The Georgia Tech-SAIC Sting Racing Team has been informed that we were among a set of participants that did not advance to the Urban Challenge finals on November 3rd. As a first-time entrant, the team has done an outstanding job making it to the semi-final round of the world’s most challenging robotics competition. We wish to express our gratitude for all the support we have received from Georgia Tech and the Atlanta community, as well as the expertise and technical support from our industry teammate, SAIC. We also give a hats-off to DARPA for administering a fair and flexible race.
Looking forward, we are excited to continue our part in the evolution of autonomous robotics research and the development of intelligent, safe vehicles. Our efforts in the DARPA Urban Challenge – particularly our autonomous vehicle, Sting 1 – will play a key role in our future research agenda, particularly as we study the safety and viability of implementing robotic elements on the road and in the home. We will remain here in California to root for the remaining competitors and learn all we can for next time.
Tucker Balch, Team Lead
Georgia Tech-SAIC Sting Racing Team
October 31, 2007 at 3:55 pm |
Mr. Balch- I initially saw Sting 1 on Tech’s campus this summer while attending some CS classes so when I found out you were headed to the challenge my introductory computer science class began to follow your progress. I hate to say they were all quite disappointed to find out about the accident and withdrawal from the finals. As you said though, a valiant first effort was made and for that you should be proud. Those of us familiar with your efforts applaud you and your team. We’re looking forward to hearing more about your work in the near future.
-Ryan McCann
Northside High School
Columbus, GA