Aimed at teams developing autonomous vehicle technologies and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), these private test-track events, which will be held every three months, will provide a safe and secure venues to conduct research and development on a number of tracks in a variety of locations around Europe, starting in the UK at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in November.
Co-founder, Alex Lawrence-Berkeley said: “These track days are for innovators, inventors and researchers. Teams at commercial, academic or hobbyist level can explore autonomous vehicle technology in a safe, affordable and collaborative environment - and have access to specialist training that only experienced industry professionals can deliver.”
Automotive companies, students or start-ups can also form multi-partner teams at free networking meet-up events being hosted at Google Campus London and AutoWorld Brussels, both taking place in September.
Andrew Everett, chief strategy officer of The Transport Systems Catapult, that is developing the LUTZ Pathfinder driverless vehicle project in Milton Keynes, said: “The ‘Self Driving Track Days’ initiative is a great opportunity to develop the UK skills base in this rapidly advancing area.”
Research suggests the global market for Autonomous Vehicles and connected vehicle products will be worth over £52bn by 2025. Meanwhile the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle market has one of the highest predicted global growth rates amongst emerging transport technologies. The UK already has strong expertise in these areas, but skills gaps are already being highlighted that need to be filled as the technology matures.
Everett added: “Nurturing talent and encouraging new businesses and innovators to enter this space, through initiatives like Self Driving Track Days, will be vital if we are to capture a significant share of the market.”
Venues
- Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire, UK: 15-16 Nov 2016 - Includes 1.6km multi-lane motorway straight.
- Driving Centre Castellet, Provence, France: 21-22 Feb 2017 - Racing circuit with separate handling areas.
- Longcross Test Track, Surrey, UK: 10-11 May 2017 - Surfaced and unsurfaced test circuits.
- Zentrum Teesdorf, Austria: 28-29 July 2017 - Flagship event with four circuits, including a road-training centre, handling circuit, off-road area and others, plus multiple face-to-face training workshops, networking and more.
