The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, is set to return to CES 2025 with groundbreaking advancements, including the debut of multicar racing and a closer look at the future of physical AI. Taking place on January 9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 2-4 PM PST, the IAC’s presence at CES promises to be a milestone in the evolution of autonomous technologies. The event will offer attendees a unique opportunity to witness how AI is transforming high-speed motorsports and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
A New Era of AI Racing: Multicar Showdown and Tiered Competitions
The IAC has already made waves in the autonomous racing world by introducing head-to-head competitions at CES in previous years. However, for CES 2025, the IAC is taking things to the next level with a thrilling multicar exhibition race. Teams will race 3-4 autonomous vehicles on the track simultaneously in a 20-lap format. This marks a significant leap in the development of high-speed autonomy, testing not only the performance of individual vehicles but also the ability of AI systems to manage complex multi-agent interactions in real-time.
The IAC race at CES 2025 will feature a progressive three-tiered structure, designed to challenge teams at every level and push the boundaries of their AI driver capabilities:
- Tier 1: Single-car time trials, where teams will demonstrate the stability and precision of their AI drivers at extreme high speeds.
- Tier 2: A two-car passing competition that tests strategic racing skills and AI adaptability in head-to-head racing situations.
- Tier 3: A multicar race where 3-4 racecars will compete in an open racing format, pushing the limits of AI’s ability to navigate complex multi-agent scenarios at high speeds.
This tiered approach ensures that teams, regardless of their experience level, can showcase their innovations and contribute to the rapidly evolving field of autonomous racing.
New Teams and Strategic Partnerships
In addition to the exciting race structure, the IAC welcomes two new university teams to the competition: Indiana University and the California Institute of Technology. These new additions bring the total number of IAC teams to ten, expanding the global talent pool and fostering diverse expertise in AI and robotics. This growth further accelerates the development of autonomous technologies and fuels the IAC’s mission to drive advancements in high-speed autonomy.
The IAC’s role in advancing AI goes beyond racing. The organization is collaborating with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as an official test and evaluation platform for improving AI training for autonomous systems. Through DARPA’s new program, Transfer Learning from Imprecise and Abstract Models to Autonomous Technologies (TIAMAT), the IAC is helping bridge the “simulation to real” gap in AI training, paving the way for more reliable autonomous systems in a variety of fields, from aviation to autonomous vehicles.
Paul Mitchell, President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, shared, “The Indy Autonomous Challenge is truly leading the charge in the physical AI revolution. By pushing the limits of autonomous technology on the racetrack, we’re not just developing AI that can drive racecars—we’re creating systems that can be applied to everything from aviation to autonomous vehicles and robotics.”
IAC at CES 2025: A Hub for Innovation
As a major player in the physical AI revolution, the IAC will be front and center at CES 2025, the world’s largest innovation event. The IAC will feature a prominent display in the West Hall lobby, showcasing the IAC-AV-24, the world’s fastest autonomous racecar. In addition to the race, the IAC will host several CES Conference Sessions focused on the future of AI in motorsport and beyond. These sessions will explore key themes such as the safe development of AI-driven mobility solutions, the transition from digital to physical AI, and the role of AI in the next generation of racing.
Notable sessions include:
- How to Build Physical AI for Mobility
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:30-11 AM PST
LVCC West Hall, Level 1, CES 2025 Mobility Stage
This session will delve into the development of AI solutions for mobility, exploring the challenges of testing, deploying, and ensuring safety in autonomous systems. - Physical AI: Moving from Bits to Atoms
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 4-4:40 PM PST
LVCC West Hall Lobby, CTA Main Stage
Experts will discuss the ongoing AI revolution in the digital world and the next steps toward accelerating its adoption in the physical world. - Indy Autonomous Challenge: Racing in the Cloud
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 5:30-6 PM PST
LVCC, West Hall, Amazon Theater #4000
This session will explore how the IAC leverages the dSPACE driving simulator on AWS to simulate and validate autonomous racecars for AI drivers.
These sessions will offer attendees valuable insights into the future of physical AI, its potential impact on mobility, and its role in advancing sustainability and quality of life.
Race Day and VIP Experience at CES
Race day at CES 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the IAC race taking place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 9, from 2-4 PM PST. The event will feature three exciting competitions: Time Trials, Passing Competition, and the Multicar Race Exhibition. Ample parking will be available at the venue, and attendees are encouraged to use rideshare services for added convenience.
Before the race begins, the official IAC Media Briefing will be held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media Center on January 9, 2025, at 1:15 PM. Media professionals will receive updates on the latest track innovations and have the opportunity to engage with IAC leadership and team leads during an open Q&A session.
Media Registration:
Media members interested in attending the IAC track events or the media briefing must register in advance. To learn more and sign up, please visit the IAC Media Registration page.
Media Contact & Resources:
For media inquiries, interview requests, or to schedule a media tour at the track and/or booth, please contact [email protected]. High-resolution images and additional IAC materials are available on the official IAC Media Page.
