TerraMax (vehicle)
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TerraMax is an autonomous tactical cargo hauler fielded by Oshkosh Truck Corporation, University of Parma's Vislab (Artificial Vision and Intelligent Systems Lab) and Rockwell Collins, also known under the name of Big Truck Robotics, that participated in both the 2004 and 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge. To navigate the terrain, the vehicle utilized 3 LIDAR laser-ranging units (one of which featuring 4 planes), 3 cameras, and 2 GPS navigation systems.
During the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge the vehicle encountered a minor windstorm which blew tumbleweeds across the road. This confounded the vehicle as it tried to maneuver its bulk around each individual tumbleweed. Also, around 5:00 in the afternoon, TerraMax hit the second tunnel, causing miscalibration of the sensor suite. After this, the vehicle consistently pulled to the left, but arrived safely at the finish line.
The vehicle's average speed was 30 mph. It was the only finisher not eligible for the US$2 million in prize money, because it surpassed the ten-hour time limit.
