Boss -- Carnegie Mellon University's world champion robotic vehicle -- will travel to Detroit then return home for a celebration before the focus turns to commercial applications.

CMU's self-driving SUV made technological history Saturday when it defeated 10 other vehicles in the Urban Challenge in Victorville, Calif. The Chevrolet Tahoe loaded with computers, sensors and software proved that robots can do what many people fail to do -- drive legally and safely through city traffic.

Developed by CMU's Tartan Racing team, Boss traveled 55 miles through mock city environment at the former George Air Force Base, and crossed the finish line with the fastest time. Pentagon-based Defense Advanced Research Project Agency sponsored the event to produce technology that can save lives on the battlefield.

Tartan Racing received $2 million for first prize, while Stanford University won $1 million for second place and Virginia Tech won $500,000 for third place.

Boss' victory in the Urban Challenge represents a milestone in transportation history.

Charles Lindbergh proved that planes could cross the Atlantic, while Sputnik proved spaceflight was possible. When Stanford University won the 2004 Grand Challenge, a desert race, DARPA officials compared it with the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C.

How history will regard Boss' victorious trek through cityscape remains unclear. But no one is doubting its importance.

"Time will tell," said Chris Urmson, Tartan Racing's director of technology. "It seems like a big deal. It was amazing on the ground to see 11 fully autonomated vehicles driving and interacting with each other and doing it safely.

"It should turn heads."

Place in history

Stanley, Stanford's 2004 winner, is destined for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, said Valeska Hilbig, the museum spokeswoman. Dr. Urmson said Smithsonian officials already requested team jerseys, among other memorabilia, to help document the importance of the Urban Challenge.

Boss' performance impressed even its builders.

During the race, Boss stopped at one busy intersection where other faltering or stopped vehicles created unexpected obstacles. Boss studied the situation before driving carefully through the crowded intersection without incident.

It proved that a robot can evaluate difficult situations, develop sound strategy then safely execute it. "That was the theme for the whole day," Dr. Urmson said. "We did everything we could to prepare it, then let it go."

The next goal is incorporating Boss' technology into everyday life.

Tartan Racing partnered with GM, which provided two Chevrolet Tahoes, and other corporations including Caterpillar and Continental AG, to develop Boss with an eye toward commercial applications.

"This competition has significantly advanced our understanding of what is needed to make driverless vehicles a reality," said Larry Burns, GM vice president of R&D and Strategic Planning. "Imagine being virtually chauffeured safely in your car while doing your e-mail, eating breakfast and watching the news. The technology in Boss is a steppingstone toward delivering this type of convenience."

In time, GM will use the technology in cars and trucks to enhance safety and reduce congestion, energy consumption and emissions.

Intel, Google, Applanix, TeleAtlas, Vector, Ibeo, Mobileye, CarSim, CleanPower Resources, M/A-COM, NetApp, Vector, CANtech and Hewlett Packard also were sponsors.

Dr. Urmson said the top teams will publish articles describing their technology, which will be used to create the next generation of robotic vehicles. "Everyone will get a little bit smarter," he said.

But it could take a decade to get Boss technology in vehicles.

CMU officials said a celebration will be held once Boss and Tartan Racing officials return Nov. 14. After a brief rest, team members will resume developing technology with expectations that DARPA eventually will announce the next challenge.

For now Tartan Racing has one important issue to resolve. Dr. Urmson said the team must decide how best to spend its $2 million prize.