Developers from around the world are eagerly preparing for the re:Invent 2024 event, where the excitement and challenge of the physical race of AWS DeepRacer return to Las Vegas. This year, the event stands out for its transition from a fully virtual qualifying format to an in-person competition, facing participants with new and stimulating obstacles.
Since its inception, the AWS DeepRacer League has been a fascinating fusion of virtual simulation and physical racing. In this scenario, competitors train their models in a 3D simulated environment using virtual vehicles that lack many features present in their real versions, such as Ackerman steering or suspension. Although virtual cars can reach speeds between 0.5 and 4.0 meters per second, they do not face certain challenges inherent to the physical world like visual noise or blurry motion.
The most noticeable difference in the real competition is the use of the physical car, based on the WLToys A979 model. This vehicle is equipped with suitable tires and a differential, but also presents significant challenges due to its high center of gravity, which can cause cars to flip over when taking curves at high speeds. Participants must adapt their trained models to navigate these physical conditions and ensure good performance on the track.
This year, the event serves as an exceptional platform to explore various areas of improvement in model training. Competitors will evaluate the vehicle’s behavior on the track and consider possible structural modifications to optimize its performance. The AWS DeepRacer community is immersed in the search for creative solutions, such as customizing simulators to narrow the gap between simulation and reality, as well as modifying the car’s software to collect more data during the race.
The development of customized tracks plays an essential role in these preparations, allowing teams to test their trained models in environments that replicate the conditions of the event without the need for extensive spaces.
With their sights set on Las Vegas, participants continue to adjust and fine-tune their strategies, with the firm intention of exceeding any expectations during the grand final. As re:Invent approaches, developers are eager to showcase their innovations and face the challenges of the last race of the year. There is no doubt that re:Invent 2024 is shaping up to be a crucial event for the world of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving, promising to be an exciting and revealing spectacle.
via: MiMub in Spanish
