ROAR GO

Berkeley ROAR’s go-kart racing program, ROAR GO, introduces college students to autonomous systems. Student teams design operating systems and build self-driving electric go-karts, which compete in the nationwide Autonomous Karting Series (AKS).

In May 2024, the Berkeley ROAR GO team competed in the national AKS race for the first time, walking away with second place against other teams with far more experience. ROAR GO also received a special award for Most Stable Platform design.

But the thrill of the race is only a part of what’s at stake. As autonomous driving is being hotly pursued in vehicle manufacturing, tech, and transportation industries, AI racing has created a fantastic platform for college students to get hands-on practice and understanding of the deep challenges and critical safety issues.

Students working on safety and assurance for autonomous systems today could help inform future technology, from autonomous vehicle platooning to space travel.