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ENSCO's DEXTER placed sixth out of the 23 robotic vehicles competing in the final run of DARPA Grand Challenge.

Falls Church, Va., October 10, 2005 – ENSCO’s DEXTER placed sixth out of the 23 robotic vehicles competing in the final run of the DARPA Grand Challenge. DARPA officials announce Stanford University as the winner.

After five hours of traversing almost more than 81 miles autonomously, averaging just under 20 mph, DEXTER’s solid performance on the Challenge course was forced to end. DARPA officials in a “chase” vehicle stopped DEXTER due to a flat tire.

Up until this point in the course, DEXTER provided loads of excitement. The tenth to start the timed course, DEXTER quickly passed five vehicles, which started earlier, then a sixth, and was quickly catching up to the three leading teams. Team ENSCO is especially proud of the fact that DEXTER averaged the fastest speed up to the time of its forced elimination. With an average speed of just above 19 mph, DEXTER was on track to take the lead.

The chase vehicle officials reported that following DEXTER was thrilling. DEXTER knew exactly where to go, and possibly reached speeds of approximately 40 mph, making it challenging for their vehicle to keep close. After DEXTER exited the last tunnel, the chase officials believed that DEXTER started to exhibit some unusual behaviors and then suffered the flat tire. Team members are investigating to see what might of happened.

President Greg Young shared, “We are enormously proud of Team ENSCO. We may not have won the Challenge, but the rewards we have won are far greater. There is enormous value in the extensive knowledge each team member has gained in autonomous vehicle technology as well as in the importance of team work.” Team ENSCO member James Whong added, “This has truly been an adventure. I am honored to be a part of this historical event.”

DARPA officials, other teams, the press, and spectators complimented Team ENSCO on their friendliness, professionalism, openness, and upbeat attitude.

Visit www.teamensco.com for more information.