully autonomous.
“Determination and dedication of our experienced Cybernet team has made the Cybervan a reality,” said Chuck Jacobus, Team Cybernet Leader. “Our Urban Challenge solution is unique in that it not only matches the age of the current in-the-field fleet of defense vehicles, but is also modular and scalable to all vehicle platforms. We’re honored to have been chosen by DARPA to compete and can’t wait to get out on the course and show what the Cybervan can do.”
The 2007 Urban Challenge is the third in a series of competitions DARPA initiated to foster the development of autonomous robotic ground vehicle technology simulated military supply missions in a mock urban area. The Urban Challenge program supports the Congressional mandate that one-third of operational ground combat vehicles be unmanned by the year 2015. Two event websites – www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge and www.grandchallenge.org – will have regularly updated content on the competition and host a webcast of the final event on Saturday, November 3, beginning at 6:30 AM PT.
Team Cybernet, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is committed to delivering tomorrow’s military solutions today. Comprised almost entirely of professionals from Cybernet Systems Corporation, a woman-owned American research and development company, the self-funded Team Cybernet provides life-saving technology that can remove service men and women from increasingly dangerous situations in urban battlefields.
To learn more about Team Cybernet or Cybernet Systems Corporation, please visit www.www.cybernet.com.
NQE – Fri. 10/26, 2:00-2:30 PM PT, Galaxy 11, transponder 13 (KU analog), downlink freq. 11960 MHz-H
Finals – Sat. 11/3, 12:00-12:30 PM PT, Galaxy 17 KU, transponder 4, uplk. freq. 14080-H, dwnlnk freq. 11780-V
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