Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Urban Challenge

The DARPA Urban Challenge was a competition held in 2007 that aimed to advance autonomous vehicle technology. Sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, it challenged teams to develop self-driving cars capable of navigating complex urban environments. These vehicles had to follow traffic rules, identify obstacles, and interact with other traffic participants, all without human intervention. The event showcased innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology, pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve, and is considered a significant milestone in the development of self-driving cars.