TOYOTA

Toyota and Stanford University develop first autonomous cars capable of performing the drifting technique

After seven years of research, Toyota and Stanford University have revealed their first autonomous tandem drift cars. In addition to impressing the public, the technology, applied to two GR Supra models, also helps simulate the challenges of driving on slippery surfaces, allowing for the testing of dynamic scenarios.

Toyota and Stanford University have revealed their first autonomous tandem drift cars;

Drifting involves sliding cars around curves, skidding with the rear of the vehicle and controlling the steering wheel to position the front wheels in an opposite direction;

In tandem mode, cars positioned in single file (one behind the other) must perform the best lap without any type of contact between them;

Applied to two GR Supra models, the new technology simulates real conditions in which vehicles must respond quickly to obstacles, with the aim of “making driving safer”;

The algorithms for the leading car were developed by the Toyota Research Institute, and those for the second car were created by the Stanford team.

Drifting is a technique that involves sliding cars around curves, skidding the rear of the vehicle and controlling the steering wheel to position the front wheels in the opposite direction. In drift competitions, drivers are judged on their speed, direction, and the amount of smoke produced during the drift. In tandem driving, cars – positioned one behind the other – must complete the best lap without any contact between them. In a statement, Toyota explains that the configuration simulates real conditions in which autonomous cars must “respond quickly to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists,” potentially revolutionizing the safety and adaptability of autonomous driving. 

It is worth remembering that, in 2015, Stanford University had already presented a fully functional autonomous drift car, converting a DeLorean to an electric powertrain. Tests with the new autonomous cars were carried out at Thunderhill Raceway Park, located in California, USA. The algorithms for the leading car were developed by the Toyota Research Institute, and those for the second car were created by the Stanford team. “Our researchers came together with one goal in mind: to make driving safer. When your car starts to skid or slide, you rely solely on your driving skills to avoid a crash. This new technology can step in precisely in time to protect a driver and manage a loss of control, just as an expert drifter would,” said Avinash Balachandran, Toyota Research Institute.

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