Check out the Washington Post stroy:
Search-Rescue Robots Test Their Mettle in Tournaments
Researchers Aim to Improve Vehicles' Skills for Real-Life Use
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55684-2003May29.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55684-2003May29.html)