Since the automobile's earliest days, racing has been the catalyst for innovation in the industry. That's the goal of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)—to drive technological innovation through exciting racing action while having some fun in the process. Eight teams from around the world will gather at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi on April 27 for the inaugural race of the series. Aside from the glory and the advancement of technology, teams will compete for a $2.25-million cash prize. And we're all invited along for the ride.
A2RL is the brainchild of the ASPIRE group, the program management arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council. The group's mission is to seek solutions to difficult problems by mobilizing the world's brightest minds, bringing them together, and fostering development through friendly competition. In this instance, the problem is vehicle safety. How do we make passenger cars safer for occupants during collisions? The best answer is the obvious one: Avoid the collision.
