The Technical University of Munich (TUM) took the chequered flag at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
One reason for my skepticism is that thealgorithmsdidnt prove they could compete with IndyCar drivers.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Racing side-by-side against other vehicles would have been a far tougher test.
The algorithms were also prone to errors.
The EuroRacing team was pipped to the title due to a coding mistake,AFP reports.
The PoliMOVE team also missed a chance to win when their GPS trackers shut down on the circuit.
These technical barriers, however, could soon be overcome.
A bigger challenge will be attracting viewers.
The IAC contest made for a strangely soulless spectacle.
Algorithms could push racing cars to new limits, but theyll have a harder time capturing the publics imagination.
In Formula 1, the heated rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen has inflamed the passions of fans.
Their polarizing personalities and unpredictable behavior have incited compelling clashes both on the track and off.
A competition between computers isnt likely to have the same emotional appeal.
A bigger benefit of autonomous racing could be marketing.
Some of the crashes at the IAC, however, could have had the opposite effect.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
