The racing division of sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding has teamed up with Accenture to explore ways IoT and AI can be used to test its world-renowned MotoGP racing bikes.
Ducati Corse claims this technology-based revamp of its testing processes could make those processes faster, cheaper and more effective.
Accenture Analytics, already an official digital partner to the Ducati team in the MotoGP World Championship, is using a bespoke analytics engine in its intelligent testing solution.
Read more: IoT improves racing experience for MotoGP fans
Improved results
The Accenture analytics engine is fed with data from around 100 IoT sensors attached to bikes and existing testing appliances. Engineers use the data they generate to get new perspectives, based on testing bikes in a range of conditions.
“There are 18 MotoGP tracks, and to make sure our bikes perform to their limit, we need to test as many configurations and scenarios as possible,” explained Luigi Dall’Igna, general manager at Ducati Corse.
He added that his testing engineers are already seeing improved lab results thanks to the new tool.
This uses integrated machine learning technologies, so that more configurations are always available as new data enters the system. This use of machine learning also means engineers can generate increasingly accurate predictions of performance.
They also have access to data visualisation tools, that enable them to interact with insights and tweak them based on built-in configurations.
“So far, we’ve seen excellent results in the lab with the Accenture solution. The ability to use existing and new testing data will help us choose the optimal configuration for our bikes,” said Dall’Igna.
“This innovative tool will make our testing a more intelligent process, helping us get the best performance from our bikes, whatever the weather or the track.”
Read more: Williams using IoT to develop perfect F1 pit stop
Fewer on-track testings
According to Accenture, this work will help provide more results from fewer on-track testing sessions. The testing team will then be able to save time, money and effort, and create smarter bikes. Engineers can also access past testing data and learn from previous mistakes.
Marco Vernocchi, lead of Accenture Analytics in the EALA region, which covers countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, said: “With this solution, Ducati Corse can operate an intelligent testing program to help deliver better race results.”
“We’ve been able to apply machine learning integrated with IoT sensor data, to help minimize the time, expense and effort of traditional on-track testing. Ultimately, we hope this innovative solution will help the Ducati Team stay ahead in every race they compete in.”
Read more: Formula E seeks to Basho Formula One off top spot with IoT
IoT will revolutionize transport
It’s not just on the racetrack that the impact of IoT is being felt. Klaus-Dieter Rennert, chief executive for the EMEA/CIS region at Hitachi, said that the Internet of Things has the potential to transform many aspects of transportation over the coming years.
“Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication provides huge opportunities to improve not just road safety and congestion, but passenger comfort.
“Collectively, this communication is known as V2X. V2X will allow vehicles to exploit real time data and connect to transport-related infrastructure, such as traffic lights and public transport timetables, making travel for city residents more seamless.”
Read more: Report: Smart cities demand smart transport systems