[SLB]

We have executed a couple of robotic vehicle experiments recently. All were funded by DARPA. Some limited success, but DARPA felt dangling a carrot out there might provide some new ideas and technology.

The latest experiments we worked did not do badly, but there are some glitches to overcome. The worst was the inability to process a shadow across the vehicle path by the visual systems. It could not tell the difference between a shadow and a ditch. Combing visual with radar might help. I am sure there will be some imerging technology from this that we will see within the next two years in the form of more experiments.

[sauropod]

My understanding of how DARPA works is that they do high-dollar short timeframe stuff to help get technology into the hands of soldiers.

Part of what is needed here is a deliberate R&D program to systematically develop the required capabilities.

This is not what goes on, with all the Congressional subcommitees that have their hands in the DoD budget pie.

[archy]

We have executed a couple of robotic vehicle experiments recently.

Amazing. I knew that great strides had been made in artificial intelligence, including a capacity for self-preservation [mandated programmed priorities for recharging power supplies as fuel or battery capacities become discharged, the machine equivalent of *hunger* for instance] but wasn't aware that such emotional value judgements as cowardice in the face of a self-preservation threat had been achieved.

You guys give 'em a cigarette and blindfold before letting them have it?