Comments on: Caltech's spin on DARPA's robot race

In a race of driverless vehicles--and especially in collisions between them--size matters.
Photos: 'Alice' in DARPA-land

[kieranmullen]

What is the point of armor plating?

When the van has electronic gear that can easily be knocked off? Granted it is just a prototype.. Ok then why put armor plating on a prototype?

KieranMullen
http://360oregon.com

[amadensor]

The point of armor

The point is blunt force trauma. If they are in a collision during the race, they will have less repair work to do.

[Reachstacker]

Terramax

Sunds all good. But according to my info the Terramax from Oshkosh Truck will also be in this race and its certainly bigger than a Ford van :)
either way it should be an interesting event !