Toyota’s Recent Milestone: Autonomous Drifting Cars Achieve Breakthrough Using AI
In a groundbreaking achievement, Toyota, in collaboration with Stanford University, recently managed to successfully maneuver two cars autonomously drifting around a track simultaneously using artificial intelligence. This milestone not only demonstrates the capability of AI in autonomous driving but also opens up possibilities for designing advanced electronic driving aids in the future.
### Unprecedented Collaboration: Toyota and Stanford’s Experience in Autonomous Drifting Technology
Both Toyota and Stanford have a rich history in autonomous drifting technology. Toyota developed a Supra-based prototype in 2021, while Stanford taught a DeLorean DMC-12 how to drift in 2019. Sending out two autonomous cars simultaneously has never been attempted before, and this feat posed considerable challenges. Precision control and coordination were crucial to keep the two cars drifting in sync without collision, requiring the AI system to continuously learn and adapt to drifting conditions.
### Real-world Testing at Thunderhill Raceway Park
To put the autonomous drifting technology to the test, Toyota conducted real-world trials at the Thunderhill Raceway Park in California. Each car had a specific role; one acted as the lead car while the other as the chase car. With assistance from renowned tuner GReddy, both cars underwent extensive modifications to their engine, transmission, suspension, and safety systems, with the addition of a roll cage to enhance safety. The cars were built to meet the specifications of Formula Drift competitions, showcasing their high-performance capabilities.
### Advanced Technology: Sensors, Computers, and Dedicated Communication Network
Equipped with an array of sensors and onboard computers, the autonomous drifting cars can precisely control the steering, throttle, and brakes during the drift. Notably, the cars communicate with each other through a dedicated Wi-Fi network, sharing critical information such as their current position and intended trajectory. This seamless coordination is essential for achieving synchronized drifting and ensuring the safety of both vehicles.
### Future Implications: Enhancing Safety Measures through Autonomous Drifting
While the focus was on autonomous drifting, Toyota and Stanford aim to leverage the insights gained from this project to develop advanced driving aids that enhance safety on road surfaces prone to challenging conditions such as snow or ice. Chris Gerdes, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford, highlights that the lessons learned from autonomous drifting have paved the way for the development of new techniques for safely controlling automated vehicles in adverse weather conditions.
In conclusion, Toyota’s successful demonstration of autonomous drifting with two cars signals a significant breakthrough in AI-driven autonomous driving technology. The collaborative effort with Stanford has not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous vehicle control but also lays the foundation for future advancements in vehicle safety systems. By combining cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, Toyota and Stanford are pioneering innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the future of automotive technology.