A2RL szponzori felhívás HUMDA lab

The HUMDA Lab was invited to an autonomous formula car race

The team of HUMDA Lab, a research institute belonging to the Széchenyi István University Group, has been selected to be among the elite ten teams that will compete in the A2RL autonomous formula car competition. The race will be held at the legendary Abu Dhabi Yas Marina F1 circuit in the United Arab Emirates in April 2024.

All this is also thanks to the two-year research and development preparatory work, which was successfully completed recently by the HUMDA Lab Nonprofit Ltd., the project entitled "development of a framework for a sustainable national automotive and motor sport R&D programme, implementation of AI-based racing algorithm simulations and alternative powertrain experimental developments, building national research potential and brand image". The project was funded by the NRDI Fund managed by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office. 

The project consisted of three main parts, an artificial intelligence-based autonomous racing algorithm, a mild-hybrid alternative race car powertrain, and the building of a HiTech brand image and promoting innovation. HUMDA Lab has already demonstrated its AI-based work on the F1Tenth robotics platform. Here, autonomous algorithms running on 1:10 scale race cars are competing against each other. F1Tenth, held as an inset event at the ICRA'23 conference in London, featured two teams, with both vehicles finishing in the top 16 in a field of 40 cars. At the F1Tenth race at the IROS conference in Detroit, the two cars finished in 4th and 5th place. The results of the project have enabled the HUMDA Lab team to be invited to participate in the A2RL (Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League), an autonomous race between the world's top engineering universities, using real-size formula cars. 

For the mild-hybrid alternative race car powertrain, the goal was to create a package of innovative engineering solutions that fit into the vehicle's original engine bay and interior design, with as few component changes or modifications as possible, while delivering the highest possible performance in use. This solution can also help to kick-start the green transition in the lower-budget, so-called customer racing series without major vehicle modifications, thus offering an approach-shaping solution for a wider society, using Hungarian engineering results. The system draws power from the internal combustion engine's crankshaft at points on the track where excess power is available, and feeds power to the same crankshaft when the driver needs it. During the project, HUMDA Lab developers worked with an industrial partner to carry out the detailed design phase, component and later system testing, vehicle integration and track testing, following specification. 

In addition to development tasks, the aim was also to promote careers in research and automotive engineering, to build the HiTech brand and to encourage innovation. During the project, the company contributed to several national and international conferences, engineering student events and competitions. In addition to its role as a professional organiser, it has also participated in scientific presentations, competition assignments and judging. This included the HUMDA Startup Programme, in which two startups were awarded by the HUMDA Lab for their innovative ideas in the field of automotive and motorsport. The winning team was able to further develop their idea with a HUF 20 million capital investment from the programme's investment partner. 

HUMDA Lab is a member of the Széchenyi University Group, a research, development and innovation company. Our experts, in cooperation with international partners, are constantly researching and testing new technical solutions and new technologies, thus helping to promote the transfer of knowledge and the development of high-value added intellectual capital in Hungary, and to make Hungary and the region an attractive investment, start-up and test location for technology companies interested in the automotive and motorsport industries. HUMDA, a member of the Széchenyi University Group, is rethinking and strengthening Hungary's role in the era of transformational mobility. The Agency contributes to the development of the Hungarian transport culture and transport safety, and also performs economic development and sports diplomacy tasks in addition to promoting domestic engineering education and greener technologies. kommunikacio@humda.hu

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