Autonomous racing league with real vehicles will be broadcast in VR
Abu Dhabi's A2RL autonomous racing league is set to become all-around futuristic. AI drivers control real Super Formula cars, broadcast in virtual reality.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, plans special races starting in the second quarter of 2024. In the "Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League" (A2RL), exclusively unmanned vehicles compete against each other on the Yas Marina Circuit.
The AI-controlled vehicles detect their surroundings with acceleration sensors, cameras, LiDAR sensors, and radar. The AI optimizes learned vehicle movements with human feedback. Spectators experience the races up close in virtual reality.
Autonomous racing league with VR broadcast
While racing legend Niki Lauda fought for many safety advances in Formula 1 in the 1970s, races between autonomous vehicles pose little risk to drivers or spectators.
Abu Dhabi's Aspire technology program hopes the events advance autonomous vehicle development. Japan Race Promotion provides the Dallara-built Super Formula cars - some of the fastest race cars in the world. Later, autonomous drone and dune buggy racing will follow as part of the A2RL.
How the VR broadcast takes shape remains unclear. The official website remains very vague on the implementation. "Live updates through virtual reality (VR) technologies and real-time on-screen displays," enhance the viewing experience, according to the site.
If you prefer racing in VR yourself, we recommend Gran Turismo 7 VR (preview) with the PS VR 2 (review).
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