Polaris teams up with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for Robotic Self driven drones..

When you think Polaris you don't think governmental vehicles. Well for years now Polaris has worked with the military providing vehicles to the soldiers at war. Well recent announcements on a Robot Challenge that allowed Polaris to assist with a Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS models.


In the early stages of a number of recent disasters, it was clear there were limitations to
what mitigation steps humans could take due to dangerous conditions. The DARPA
Robotics Challenge was created to spur development of advanced robots that can help
humans to better respond to future disasters. The Challenge includes eight tasks that
simulate the duties a robot might have to perform in such a situation. DARPA will use the
RANGER XP 900 EPS in one of the eight tasks to help demonstrate robots’ ability to
operate vehicles, since they are among the tools commonly on hand in disaster zones.
The Polaris RANGER XP 900 is the best-selling vehicle in its class and widely available
across the U.S.  “We have found off-road vehicles are some of the most useful vehicles in disaster relief
due to their ease of transport and ability to traverse challenging terrain,” said Patrick
Weldon, product manager for Polaris Defense. “Our specialized vehicles are designed to
the end user’s specifications. For the DARPA Robotics Challenge, the RANGERs were
built to accommodate the robots and provide mobility at the mock disaster site.”

The RANGER XP 900 EPS was customized for the Challenge with a remote SafeStop
Electronic Throttle Kill and Brake Actuation technology. A 1000-lb./453 kg. capacity bed
provides space for the robot’s power supply, and inside the cab, the bench seat and tilt
steering provide ample room for robots to operate the vehicle.

Cited from Polaris In late November.. SO this will be good  A Robot driving a Ranger XP 900.....whats next.....(o-O)