Autonomous driving entered the Formula Student design competition as six driverless race cars hit the track at the tenth annual ZF Race Camp; they were entered into the Formula Student Driverless race category, which was new this season.

About 700 students met on 1 and 2 June at the Friedrichshafen trade fair ground, where 24 race teams from Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy were put through their paces in various race disciplines.

Of the 32 racing cars that were entered in the competition, half were entirely electric — including the six driverless ones.

Moreover, more than 60 ZF engineers and experts from various departments across Germany were on hand to advise the teams and share with them tips and tricks.

ZF’s Jürgen Holeksa said: “Advances within digitalisation and autonomous driving are creating ‘disruption’ in the global automotive industry.

“At ZF, we are actively shaping this change — not only through our wide-ranging product portfolio but also by actively supporting these new mobility solutions.

“To achieve success at the ZF Race Camp, students need technical and IT know-how and expertise, as well as organisational, project management and budgeting skills.”

Martin Frick, head of marketing at ZF, said: “This event is an ideal platform for us to initiate discussions with dedicated young people. Combining a solid engineering and IT education with a passion for the emotionally charged sport of driving racing cars is what makes this design competition so special.

“The new Formula Student Driverless race category presents the teams with entirely new challenges. While some of the electric racing cars may not have drivers, they are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence that will help them master the track.

“The international competition held in August at Hockenheimring will determine which team has best and most safely mastered this new and uncharted territory.”

ZF has been involved with Formula Student since 2002 and is currently sponsoring 39 university teams. In addition to sharing its expertise, ZF supports international young talent with high-tech racing products, financial assistance and team-building actions.