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Recently, iRacing and Microsoft announced that they have started collaborating on a project to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies that will improve AI-based learning models in order to try and create a better racing experience and further explore new possibilities using AI in a racing simulation.
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iRacing’s focus on providing unrivaled experiences to race fans and gamers involves continuous innovation at the frontiers of technology. As we’ve been actively pursuing new possibilities with AI, we’re launching a collaboration with Microsoft Research to explore this cutting-edge field. Together with Microsoft Research, our goal is to embark on a research-driven journey that will further the science and development of AI foundation models capable of performing complex tasks in physical and virtual environments.
The creation of these models, also referred to as Large Action Models (LAMs), can provide a foundation to power advanced functionality in the iRacing sim, including further improvements to AI-based drivers, AI-based coaching, crew chiefs, and many other possibilities. As Microsoft Research and iRacing intend to publish their findings, iRacing developers can learn from the leaders in this field and apply this knowledge directly to the iRacing product.
In focusing on LAMs, this collaboration will explore the creation of new data models that can improve the iRacing driving experience. The goal is to provide iRacing with models that developers can use to supplement the existing product with artificial intelligence-based training, giving iRacers on-track feedback, quality in-game improvements, and new ways of improving their performance and having fun on the virtual track.
We couldn’t be more excited to work with Microsoft on new AI-based learning models which hopefully will lead to iRacers having even a better experience, not to mention improving their racecraft and performance, said iRacing president Tony Gardner. Our goal is to leverage the realism and quality of our existing product, build upon our market-leading existing single player opponent AI, and learn from the collaboration with Microsoft Research to create new and improved features that will benefit all iRacers.
This collaboration with iRacing will help advance our scientific knowledge and ability to build AI systems that span and connect between the physical and virtual worlds, said Peter Lee, President, Microsoft Research. It’s about AI that understands how skilled people act and interact, and collaborate and compete, with each other, in potentially extreme situations.
In addition to the combined team of world-class researchers, engineers, and scientists involved in this AI development, longtime INDYCAR driver and mechanical engineer Oriol Servia, who initiated this collaboration, will serve as a collaborator and domain expert. Servia ran more than 200 races in his INDYCAR career, including 12 Indianapolis 500s, with a best finish of fourth in 2012.
Official Webpage – www.iRacing.com
