Three-way partnership to accelerate machine learning

High-performance machine learning algorithms, from race cars to future mobility, is on the cards thanks to a new partnership.

Roborace is collaborating with Data:Lab Munich and Italdesign on a machine learning research and development project, centred on fast and innovative implementation of these algorithms.

The partnership will utilise Roborace’s all-electric DevBot 2.0 vehicles, which can be driven by a human or aritificial intelligence. Roborace’s Automotive Driving System (ADS) software will be in the projects.

“It’s incredibly exciting to announce this collaborative project with two leading automotive research and design groups. It’s a perfect example of Roborace’s ‘Research to Road’ philosophy for the future of motorsport,” Roborace’s chief strategy officer Bryn
Balcombe says.

“Cutting edge research requires experimentation to into the unknown or unexplored. Roborace’s closed course challenges push these limits, help uncover new approaches in artificial intelligence and robotics which will ultimately create safer roads.”

Data:Lab Munich engineering and production technologies team lead Marc Hilbert says Roborace vehicles provide Data:Lab Munich with a dynamic and challenging environment for machine learning development.

“The unique combination of machine learning and racing inspires us and allows us to rapidly test radical ideas,” Hilbert says.

Italdesign head of electrics/electronics Ralph Schuenemann says this is a unique chance to develop, test and show their machine learning capabilities by using the high dynamic base
Roborace is providing.

The projects began late May 2019, and Roborace is also embarking on its first competitive season with multiple teams taking to the track in Season Alpha, which saw the first wheel-to-wheel racing by AVs at its first race in Monteblanco, Spain.