Autonomous Race

[Rickertsen2]

How cool would it be to have an autonomous race car competition? This would be different than the grand challenge. I am talking about an auto cross style race that could take place in say a large parking lot. The track would be sensor friendly. Perhaps some sort of detailed track map could be provided immediately before the start of the race. Some sort of precise positioning system could be provided.

The first few seasons it would probably just be a competition to finish. Eventually it would become as much about algorithms as traditional race car engineering problems such as suspension and engine. It would be a complete constructor's challenge through and through. Unlike IGVC or the Grand Challenge, the emphasis would be on racing rather than obstacle navigation. I'm thinking something along the lines of an autonomous version of Formula SAE.

There would be of source safety concerns, but these could be dealt with through rigid E-stop, stopping distance constraints and track design.