Toyota and Stanford University have achieved a significant milestone in the field of autonomous driving. By working together and utilizing artificial intelligence, they successfully made two cars autonomously drift around a track simultaneously. This accomplishment not only showcases their expertise in autonomous drifting technology but also holds promise for the development of safer electronic driving aids in the future.
While both Toyota and Stanford have previously explored autonomous drifting, the challenge of having two cars drift together had never been attempted before. The difficulty lies in maintaining a close proximity without causing any damage. Toyota and Stanford overcame this hurdle by employing artificial intelligence that learns and adapts to the intricacies of drifting lap after lap. This technology can also adjust to changing track conditions, making it highly versatile.
The real-world testing took place at the Thunderhill Raceway Park in California. Each car played a distinct role, with one serving as the lead car and the other as the chase car. To ensure optimal performance, Toyota enlisted the help of renowned tuner GReddy to modify each car’s engine, transmission, suspension system, and safety features. Additionally, both prototypes were equipped with a roll cage and built to the specifications used in Formula Drift competitions.
An array of onboard sensors and computers controlled vital aspects such as steering, throttle, and brakes during the drifting maneuver. The two cars communicated with each other through a dedicated Wi-Fi network, sharing information such as their current positions and planned trajectories. This synchronized communication contributed to their successful coordination on the track.
It’s important to note that Toyota and Stanford have no intention of launching an autonomous drifting series. Instead, they plan to apply the knowledge gained from this project to develop safer driving aids in the future. Chris Gerdes, a professor of mechanical engineering and co-director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford, highlighted the connection between drifting physics and driving on snow or ice. Insights from this autonomous drifting project have already led to new techniques for safely controlling automated vehicles in wintry conditions.
In conclusion, Toyota and Stanford’s achievement in autonomously drifting two cars simultaneously represents a significant step forward in the advancement of autonomous driving technology. Their collaboration demonstrates the potential for enhancing vehicle safety through the application of artificial intelligence and innovative techniques. By leveraging the knowledge gained from this project, they aim to create safer driving aids that can adapt to various road and weather conditions, furthering the progress of autonomous driving as a whole.
