Chongqing- The bustling Chongqing Liangjiang New Area came alive on August 18 with futuristic autonomous vehicles racing each other on a short 1.2-kilometer track on the scenic banks of Mingyue Lake.
As a part of the 2023 IVISTA Intelligent Connected Vehicle Challenge, a sub-event of the upcoming Smart China Expo (SCE), these autonomous vehicles showcased their prowess in tackling over ten simulated real-world scenarios.
2023 IVISTA Functional Autonomous Vehicle Challenge. (Photo/ China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.)
These autonomous vehicles, often perceived as a peek into the future of urban transport, demonstrated impressive capabilities in perception, decision-making, positioning, and autonomous driving.
The year's challenge was not just another race but a demonstration of how these vehicles can enhance efficiency in everyday scenarios. For instance, simulating courier deliveries in residential and factory areas underscored their potential role in our future smart cities.
The event's organizer, Intelligent Connected Technology of China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd., upped the ante this year, allowing the vehicles to be put to the test and navigate scenarios involving human-vehicle interactions, pedestrian crossings and parking challenges, making the competition more intense than ever.
A functional autonomous vehicle in the 2023 IVISTA Functional Autonomous Vehicle Challenge race. (Photo/ China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.)
Applying classroom learning to real-world challenges
Held over the course of a day, the challenge saw dozens of teams from esteemed institutions such as Chongqing University of Technology, Xihua University, and Guangzhou Huaxia Technical College, among others, pushing the limits of their vehicles.
One of the contenders, the Xihua-Minde team, has been fighting for three consecutive years in the IVISTA Challenge. "Despite the increased complexity this year, our team's rigorous preparation and training give us confidence," said Hu Xiaodong, a member of the Xihua-Minde team.
Educational institutions have been placing increased emphasis on automobile intelligent network technology, evidenced by the introduction of specialized courses such as intelligent connected vehicle technology, wire control chassis technology, and sensor technology. The IVISTA Challenge serves as a practical platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge.
For instance, Chongqing Vocational College of Transportation fielded two teams equipped with cutting-edge industry equipment. A student from the college highlighted the significance of such hands-on experience, "This competition offers a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges."
Observers noted remarkable progress in autonomous vehicles, from their efficient traffic signal response to improved pedestrian recognition and navigation capabilities.
This annual event highlights technological advancements and ignites hope and excitement for a future seamlessly integrated with intelligent vehicles.