SOUTHFIELD— Lawrence Technological University has joined a global university team developing autonomous racecars capable of speeds approaching 200 miles per hour as part of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, one of the world’s premier competitions advancing artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicle technology.

The collaboration with Michigan State University and the PoliMOVE-MSU autonomous racing team places LTU researchers and students at the center of high-speed autonomy research connected to the NTT IndyCar Series. The partnership was developed over the past eight months through discussions led by Patrick Nelson, LTU’s dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Judson Herzer, director of Michigan State University Office of Mobility, who worked together to bring the institutions into the global racing initiative.

The partnership places LTU researchers and students inIndside a high-performance engineering environment where artificial intelligence, robotics, and next-generation mobility systems are developed and tested on the racetrack.

“This collaboration highlights Lawrence Tech’s strength in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence,” Nelson said. “Our faculty specialize in the software and algorithms behind autonomous vehicles, and this partnership allows our researchers and students to contribute to one of the most advanced autonomy projects in the world while gaining hands-on experience with the real challenges shaping the future of mobility.”

Where Artificial Intelligence Meets the Speedway

At the center of the collaboration is the Dallara AV-24 autonomous racecar, one of the most advanced driverless vehicles ever built.

The car is operated by a global research team that includes MSU, the internationally recognized PoliMOVE research group at Politecnico di Milano, and now LTU.

As part of the partnership, the LTU logo will appear on the racecar itself, placing the university on an international stage as the team competes in events connected to the NTT IndyCar Series.

The vehicle is based primarily in Indianapolis, where teams conduct testing sessions that push the limits of perception systems, artificial intelligence, and real-time vehicle control before race events take place at major motorsports venues.

LTU Researchers Developing the Intelligence Behind the Car

Lawrence Tech’s role goes far beyond brand visibility.

LTU faculty and students will work alongside MSU researchers and the international PoliMOVE team to develop and refine the algorithms that allow the autonomous racecar to interpret sensor data, predict motion, and make split-second driving decisions at extreme speeds.

CJ Chung, LTU professor of computer science and the founder of Robofest; Vijay John, LTU associate professor of computer science; and Eric Martinson, LTU department chair of math and computer science, will contribute to the development of the vehicle’s autonomy software, focusing on perception systems. All professors work in the LTU College of Arts and Sciences.

“Autonomous racing pushes artificial intelligence and robotics to their limits,” Chung said. “When a vehicle is traveling at racing speeds, every decision must be made instantly and flawlessly. The technologies developed in this environment will ultimately influence the safety and intelligence of everyday transportation.”

For students involved in the effort, the racetrack becomes a powerful extension of the classroom. Software and sensing systems developed in research labs must perform under real-world conditions where precision and reliability are essential.

“For our students, this is an extraordinary opportunity,” John said. “They are not just studying autonomous systems. They are building and testing them in one of the most demanding engineering environments imaginable.” John’s research  is specializing in multimodal sensor fusion, computer vision, and autonomous driving, which are essential technologies for the challenge.

A Global Laboratory for the Future of Transportation

The Indy Autonomous Challenge brings together leading universities from around the world to advance autonomous vehicle technology through high-speed racing competitions.

The innovations developed through the challenge extend far beyond motorsports. Researchers involved in the project are contributing to advances in autonomous vehicle safety, robotics and artificial intelligence, sensing and perception systems, and intelligent mobility infrastructure.

Through the collaboration, LTU students and researchers will participate in testing sessions, race events, and joint research initiatives with one of the world’s most advanced autonomous racing teams.

The partnership also supports outreach programs designed to inspire K-12 and university students to pursue careers in engineering, robotics, and mobility technology, helping build the next generation of talent in Michigan’s rapidly evolving transportation sector.

The Race Begins This Summer

The team’s first race of the season is expected this summer as part of the NTT IndyCar Series, with Nashville anticipated as one of the early host cities.

For LTU, the collaboration represents more than participation in a competition. It places LTU researchers and students on a global stage where the future of autonomous technology is being tested at full speed.

“Experiences like this are exactly what make Lawrence Tech distinctive,” Sobh said. “Our students are learning by doing, working alongside world-class researchers, and contributing to technologies that will shape the future of mobility.”

At the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and high-performance engineering, the racetrack becomes something more than a competition venue.

It becomes a laboratory for the future of transportation.

And now, LTU is helping build that future.

About the Indy Autonomous Challenge

The Indy Autonomous Challenge is a global university competition focused on advancing high-speed autonomous vehicle technology. Teams from leading universities develop software that enables fully autonomous racecars to navigate complex tracks at speeds exceeding 180 miles per hour. The competition is designed to accelerate breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced mobility systems that can ultimately improve safety and performance in real-world transportation. For more information, visit www.indyautonomouschallenge.com.

About Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States.