SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar 6, 2025- In a remarkable demonstration of technological prowess, the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) and Politecnico di Milano have once again shattered the boundaries of autonomous vehicle capabilities. In collaboration with Maserati and the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, this formidable team has established a new world record for autonomous driving speed.
At the historic Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at the Kennedy Space Center, a venue famed for its extensive 15,000ft runway previously used for NASA Space Shuttle landings, the teams reached a groundbreaking speed. The Maserati MC20 Coupe, equipped with advanced AI driver software developed by the PoliMOVE-MSU team—a specialized division under AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) of Politecnico di Milano—achieved an astonishing speed of 197.7mph (318km/h). This speed not only represents the pinnacle of current autonomous technology but also surpasses the previous record of 192.8mph, set by the IAC and PoliMOVE in April 2022.
Paul Mitchell, CEO of IAC and Aidoptation, emphasized the broader impact of these achievements, stating, "These world speed records are much more than just a showcase of future technology; we are pushing AI-driver software and robotics hardware to the absolute edge. Doing so with a streetcar is helping transition the learnings of autonomous racing to enable safe, secure, sustainable, high-speed autonomous mobility on highways."
The significance of these high-speed tests extends beyond breaking records. According to Professor Sergio Matteo Savaresi, the scientific director of the project and director of the Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano, "The goal of high-speed tests is to evaluate the behavior of robo-drivers in extreme conditions. These AI systems have been tested in production vehicles at legal road speeds in the Indy Autonomous Challenge races since 2021." He further elaborated on the importance of these tests in improving safety and reliability, stating, "Conducted in controlled environments without a human driver, the test assesses the AI’s stability, robustness, and reaction time, ultimately enhancing safety for low-speed urban mobility situations."
This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle development but also sets a new standard for the future of transportation technology. As autonomous systems continue to evolve, the insights gained from such high-speed tests will undoubtedly influence the safety, efficiency, and reliability of autonomous vehicles on our roads.
By setting new benchmarks in the realm of autonomous technology, the IAC and Politecnico di Milano demonstrate the incredible potential of AI to transform our transport systems. The implications of such advancements extend far into the future, promising a world where autonomous vehicles not only coexist with human-driven cars but significantly contribute to a safer, more efficient transportation landscape.