An engineering design project for undergraduates, FS-AI (Formula Student – Artificial Intelligence) challenges students to design and build an AI driver or AI vehicles and compete in timed trials at Silverstone race circuit. The prototype is currently on display to inspire future generations of automotive engineers as they arrive at the MTI building for training sessions and workshops.
IMechE developed this additional element to its original Formula Student static and dynamic categories in response to advice from the Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Formula Student Project Manager, Lucy Killington said, “Students are provided with a basic self-driving race car prototype and are challenged to develop the software and choose the control system that enables it to perform a series of missions. The entire project is completed within one academic year and universities from all over the world are welcome to take part. This new AI education programme supports our commitment to developing the talent pipeline of the CAV industry.”
As a dedicated resource for the automotive industry, the training is highly relevant and can be accessed by the full range and size of businesses within the sector including Tier 1 automotive businesses within the supply chain, and major international corporates.
Terry Spall, commercial director at the MIRA Technology Park, and Chief Judge of the Formula Student competition said, “It has been fantastic to see the prototype on show at the MTI. Formula Student has been successfully producing high-quality, industry ready engineering graduates for more than twenty years and over 40,000 competitors have passed through the competition.
“Each year we typically have around 130 university teams entering from all over the world. The students who work on this project become extremely capable, well-rounded and confident individuals who are highly employable. The new AI competition reflects the development of the automotive sector because it attracts students with much-needed software development skills.”
The next stop for the Formula Student AI prototype vehicle will be Coventry University, the second higher education institute to sign up for this year’s programme. The University will soon take delivery of its own new vehicle and equip its AI driver with a computing platform and sensors ready for this year’s competition.
