Driverless Cars to Race in Formula E Starting 2016

Ten teams with two cars each will be competing using AI technology and computer algorithms, the future is now.

Current E-Mahindra racing in Donington park 2015 test 1 by Shivraj Gohil. (Photo: Mahindra FIA Formula E)

Cars racing without drivers might sound science fiction, but it is set to be a reality soon.

According to the official Formula E website, it has partnered with Kinetik and will be launching a global race series for driverless electric cars. The championship series will be called Roborace and it will provide a competitive platform for autonomous driving technologies all around the world.

We passionately believe that, in the future, all of the world’s vehicles will be assisted by Artificial Intelligence and powered by electricity. ROBORACE is a celebration of revolutionary technology and innovation that humanity has achieved in that area so far

<b> Denis Sverdlov, Founder of Kinetik and Roborace</b>

The first race is planned to take place prior to each Formula E race during the 2016-17 season.

Roborace will have ten teams participating, with two driverless cars each, in one-hour races throughout the season. All the teams will have the same cars but will be competing using real-time computing algorithms and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

The idea behind this initiative is to demonstrate that the future of automotive and information technology is already here.

Further details and announcements about the teams and technologies to be used will be made early next year.