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The race is on: Texas A&M joins Indy Autonomous Challenge

January 24, 2020 By Alyson Chapman

Engineering News
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Rendering of the test car for the Indy Autonomous Challenge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rendering of the test car for the Indy Autonomous Challenge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Image: Energy Systems Network

Ready, set, start your computers!

Texas A&M University engineers are looking to develop software for industry-standard computers and sensors for race cars at speeds of up to 200 mph. The prize is $1 million.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge is a competition among universities that enables self-driving Dallara IL-15 Indy Lights formula cars to compete head-to-head at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Texas A&M was a part of the team that developed the competition, and is one of 21 universities to enter the race so far.

The Texas A&M team, led by Dr. Ivan Damnjanovic, associate professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the director of engineering project management, is composed of faculty and graduate and undergraduate students.

Rendering of the test car for the driver-less Indy Autonomous Challenge
The Dallara-built race car, which will be driver-less and reach speeds of up to 200 mph | Image: Energy Systems Network
“The Indy Autonomous Challenge represents a unique opportunity for our faculty and students to get involved in what is arguably the most exciting racing competition in recent years,” he said. “This race brings a whole new set of challenges that need to get addressed. Having a car on a self-drive mode cruising on an interstate highway is one thing… now just imagine formulas racing autonomously at speeds close to 200 miles per hour.”

The contest involves a progressively difficult five-round sequence that provides teams with experience and resources in the runup to the final challenge — the race on Oct. 23, 2021, at the speedway's 20.5-mile oval.

“We are in the process of developing an interdisciplinary team that will be composed of students and faculty from multiple engineering departments and beyond.”

The competition is sponsored by IMS and Energy Systems Network.