AI-driven Maserati MC20 has set a world record at the Kennedy Space Center. The car was developed by the Politecnico di Milano and Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), and it reached a speed of 318 kmph without a human driver.
Breaking the Record
The record-breaking run took place at the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, a historic 15,000-foot runway once used for NASA space shuttle landings. The previous record of 310 kmph was set in April 2022 by the same research team using an IAC AV-21 racecar.
PoliMOVE-MSU, a division of the Politecnico di Milano’s Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous (AIDA) program, developed the AI software that set the record. The Maserati MC20 was modified for autonomous operation, allowing it to navigate high speeds without human intervention.
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Advancing Autonomous Technology
Researchers say this achievement is more than just a speed milestone. High-speed tests like these help improve autonomous driving technology, making AI-driven vehicles safer and more reliable for everyday use.
“These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways”, said Paul Mitchell, CEO of Indy Autonomous Challenge and Aidoptation BV.
Conclusion
In November 2024, the same AI system using the Maserati MC20 set the record for Italy's fastest autonomous production car at 285 kmph. The collaboration between IAC, Politecnico di Milano, and Maserati promises advancements in autonomous driving. The researchers believe their work could lead to safer and more efficient self-driving cars.
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