GERMAN TUM VROOMS TO VICTORY AT ABU DHABI AUTONOMOUS RACING LEAGUE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM), has emerged victorious at ASPIRE’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), at Yas Marina Circuit on April 27.

As the cars lined up on the grid, with antennae, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and drive-by-wire systems instead of human drivers, eight teams vied with one another over two days of races and challenges.

According to a statement, TUM beat back the competition with its coding and engineering skills in a world-first, four-car race finale, to claim the winner’s share of US$2.25 million prize pot. (US$1=RM4.76)

In a last-lap shootout, the German outfit TUM snatched first place in a daring overtake when front-running Italian team UNIMORE slowed down and came to a stop on the track.

“The launch of A2RL has reshaped the landscape of sports and technology, leaving a lasting impact for years to come. Moving forward, we are broadening our focus to include different vehicle types, while actively attracting top talent worldwide to showcase their mettle,” said ASPIRE Chief Executive Officer, Stephane Timpano.

Bringing a science experiment to the racetrack, the inaugural race pushed the boundaries of autonomous technology while adding entertainment value to extreme sports at an unprecedented scale.

Organised by ASPIRE, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), A2RL drew over 10,000 spectators at the circuit and captured the attention of more than 600,000 online viewers in just 12 hours.

Following months of meticulous preparation spent refining driving AI algorithms in simulations, A2RL’s customised Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars tested the limits of human ingenuity and AI capability.

In addition, spectators were treated to a riveting AI versus Human Race, whereby former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat wowed crowds with narrow victory by 10.38 seconds against Technology Innovation Institute’s autonomous car in the spectacular 45-minute race.

-- BERNAMA