Robot cars versus flying saucers in England

LONDON (AP) - May 8, 2008

No, it's not some sci-fi flick, but an idea incubator from the British Ministry of Defense.

The agency's "Grand Challenge" offered $600,000 to six finalists to build high-tech devices that will be tested in a mock battle.

The Bruton School for Girls in Somerset came up with an unmanned buggy that can ID friend or foe based on emotional clues from a gunman's movement.

Other concepts include flying saucers with heat and motion sensors, and swarms of tiny camera-carrying helicopters.

The winner gets more development money and a trophy made from the recycled metal of a World War II fighter plane.

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