VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge

With the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge (VDI ADC), the young talent competition for autonomous driving model cars on a scale of 1:8, ambitious teams can once again demonstrate what potential lies in modified RC model cars in August 2023.

After last year's sensational success, the competition is now entering its third round. Young engineers have the opportunity to pioneer in the field of autonomous driving, experience unlimited driving fun and learn from the best!

A special highlight is next year's venue, which will be officially unveiled in the near future.
However, this much can already be revealed: You can expect a vibrant atmosphere in a unique setting.

Are you ready for the next challenge in autonomous driving competitions?

Compete with other teams from all over Germany in challenging tasks, prove yourself before the eyes of a top-class jury of experts and establish valuable contacts with renowned representatives from industry and science as well as attractive sponsor companies at the following get together.

We are already looking forward to the next year's VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge. Stay tuned. 

The task of the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge is to built or to modify a model car of scale 1:8 to handle self-driving scenarios that are based on problems in real life as well as on racing events. In this challenge, model cars will autonomously run through a race track that features a pit stop allowing traffic-anlogue maneuvres like parking or taking higway exits.

At the interface between real motorsport, robotics and automation, the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge gives young engineers the opportunity to acquire scientific and technical skills in a competitive environment, to exchange professional knowledge and to gain new experience - and all this with a lot of team spirit and without any risk for occupants or spectators. Evaluated by an independent jury of experts from science and industry, they also strengthen their self-confidence in their individual creative power. 

Automation and electrification of vehicles represent a profound change in social life. For our society and the progress of sustainable technology, it is therefore fundamental to introduce young people to key topics such as these as early as possible, in order to give them the space to approach the technological challenges of the future in a playful way.  

The VDI Association of German Engineers has set itself ambitious goals with the Autonomous Driving Challenge. It creates a platform for young people and students, through which social and professional skills can develop and technology is promoted. At the same time, students are given the opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people in an international environment and to make initial contacts with associated companies.  

Eligible for participation are teams of two to six members. We encourage you to participate from whatever faculty or country your team is from. Besides to  the costs of components and a security deposit of 100 €  for the event (that will be refunded after participation), the competition is free of charge. We don‘t necessary require having a supervising professor, but we encourage getting support from your respective institution.

The challenge is divided in two main cups. While the idea of the VDI Supercup is providing a nearly unconstrained environment for development, the concept of the VDI Cup is to compare mainly the programming while using a predefined platform that is equal for every team. Ready-to-use car kits are available for the Cup and Supercup, please contact us. Refer to the Technical and Sporting Regulations of the VDI ADC for more details.