Indy Autonomous Challenge to use RTI software

The students are competing in the first-ever head-to-head, high-speed autonomous race on the world’s largest racing stage, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in October 2021.

For this challenge, university teams from around the world will use the RTI open software framework, Connext DDS, to design, simulate and run on specially modified Dallara IL-15 racecars on the track. RTI’s software framework allows applications to exchange data in real time, while providing non-stop availability and security.

Connext DDS is fully compatible with ROS2, AUTOSAR and other systems, enabling more rapid prototyping and development. With car speeds expected to top 200 mph, students and their advisors can feel confident knowing that Connext DDS provides safety that is certifiable to the highest ISO-26262 standard.

“One of the IAC’s primary goals is to solve ‘edge-case’ scenarios – situations that only occur at extreme operating parameters, such as avoiding unanticipated obstacles at high speeds while maintaining vehicular control,” said Matt Peak, Managing Director of Energy Systems Network, a primary organiser of the IAC. “Such a task would be impossible without real-time data transfer. RTI’s partnership gives our teams a strong foundation for racing.”

“This race is a formidable challenge, with a required lap speed that is faster than some winning professional racers over the last decade. It will require ingenuity and making the most of every microsecond in the control system,” added Neil Puthuff, Senior Software Integration Engineer and Project Leader at RTI.

“The students need a proven, maximum performance framework for their cars that can handle the extremes and integrate whatever software they create or select for victory – from initial prototypes and simulation, through field trials and on to race day. Great competition spawns great innovation, and we’re proud to be part of a challenge that will look to inspire the next-generation of mobility leaders - and move the industry forward.”

RTI joins an elite group of automotive and technology leaders including Ansys, Aptiv and Microsoft as official sponsors in the challenge. The IAC is supported by the RTI University Program, which enables university research and hands-on education. Universities around the world are using RTI technology to support their research in areas including robotics, autonomous vehicles, space exploration, connected healthcare and more.

About The Indy Autonomous Challenge

The Indy Autonomous Challenge, organised by Energy Systems Network (ESN) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is a $1.5 million prize competition among universities to program modified Dallara IL-15 racecars and compete in the world’s first autonomous head-to-head race around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 23, 2021.

 Racing at speeds of up to 200 mph, the primary goal of the Challenge is to advance technology that can speed the commercialisation of fully autonomous vehicles and deployments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These enhancements will lead to increased safety and performance in all modes of racing and commercial transportation. In addition, the competition is a platform for students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).