08 Jun 04. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it will hold a second Grand Challenge for Autonomous Robotic Ground Vehicles on October 8, 2005. Grand Challenge 2005 is designed to accelerate research and development in autonomous ground vehicle technology that will help save lives on the battlefield. Anthony J. Tether, DARPA director, noted: “This event is a challenge for American ingenuity. It brings together individuals and organizations from the research and development community, industry, Government, the Armed Services, academia, professional societies, and from the ranks of students, backyard inventors, and automotive enthusiasts.” DARPA simultaneously announced that a “Participants’ Conference” will be held on August 14, 2004 at the Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, Calif. This informational conference is for participants, interested sponsors, and groups looking for others to help complete their teams. The conference will begin at 2 pm.