Straight from science fiction: ‘robocar’ racer believed set to be unveiled on Hong Kong streets on Formula E bill
Unique opportunity in pipeline for motor racing fans and tech heads to witness driverless ‘sci-fi’ racing machine whirring around city street circuit as part of the HKT Hong Kong ePrix weekend
Humans? Who needs humans? Hong Kong is about to overtaken by robots.
Organisers of the HKT Hong Kong ePrix are thought to be planning to unveil the world’s first robot electric race car as part of their activities over the weekend of October 8-9.
While details of exactly what shape this promotion might take are yet to be officially announced – whether it be a race between a number of these vehicles, simply a showcase of this new technology, or something else – a “Devbot” prototype driverless car has undergone rigorous testing at the Donington Park race track in the United Kingdom over the past few weeks as the Formula E circuit prepares for its 2016-17 season and for its debut around the Central Harbourfront next month.
“[Devbot] successfully completed a lap under full computer control and we’re all incredibly excited to see how it progresses over the course of the season,” Formula E said.
Formula E organisers have long held plans to stage a driverless race – using what is known as a Robocar – as part of their global circuit but are keeping tight-lipped about how far into the future such a competition might be. Reports – and video – from the UK show they are on the right track, at least. Roborace, which developed Robocar and the Devbot, and Formula E are separate entities.