Latest news with #IndyAutonomousChallenge
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Indy Autonomous Challenge to Join Grand Prix of Monterey Weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
MONTEREY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) will help jumpstart the Grand Prix of Monterey with an autonomous race held on the famed WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The race event will include a time trial competition of the world's fastest autonomous racecars piloted by AI driver software developed by university teams from North America, Europe, and Asia. 'Running an autonomous race as part of the Grand Prix of Monterey, on the same track and the same weekend as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES event, is a powerful testament to how far the IAC and our university teams have advanced the field of AI and autonomy,' said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and its parent company Aidoptation BV. 'Bringing this race and AI summit to the doorstep of Silicon Valley creates a high-impact moment to showcase the world's fastest racecars to industry leaders in AI and robotics.' This will be the second time IAC has raced on a road course; the first time was at the Monza F1 Circuit in 2023. The AI drivers will be pushed to new limits navigating one of the most technical circuits in the U.S., including the infamous Laguna Seca Corkscrew drop. 'Laguna Seca has a long history of supporting technology and innovation, and we are thrilled to welcome the world's fastest autonomous racecars to the Grand Prix of Monterey,' said Mel Harder, president & general manager, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. 'We are excited to host IAC and its global network of university and industry partners to explore piloting their SMART Track technologies and how they can enhance safety and fan engagement.' In addition to the autonomous race event, IAC will host an AI & Automation Summit on the grounds of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during the morning of July 24. This invitation-only summit will convene leading experts, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of AI and robotics, and their impact on the physical world, including autonomous mobility. The summit will include leading researchers from top engineering universities involved in IAC, global industry trailblazers drawing heavily from Silicon Valley, and government leaders from the US (state and federal), EU countries, Asia, and the Middle East. Eight IAC university teams will participate in the IAC race during the Grand Prix of Monterey weekend, including: AI Racing Tech - University of California, Berkeley (California), with University of Hawai'i (Hawai'i), University of California, San Diego (California), Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) Autonomous Tiger Racing - Auburn University (Alabama) CAST Racer - California Institute of Technology (California) Cavalier Autonomous Racing - University of Virginia (Virginia) IU Luddy - Indiana University (Indiana) KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea) PoliMOVE-MSU - Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Michigan State University (Michigan), University of Alabama (Alabama) Purdue AI Racing - Purdue University (Indiana) The two IAC university teams not joining at Laguna Seca will instead run an exhibition race at the Monza F1 circuit during the Milan Monza Motor Show (MIMO) from June 27-29, 2025, including: TUM Autonomous Motorsport - Technische Universität München (Germany) UNIMORE Racing - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) Companies, governments, universities, and non-profits interested in participating in the Indy Autonomous Challenge event at Laguna Seca can contact info@ Indy Autonomous Challenge Media Contact: Allison Fried - IAC@ About Indy Autonomous Challenge Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) is dedicated to advancing autonomous technologies through high-speed racing. IAC engineers and constructs the IAC AV-24 racecar and organizes competitions among 10 university-affiliated teams from around the world, challenging them to program AI drivers to pilot the fully autonomous racecars. IAC aims to create a platform for the development and real-world validation of physical AI systems, driving innovation in the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2019, IAC has been based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. In February 2025, IAC established a commercial spin-out company, Aidoptation BV, headquartered at Droneport in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Aidoptation seeks to transition the learnings and technology of IAC's autonomous racing program to advance safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways. Follow IAC on social media for updates and highlights: X: @IndyAChallenge LinkedIn: IndyAutonomousChallenge Instagram: @IndyAChallenge Facebook: @IndyAChallenge YouTube: @IndyAutonomousChallenge About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501c(3) non-profit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The raceway features challenging turns and elevation changes including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maserati MC20 Sets Autonomous Speed Record at 198 MPH
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A modified Maserati MC20 has become the world's fastest autonomous car, reaching a top speed of 197.7 mph on the Kennedy Space Center's 2.8-mile runway. The record-breaking feat was achieved by the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano. This accomplishment surpasses the previous autonomous speed record of 192.8 mph, set by an AV-21 race car. The MC20 was piloted by artificial intelligence software developed by PoliMOVE-MSU, part of the university's AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) initiative. 'These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology,' said Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. 'We are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a street car is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways.' The MC20's success highlights the potential for AI-driven high-performance vehicles. Unlike previous records set by race cars, the Maserati is a road-going supercar, demonstrating that autonomous technology can be adapted for consumer vehicles. Following the record-setting run, a Maserati MC20 Cielo, the convertible version of the supercar, participated in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. The same model was also featured in the 2023 1000 Miglia race in Italy, where it covered 60 kilometers in autonomous mode. Maserati's foray into autonomous technology aligns with the broader push toward AI-driven mobility. While the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport holds the human-driven top speed record of 304.7 mph, and the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut aims for 330 mph, the MC20's autonomous achievement signals a new frontier in self-driving capabilities. As AI continues to evolve, experts anticipate further breakthroughs in speed and safety, bridging the gap between human and machine-driven performance. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maserati's AI-driven supercar shatters speed records
On top of making some sexy cars, Maserati is now dabbling in world records, as well. Their MC20 supercar just became the world's fastest autonomous vehicle, reaching a top speed of 197.7 mph without a human at the helm. The previous record of 192.8 mph was set by the Indy Autonomous Challenge and PoliMOVE, a team from the performance division of Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous of Politecnico di Milano, at the same location in April 2022 with an IAC AV-21 racecar. That same PoliMOVE team developed the AI driver software that piloted Maserati's record-breaking supercar. For reference, the Maserati MC20 sports a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 621 horsepower and has a top speed of 202 run was done in collaboration with the Indy Autonomous Challenge, the Italian university Politecnico di Milano, as well as the newly established 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. The four partners took the MC20 to the fabled Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a 2.8-mile-long runway that is an absolute godsend for any top speed runs. 'These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways', said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV. After the autonomous high-speed run, a Maserati MC20 Cielo went on to participate in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. This same MC20 Cielo was part of the Italian 1000 Miglia in 2023 where it drove approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) in autonomous may seem strange to test how fast a robot can drive a car, but as it turns out, there is a lot of thought behind the process. The goal of high-speed tests is to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions. These AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds in the Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021," said Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, the Scientific Director of the project and Director of the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at the Politecnico di Milano. "The AIDA team used this test to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, improving safety and reliability. Conducted in controlled environments without a human driver, the test assesses the AI's stability, robustness, and reaction time, ultimately enhancing safety for low-speed urban mobility situations.'The frequent developments in self-driving technology are nothing short of astonishing. Perhaps, at this rate, full self-driving will actually become what its name claims to be. That said, we really hope the autonomous driving trend doesn't fully extend to supercars. While we understand that using them as test beds to prove what your technology is capable of makes sense, part of the reason for owning a supercar is the joy of driving it. We imagine Maserati knows all about that, though. View the 17 images of this gallery on the original article Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maserati Sets Self-Driving Car World Speed Record in AI-Driven MC20
Maserati's MC20 supercar racked up a fair bit of acclaim when it launched back in 2021, but now, it's entered the record books for an unexpected reason: the MC20 has become the world's fastest autonomous vehicle. Piloted solely by artificial intelligence driver software, the car hit a top speed of 197.7 mph — 4.9 mph faster than any self-driving car has ever gone before. The record-breaking feat was done at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, a.k.a. the LLF, located at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At 2.8 miles in length, the LLF has one of the longest runways in the world, which makes it the perfect place to test top speed runs. (Just ask John Hennessey.) Hence why the Indy Autonomous Challenge, or IAC, chose the LLF for the site of this top speed challenge, which was a collaboration with Italian university Politecnico di Milano, Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. 'These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge," Paul Mitchell, CEO of IAC, said in a statement. "Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways." The Maserati MC20 Coupe is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 621 horsepower. According to the carmaker, the top speed of the car with a human driver on board is 202 mph. The fact that an AI-powered robo-driver got so close to the top speed of the MC20 Coupe is a rather staggering achievement. A Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible was also on hand, joining in the convoy of cars taking part in the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida rally. This particular example was otablen because it's the same car drove in the 2023 edition of the historical 1000 Miglia race in Italy, where it traveled approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) in autonomous mode. Autonomous driving on a flat, straight, empty runway is one thing; navigating public roads is something else entirely. Either way, that technology seems to be getting closer to production every single day. That said, the thrill of a Maserati comes from actually driving it, right? You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maserati MC20 Goes Almost 200 MPH With No Driver
A student team from Italy set an autonomous speed record in Florida. They used a Maserati MC20 to go 197.7 mph without a driver. Another MC20 then drove on public roads. A fully autonomous Maserati MC20—i.e. one without a driver or even a remote operator—just went 197.7 mph on a 2.8-mile-long landing strip in Florida once used by the space shuttle. The record was set by the Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous (AIDA) team of the Politecnico di Milano from Italy (which explains the Maserati). The actual run was part of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, a recreation of the famous race across Italy, a version of which was held for the first time in Florida last week. The 1000 Miglia stopped at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral as part of its tour across the Sunshine State. The 197.7-mph run surpassed the previously held record for an autonomous car of 192.8 mph, set by Indy Autonomous Challenge and PoliMOVE at the same location in April 2022 with another driverless car, an open-wheeled IAC AV-21 racecar of the kind seen in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. 'The achievement represents a huge leap forward in high-speed autonomous driving development and showcases how the learnings of high-speed autonomous racing can transfer to street cars,' organizers said. It wasn't just about the speed record, though. 'These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge,' said Paul Mitchell, CEO of the Indy Autonomous Challenge and AIdoptation BV. 'Doing so with a street car is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways.' Perhaps even more impressive, once the autonomous MC20 coupe set the speed record, an autonomous MC20 Cielo (the convertible version) then joined the 1000 Miglia Florida cars for part of their jaunt across the state. An earlier such autonomous outing by the car completed 37 miles in the 1000 Miglia in Italy. 'The 1000 Miglia has never been just a race; it is a journey through history, a symbol of innovation, and a tribute to Italian automotive excellence,' said Massimo Cicatiello, president of EGAUSA, the organizer of the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida. 'Seeing a Maserati MC20—an icon of Italian design and performance—pushing the limits with artificial intelligence is proof that tradition and future can coexist. This first edition in Florida marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 1000 Miglia, bridging the gap between heritage and the frontiers of innovation.' Now, if they can just get my 1961 Lancia Appia to start, I'll really be impressed. Do you think AI is going to be driving cars in five years? Please comment below.
