Today the developers of the popular racing simulator iRacing and Microsoft Research announced a partnership focusing on AI.
The partnership focuses on the research to advance the development of “AI foundation models capable of performing complex tasks in physical and virtual environments.”
Specifically, the AI models mentioned are Large Action Models (LAMs), which can serve as the foundation of advanced functionality to be implemented in iRacing.
These features include “AI-based drivers, AI-based coaching, crew chiefs, and many other possibilities” applied directly to the iRacing simulator.
The data models created within the partnership have the goal of improving the iRacing driving experience with AI-based training, including “on-track feedback, quality in-game improvements, and new ways of improving their performance and having fun on the virtual track.”
The press release included a comment from iRacing president Tony Gardner, expressing the hope that the new technology will help iRacing users improve their experience, racecraft, and performance.
“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.
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.”
We also hear from Microsoft Research President Peter Lee.
“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.
It’s about AI that understands how skilled people act and interact, and collaborate and compete, with each other, in potentially extreme situations.”
The press release mentions that on top of world-class researchers, engineers, and scientists, the collaboration was initiated by Indycar driver and mechanical engineer Oriol Servia. He will serve as a collaborator and domain expert.
If you’re unfamiliar with iRacing, it’s a subscription-based online racing simulation platform on PC that originally debuted in 2008 and is considered by many one of the most realistic in the industry. It’s also used by many professional racing drivers to train on its LIDAR-scanned tracks that precisely reproduce their real counterparts.
Not only does it simulate real-world driving as closely as possible, but racing is strictly regulated closely mimicking real motorsports to create a racing environment that is as professional as possible.
iRacing is partnered with several real-world racing series and organizations including NASCAR, IMSA, the FIA, and many more, and it’s also one of the most respected and prestigious esports environments for racing simulation enthusiasts.
Microsoft has already used similar tech in its games in the past, including the Drivatars that have been pervasive in the Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon series.
