[01/08/2024] Edinburgh University Formula Student (EUFS) once again dominated the Formula Student UK (FSUK) competition at Silverstone, winning an impressive array of awards for the seventh consecutive year. This remarkable achievement was powered by the cutting-edge contributions of students from the School of Informatics, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence techniques, the EUFS team utilized vision models to detect the track around their autonomous vehicle, coupled with a neural network for accurate cone color identification. These AI algorithms, developed and refined by Informatics students, were deployed on edge computing devices, enabling real-time inference that proved vital during the competition. We’ve been able to apply skills from our Robotics and Parallel programming courses to perform exceptionally well. The Informatics Experiential Learning courses have been crucial, enabling students to commit substantial time and effort, which has led to meaningful contributions! Alexander Alderman Webb Informatics student and EUFS Treasurer The Informatics Experiential Learning courses provide students with the opportunity to dedicate 20 credits to a EUFS project during their second and third years; their hands-on approach has led to impactful innovations from students, showcasing the practical application of their academic skills in real-world scenarios. The team’s outstanding performance resulted in six major awards across various categories, including the FS-AI Simulation Development, FS-AI Skid Pad, FS-AI Sprint, FS-AI Trackdrive, the Babcock FS-AI Overall Dynamic Events, and the FS-AI Class Overall award. One of the most significant challenges the team faced was navigating the failures of both camera and lidar systems during the competition. Students specializing in Perception sub-team worked tirelessly to diagnose performance issues, particularly those caused by intense sun glare at the Silverstone racetrack. Despite setbacks during their initial attempts, the team’s resilience and technical acumen led to victories in their subsequent runs. The FSUK competition brings together students from over 100 universities worldwide to compete in various race car challenges. It is renowned for providing students with a platform to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios while developing essential skills in project management, finance, and business planning. We are incredibly proud of our Edinburgh University Formula Student team for their remarkable achievement at Silverstone. Their innovative use of AI for autonomous driving, from leveraging vision models to deploying real-time inference on edge computing devices, is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication. Winning six prizes and maintaining their title as the leading FS-AI team for the seventh consecutive year showcases the exceptional talent and commitment within the team. Congratulations to everyone involved. Professor Helen Hastie Head of the School of Informatics With another victory at Silverstone, EUFS has solidified its reputation as a leader in the FS-AI category. In collaboration across a range of disciplines from engineering to business, the team's success is a testament to the innovative spirit and technical prowess of Informatics students, whose contributions are shaping the future of AI-driven automotive technology. Related links Link to Edinburgh University Formula Student website Link to Edinburgh Evening News article Link to School of Engineering article This article was published on 2024-08-20
