A robot-driven VW Touareg named “Stanley” completed the 132-mile Mojave Desert course of the DARPA Grand Challenge in six hours and 53 minutes, using its computers and sensors to navigate rough desert and mountainous terrain. “Stanley” was designed by a team from Stanford University, and competed in a field of 23 autonomous vehicles. The prize: $2 million. (DR, 10/05/05)
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.