Indy Autonomous Challenge Vehicle Breaks Speed Record in Hill Climb Event

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed a groundbreaking achievement in autonomous vehicle technology. The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) AV-24 race car, developed by university teams, shattered the hill climb speed record for self-driving cars.

Autonomous racing milestone

The AV-24, a product of the collaborative effort between Politecnico di Milano, Michigan State University, and the University of Alabama under the PoliMOVE-MSU banner, achieved a top speed of 111.2 mph (179 kph) over the mile-long Goodwood Hill. 

This feat was accomplished in just 66.37 seconds on its third attempt, surpassing the previous record of 101.16 mph set by Roborace’s DevBot 2.0 in 2019. The Robot Report highlighted the AI’s exceptional performance, which allowed the vehicle to start from a standstill and rapidly accelerate to record-breaking speeds.

Technical innovations and preparations

In anticipation of the festival, IAC teams extensively prepared by mapping the route and refining their simulation models and AI algorithms. The track’s challenging conditions, characterized by tight spaces and bales of hay lining the path, required precise vehicle handling and optimized tire performance. Collaboration with Bridgestone at their European Technical Center and Proving Grounds in Rome was crucial to enhancing the AV-24’s grip and stability during the climb.

At last year’s Goodwood event, the IAC announced its ongoing commitment to innovation through the Future Lab exhibition. Notably, the Technical University of Munich’s contribution involved deploying its vehicle to create a digital twin of the hill, providing valuable data to aid this year’s competitors.

Continued progress and future events

The unveiling of the Dallara AV-24 at the CES 2024 marked another significant milestone in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the event showcased the prowess of the new AV-24 model and the traditional AV-21, featuring teams from 18 colleges. The race highlighted intense competition, particularly between TUM Autonomous Motorsport and the Cavalier Autonomous Racing team from UVA, who achieved speeds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h).

The IAC is set to return to its roots at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 6th, continuing to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology in racing. This series of events underscores the vital role of academic and technological collaboration in advancing the capabilities of self-driving vehicles on the global stage.

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