The New York Times: Robotic Vehicles Race, but Innovation Wins

Robotic Vehicles Race, but Innovation Wins
By JOHN MARKOFF
Published: September 14, 2005

FLORENCE, Ariz. - Cresting a hill on a gravel road at a brisk 20 miles an hour, a driverless, computer-controlled Volkswagen Touareg plunges smartly into a swale. When its laser guidance system spots an overhanging limb, it lurches violently left and right before abruptly swerving off the road.

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