The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) has introduced its STEM Program, managed by ASPIRE, the program management arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) of Abu Dhabi. Aiming to inspire future engineers and scientists, the program invites students aged 16 to 21 from the UAE to compete in teams to program autonomous scale race cars. Supported by YAS In Schools and Autonoma Labs, the initiative aims to foster project-based STEM learning.
A2RL is a new race series featuring autonomous race cars from eight teams spanning North America, Europe, the UAE and Asia. In conjunction with this, the A2RL STEM Program will see 173 students take part in their own challenges and races, including teams from high schools, universities and robotic institutions, along with an international team from the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit, USA.
Throughout the program, teams will develop control systems for a one-eighth-scale, electric-powered, four-wheel-drive race car, capable of speeds up to 100km/h and 1.6g of acceleration. Nineteen workshops, featuring online lectures and practical exercises, will equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to build the systems.
Selected teams will compete in Abu Dhabi, undergoing qualification and race phases on April 27 at the A2RL Fan Zone within the Yas Marina Circuit. This event coincides with the main A2RL event, showcasing autonomous Super Formula race cars in high-speed challenges.
Stephane Timpano, CEO at ASPIRE, commented, “To meet the challenges of humanity’s future, we must inspire, nurture and invest in the next generation of STEM talent. We have been thrilled with the engagement and excitement of students in response to our A2RL STEM Program. It is an exhilarating and practical way to teach, learn and discover some of the fundamental technologies behind autonomous vehicles and the fast-paced world of motorsport.”
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