Project Overview: DARPA Grand Challenge 2004, running from March 8-13, was the beginning of a new era for defense research. DARPA opened up their competition of creating an autonomous robotic ground vehicle to all that wanted to participate. Entries came from technology companies, colleges and universities, and groups of friends with an idea.

Gaining a spot at the Grand Challenge was a long process. The group of 106 entries was narrowed down to 15 teams. These teams got to send their autonomous vehicle along the 142-mile course through the Mojave Desert. Beginning in Barstow, California, the course had many on and off-road obstacles for the vehicles to master before crossing the finish line in Primm, Nevada. The reward for crossing the finish line was to be $1 million. Unfortunately, none of the vehicles reached the finish line in 2004. However, the event was a historical and educational experience for everyone involved. CenGen Inc acted as the communications and networking provider for DARPA Grand Challenge 2004.