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The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 6, 2024, for its seventh edition, showcasing high-speed autonomous racing and groundbreaking AI technologies. The competition witnessed world record speeds, with PoliMOVE-MSU and Cavalier Autonomous Racing leading the pack with their remarkable performances. These advancements in autonomous vehicle technology demonstrated the future of AI in the automotive industry, particularly highlighting safety and control at high speeds.
Key Highlights:
- PoliMOVE-MSU (Politecnico di Milano, Michigan State University) won the passing competition, setting a new record for the fastest autonomous overtake at 180 mph (290 kph).
- Cavalier Autonomous Racing (University of Virginia) claimed victory in the time trials, reaching a top speed of 184 mph (296 kph), setting a new world record.
- Both teams displayed cutting-edge AI software that enabled these autonomous racecars to perform at record-breaking speeds while maintaining control and safety.
- UNIMORE Racing (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) and PoliMOVE-MSU raced neck and neck in the passing competition, with 19 overtakes at increasing speeds.
- The IAC AV-24, the fastest autonomous racecar, was used by all nine teams, showcasing significant advancements in high-speed autonomous mobility.
In a thrilling passing competition, PoliMOVE-MSU and UNIMORE Racing raced for 30 laps, completing 19 overtakes, ultimately culminating in PoliMOVE-MSU’s record-breaking overtake at 180 mph (290 kph). This feat demonstrated the precision, control, and safety of modern autonomous systems. Notably, UNIMORE Racing’s vehicle safely executed a stop from 145 mph using LiDAR-based localization after losing GPS connectivity—a powerful demonstration of safety protocols.
Cavalier Autonomous Racing’s time trial victory came with an average speed of 171.012 mph (273.619 kph) and a world-record top speed of 184 mph (296 kph), setting a new benchmark for U.S. teams in the competition.
Event Overview:
Nine teams from 13 universities across three continents participated, all competing with identical IAC AV-24 racecars. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of high-speed autonomous racing, equipped with advanced AI and hardware systems. The participating teams included:
- AI Racing Tech – University of California, Berkeley and collaborators
- Autonomous Tiger Racing – Auburn University
- Cavalier Autonomous Racing – University of Virginia
- KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- PoliMOVE-MSU – Politecnico di Milano and Michigan State University
- UNIMORE Racing – University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
- TUM Autonomous Motorsport – Technische Universität München
During the event, more than 1,500 students engaged in STEM exhibits aimed at inspiring the next generation of tech talent. The IAC also hosted an AI & Automation Summit, where experts from academia, industry, and government discussed the future of AI in physical spaces.
For more details on the IAC, visit www.IndyAutonomousChallenge.com.
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