The Indy Autonomous Challenge, the global innovator in high-speed autonomy, announced at CES®2024 the launch of its Next Gen Autonomous Vehicle Platform, the IAC AV-24. This cutting-edge platform represents a significant leap forward in autonomous hardware and software technology, propelling the performance of the world’s fastest autonomous racecars to new heights. The IAC AV-24 platform and related simulation tools will accelerate the development of AI Drivers capable of operating vehicles safely at speeds greater than 190 mph.
The IAC engineering team has collaborated with leading autonomous hardware and software providers to develop this state-of-the-art robotics system. Global industry partners, including Bridgestone, Cisco, Continental, dSPACE, Luminar, Marelli, New Eagle, NI, VectorNav, and more, have contributed their innovative hardware and software technology and engineering expertise to support the development of the IAC AV-24. This collaboration has resulted in new and enhanced features, including some world-first innovations, which will usher in a new era of high-speed automation:
- World’s First 360-Degree Long Range LiDAR Vision Using 4 Luminar Iris Sensors.
- Advanced 4D Radar Perception Using Continental ARS540 Sensors.
- High Fidelity “Digital Twin” Simulation of IAC AV-24 Allowing AI Driver Training and Head-to-Head SIM Racing powered by dSPACE SIMPHERA Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) simulation and, since 2022, provision of on-vehicle computer technology with the AUTERA AutoBox.
- IAC Custom Engineered Drive by Wire System Including a First-Of-Its-Kind Independent Actuation for Front and Rear Brakes (Patent Filed).
- World’s First Automated Race Control with Two-Way Wireless Communication and Realtime Software Interface powered by Marelli Smart Antenna and WinTax Systems.
- Custom Hardware in the Loop (HIL) Test Rig FromNI.
- Improved GPS/GNSS for Enhanced Localization with Sensors from VectorNav.
- Modular Design of IAC AV-24 Integrated Robotics System Allowing for Competent Interchangeability and Integration into Other High Speed Vehicle Platforms (Patent Filed).
Also Read : Ficosa and indie Semiconductor Partner on AI-based Automotive Camera Solutions for Enhanced Safety
After three years and more than 7,000 miles of high-speed racing, the IAC and its industry partners have evolved the robot inside the IAC AV-24 to become smarter and more capable, providing the world’s fastest autonomous racecar with increased functionality that will enable AI Drivers to reach new levels of performance. Moreover, the robot is now vehicle chassis agnostic, capable of operating in multiple vehicle platforms, further expanding its versatility.
“More than three years ago the IAC took on the challenge of proving that autonomous vehicles could race head-to-head at high speeds,” said Paul Mitchell, president, Indy Autonomous Challenge. “After setting every autonomous racing speed record with the AV-21, our University Teams AI Drivers have found the limits of that system. Our next generation robot, the IAC AV-24, will unleash the full potential of AI Drivers to push limits that have not been attempted by man or machine with the goal of developing technology that can save lives and offer new high-speed mobility options.”
Beyond the track, the IAC is launching a deeper collaboration with commercial partner dSPACE to develop a high-fidelity Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) simulation tool that improves AI Driver training and accelerates the transfer of learning from simulation to the real world. The IAC partnership with dSPACE will leverage its industry leading SIMPHERA software to create a true digital twin of the IAC AV-24 and the historic racetracks where IAC competes. Current IAC University Teams will have access to this simulation tool to develop, test, and validate their AI Driver capabilities in head-to-head racing scenarios before they transition them to real world IAC AV-24 racecars. New teams seeking to join IAC will be able to use the simulation tool to determine their AI Driver performance without the cost of accessing a real IAC AV-24 racecar. The Official IAC SIM Racing Platform, powered by dSPACE, will launch in the spring of 2024 with additional functionality added throughout the year.
“After experiencing the enthusiasm of the teams using our pioneering hardware technologies in the first year of our IAC partnership, we are now taking the next step by providing simulation software to elevate the teams’ AI Drivers to the next level on our virtual racetracks,” said Dr. Carsten Hoff, CEO, dSPACE.
Looking ahead, the IAC announced its current schedule for 2024, which includes a return to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 6, 2024. The IAC aims to establish a hub for performance automation in Indiana and is excited to expand its partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and SportsTech HQ to attract the brightest minds from around the world, building an innovation ecosystem for high-speed automation in the state of Indiana.
“The IAC returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway signals Indiana’s continued leadership in performance automation and our commitment to becoming a global destination for bold innovation,” said Salena Scardina, executive vice president of external engagement, IEDC. “Indiana powers a strong workforce and a collaborative ecosystem of industry partners that make our state the best place for future-focused industries like autonomous driving to thrive.”
SOURCE : BusinessWire