Speedy Autonomous Electric Cars Will Soon Compete in the ROBORACE Championship

Every team will have the same auto, with computing algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies forming the basis of the competition.

Called Roborace, the new series is a partnership between Formula E and Kinetik, an investment fund that’s been putting a lot of money into electric vehicle development.

The driverless challenge will be held as part of events of the FIA Formula E Championship, with the races to start during the 2016/17 season.

The current 10 round Formula E championship includes a race in Long Beach, California, with other venues including Beijing, Berlin, Moscow, Mexico City, Paris and London. “ROBORACE is a celebration of revolutionary technology and innovation that humanity has achieved in that area so far”, said Denis Sverdlov, Founder of Kinetik and ROBORACE.

One team will be a designated crowd-sourced entry.

When automakers began testing their autonomous cars I had this thought that maybe in a few years we won’t get to drive our cars anymore.

Ten teams will compete in the Roborace championship, each with two driverless cars.

Like the main Formula E cars, the Roborace cars will be electrically powered.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Kinetik on what is surely one of the most cutting-edge sporting events in history”, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said.

Organisers say it will provide a competitive platform for the electric autonomous driving solutions that are now being developed by many large industrial automotive and technology players, as well as top tech universities.

It will also be open to – but not compulsory for – Formula E’s existing teams, and is aimed primarily at those outfits with manufacturer links or a specific interest in the development of driverless technology.

It will be interesting to see how this goes, although the lack of human drivers will likely make the series a bit too boring to watch.

Even the support vehicles, including the driver’s parade trucks and tow trucks will be electric.