In a groundbreaking collaboration with Stanford’s Dynamic Design Lab, Toyota has introduced a groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first self-drifting GR Supra. This project is not just about showcasing cutting-edge technology but aims to fundamentally change the landscape of road safety by fusing professional racing instincts with artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced vehicle automation.
The central question driving this initiative is ambitious: ‘What if every driver possessed the reflexes of a professional racer and the foresight of a supercomputer?’ This prompts an exploration into how racing instincts and automated driving can come together to enhance safety on the roads.
The self-drifting GR Supra is not merely a showcase of technological prowess; it serves as a testbed for developing sophisticated safety technology. Toyota envisions that the lessons learned from this project could be applied across the automotive industry. Gill Pratt, the CEO and chief scientist at Toyota Research Institute (TRI), emphasizes the project’s goal of learning from skilled drivers to develop control algorithms that amplify human driving abilities, ultimately keeping people safe.
Inspired by the driving styles of professional drifters, the self-drifting Supra combines machine-learning technology with algorithms derived from human drifters. Engineers, with the support of Toyota Racing Development and Stanford University, are working towards creating a new level of active safety technology capable of handling extreme driving situations.
The need for such innovations is underscored by the alarming statistics of car-related fatalities, with nearly 40,000 in the United States and 1.25 million worldwide each year. The self-drifting Supra aims to empower vehicles with the capability to handle emergencies beyond the ordinary driver’s abilities.
Trials at the Thunderhill Raceway have showcased the capabilities of the self-drifting Supra, offering a glimpse into the potential future of automotive safety. Toyota envisions incorporating the developed algorithms into active safety systems, creating a safety net for drivers during emergencies.
While the project is still in the experimental stage, Toyota’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries for safer and more enjoyable driving experiences marks a significant step towards a new era of automotive safety. The self-drifting Supra symbolizes the synergy between human intuition and AI, bringing us closer to a future with fewer road accidents and enhanced driving capabilities.
