AutoKU: An Autonomous Driving System Design for the World’s First Mass-Produced Vehicle in Multi-Vehicle Racing Environment

The development of autonomous vehicles has been accelerating, marked by a variety of competitions that challenge teams with diverse missions. Recently, racing-based autonomous driving competitions have gained prominence. Notably, the 2023 Hyundai Motor Group Autonomous Driving Challenge (HMG ADC) stands out as a manufacturer-operated event with a racing concept. This competition was distinctive, featuring mass-produced vehicles on race track with multiple vehicles simultaneously. In this paper, we explore the AutoKU team’s participation in the HMG ADC, highlighting their system, which is designed for two types of driving: solo and multi-vehicle racing. We detail the use of an identical mass-produced Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicle equipped for autonomous driving without any performance modifications. The paper will discuss AutoKU’s approach and performance in solo and multi-vehicle races, showcasing their strategies and achievements in this innovative autonomous racing challenge. (Video: https://youtu.be/wLtmUkahnYA?si=AjqH6hYe10O94laq).