Thread: DARPA Sensors
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Unread 13-10-2005, 08:52
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Re: DARPA Sensors

Most teams used the following:

Differential GPS: gps with a land based correction signal for accuracy of inches instead of 10-15 ft (like the garmen ones you can buy)
~$3,000 + cost of correction service

LADAR: Laser distance and range finder. A single beam laser that spins along a spectrum at 180 degrees to map terrain in front of vehicle. (most teams used ones made by SICK)
~$6,000

Stereo optic camera set up: allows the computer to sense distance just like your eyes (uses at least 2 cameras)
~$500 per camera

Other sensors used:
Encoders - ~$50 a piece
Radar - no idea we didn't use one
Laser point sensors - no idea we didn't use any


The darpa challenge was extremely expensive to compete in, Stanford had a $500,000 budget and CMU was close to $10,000,000. What I am trying to say is don't get discouraged. There are other ways to do obstacle avoidance and stay on track. For your project I would say you are going to need a GPS and probably at least a sonar/radar system to work well.
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