ENSCO Robot: "DEXTER" (Deployable Extreme Terrain Enabled Robot) Body: Custom chassis by Lothringer Engineering Affiliation: ENSCO, Inc. Hometown: Springfield, VA Leaders: Gary Carr, Brian Mee Team size: 18 Budget: $500,000 Key technologies: lidar, stereo camera, differential GPS Biggest challenge(s): Convincing top-notch scientists and engineers that volunteering all their free time was not optional. And, when this failed, convincing them that pizza was generous compensation for their all-nighters. Race results: Out of race at 81 miles: tire blowout after going off-course due to a network communication failure. What they're up to now: Refining Dexter while eagerly hoping for and awaiting the announcement of a new competition. Where the vehicle is now: Based in Springfield, the vehicle has been touring to various events, such as the Washington, D.C. Auto Show, GMU Engineers Week, and ENSCO's Gettysburg Office Grand Opening. |