Even before fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) appear on public roads in noticeable numbers, motorsport competition has started for such vehicles. This weekend, at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the inaugural ASPIRE Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will be a groundbreaking event which will mark a significant milestone in motorsport history.
Described as the largest league of its kind globally, the race will see 4 AVs driving on the racetrack simultaneously – a feat never before attempted. In a series of pre-qualifying races, the finale will showcase the top performers from the Lap Test and Speed Test, advancing to a final Overtaking Challenge to determine the ultimate winner.
Additionally, an AI vs Human car race will unfold, with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) taking on the challenge of pitting their AV against former F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat. TII will aim to get as close as possible to the human lap time and will also demonstrate the autonomous car’s ability to drive without GPS assistance.
There will be 8 teams from various universities in different countries competing for the substantial prize purse of US$2.25 million (about RM10.72million). These include KINETIZ, a collaboration between Singapore Nanyang Technological University and Kintsugi based in the UAE.
The participating teams of coders and engineers will each have exclusive access to identical Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars, made possible through a partnership with Japan Race Promotions. These cars will be autonomized with autonomous racing stacks developed and integrated by the TII.
The sole variable lies in how each team utilizes their coding skills, AI algorithms, and machine learning software development expertise to teach their cars how to drive. Currently recognized as the fastest open-wheel racing car in the world after Formula 1, these AVs can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.
“A2RL is more than just a race — it’s a platform for testing and optimizing autonomous vehicle technologies, enhancing safety and reliability on public roads. With the support of local and international partners, we’re bringing the mobility future – closer,” said ASPIRE CEO, Stephane Timpano.
The inaugural race has attracted a diverse array of sponsors, each contributing their expertise and resources to ensure the success of the development of the cutting-edge autonomized cars. Technical partners, including Dallara, Danisi Engineering, Meccanica 42, Kistler, Seyond, Eventagrate, Live in Five, Focal Point VR and Vislink, have lent their specialized knowledge to elevate the event’s innovation and performance standards.
“In pushing the boundaries of technology under extreme conditions, we uncover new frontiers in science. This reimagined racing paradigm harnesses the pinnacle of coding skills, AI algorithms, and software development prowess — the very skill sets of the future. By leveraging these capabilities, we pave a path at the forefront of research and development, propelling Abu Dhabi to become a pivotal global hub for innovation,” said Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ASPIRE’s parent entity) and Advisor to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs.
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