The FIA announced in October last year an initiative to develop bespoke forward-facing AI cameras to be fitted to WRC cars, which would be able to scan stages for potential hazards and analyse the position of spectators to assist event officials.
It had been hoped the technology would come online for the start of the 2022 season but the FIA has elected to delay its introduction to ensure the system is refined.
The tool could prove to be a significant advancement for rally organisers in ensuring stages are held in the safest possible condition for both competitors and spectators.
The system has already undergone 12 months of development work, with the FIA keen to stress that it is continuing to work on bringing the initiative to the WRC once the technology is sufficient.
“The artificial intelligence camera, the project is still in development,” said FIA rally director Andrew Wheatley.
“It’s not achieved… it was supposed to be in place by now. It had a 12 month development process where the intention was it would be fitted in the car and we would be monitoring the information.
“That is not happening at the moment, we are behind schedule with that. The technology involved in getting the camera small enough that it doesn’t fill the screen is a challenge, there’s no question.
“We are working towards that,” he added, when asked when the system might be ready.
“I think it’s a significant challenge let’s put it that way. The prototype was good but the problem is identifying what is a human and identifying what is a post. What we definitely don’t want is stages stopped because there are things that look like people in the way.”
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photo by: Fabien Dufour / Hyundai Motorsport
Spectator safety is paramount for the FIA at WRC events with extensive processes in place for a number of years now.
Before any stage can begin, the FIA’s WRC safety delegate and former event…
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