Competitive Robots

Since the beginnings of the VIA Robotics Initiative in 2003 VIA has continued to successfully drive x86 architecture and PC-Bots throughout all levels of the robotics community including commercial, academic and enthusiast areas. Competition being one of the more significant drivers of this nascent industry VIA is also one of the proud sponsors of "Team Jefferson" and their robotic vehicle "Tommy" which is entered in this year's DARPA Grand Challenge 2005.

The DARPA Grand Challenge is an unmanned autonomous vehicle race sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency where entrants pit their robotic racing skills against each other in the harsh off road dessert conditions between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a US$2 Million prize.

Tommy's unique software package (and unique style!) make him one of the favorites to watch at this year's challenge. Tommy uses a VIA Mini-ITX mainboard as part of the lean computer hardware system that acts as the brain for the PRI-MAX software navigation platform that runs completely on Sun Microsystem's Java technology.

From the Team Jefferson website :
While the reason for the name "Tommy" may be traced to the team's spiritual advisor Thomas Jefferson, some members see a dual meaning with the character Tommy from the band the Who's so name rock opera. The Who's Tommy journey's down to a path to perceive and understand much like our Tommy does.

Last years wildly successful DARPA Grand Challenge race attracted participants from the academic and corporate elite including Carnegie Melon University's "Red Team" who finished the farthest along the route just beyond the 7 mile mark. This time around the competition is stiffer than ever but Team Jefferson (pictured above) are confident that their approach to the Grand Challenge will make a significant impact autonomous vehicle development for both military and civilian needs.