Update: PoliMOVE wins the Indy Autonomous Challenge at CES 2022 after a nerve wracking spin out by the runners up, TUM. Luckily, the accident wasn't too bad for the second place team, but it will keep their rivalry with PoliMOVE ever strong moving into the IAC's next race, which has yet to be officially scheduled.
On Friday, Jan. 7, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway proves grounds for a revolutionary new form of auto racing: pitting autonomous F1 vehicles to the test.
Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, explains how the IAC will broaden the representation and understanding of autonomous driving: "With automotive and transportation tech tracking for record growth at CES 2022, the Autonomous Challenge @ CES will further show our attendees all that is possible with self-driving vehicle technology."
The rides themselves look no different than your typical Formula 1 race car, despite, of course, missing a dedicated driver. Instead, the cockpit of the vehicles is retrofitted with a myriad of high-tech computer components, cameras, and assorted hardware. One look, and you wouldn't even guess that the car could, in theory, drive on its own accord.
Of course, they aren't fully autonomous, as there are still several individuals haunched behind monitors maintaining visuals on necessary drive train readings and data and literally controlling the vehicles via sophisticated software.
"Our university teams have proven that they can advance autonomous technology by setting world records with high-speed laps and now on the biggest technology stage at CES 2022, they will take it to the next level with a head-to-head passing competition," says ENS President and CEO, Paul Mitchell.
The hype and anticipation are ever palpable, with the teams testing rides both on and off the track as military jets fly low overhead at the LVMS. It's almost surreal hearing the loud engines of advanced aircraft adjacent to the autonomous F1's system testings on the track. CES 2022 yet again reinforces the notion that the future is now, thus the IAC a picturesque moment in this presentation.
Watch the Indy Autonomous event live at IndyAChallenge on Twitch from 12-4 PM PST.
