Schaeffler upfits race cars for Indy Autonomous Challenge

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Schaeffler’s patented “Space Drive” drive-by-wire technology will be taken out for a spin at the first high-speed autonomous vehicle race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The York County company also will be an official sponsor of the inaugural Indy Autonomous Challenge, in which universities will vie for $1.5 million in prize money during the Oct. 23 race. Schaeffler will provide all collegiate competitors at the race with the hardware, software and support for the electronic steering system.

Indianapolis-based Energy Systems Networks and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are coordinating the event.

Space Drive technology, originally developed by Paraban GmbH for disabled drivers, eliminates the need for a steering wheel in favor of electronic controls. The technology is the only autonomous drive-by-wire technology approved for use on public roads in several countries and 18 U.S. states, according to today’s news release.

"Developing autonomous driving technologies and pioneering new approaches to motion are part of our company's DNA," Roland Arnold, founder and owner of Paravan GmbH and CEO of Schaeffler Paravan Technologie GmbH & Co. KG, said in the release. "This dovetails perfectly with the Indy Autonomous Challenge's mission to inspire the next generation of STEM talent to 'imagine, invent and prove a new generation of automated vehicle software.' We are, therefore, excited to be a part of the Indy Autonomous Challenge."

Space Drive has also been used by five GT racing cars at the 2020 Gran Turismo and Touring Car Cup racing series in Germany — but with a driver behind the wheel, according to the release. One, a 58 Porsche Cayman GT4, finished second in its class and became the first car to compete without a mechanical link between its steering unit and steering gear at a 24-hour endurance test at Nürburgring.

The model for the race car used during the challenge will be unveiled at the virtual 2021 Consumer Electronics Show on Jan. 11-14, according to the release.