Toyota Research Institute Brings Prius Challenge To Silicon Valley

Toyota Research Institute Brings Prius Challenge To Silicon Valley

The third annual Onramp event combines the technical challenges of data analysis, machine learning and simulation with the fun of competing at a major racetrack.

prius1216-prius-challenge-3Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has announced that Toyota is bringing the Prius Challenge to the Sonoma Raceway for the third iteration of its ongoing Onramp series, an innovation event designed to engage the startup and tech community. This year’s event, to be held on March 3, 2017, will be hosted by TRI and will feature a team competition where participants optimize their driving based on data and simulation from a connected Toyota Prius.

The Prius Challenge is a unique competition that originated at Toyota’s headquarters in Japan, where participants battle it out to see who can achieve the best fuel economy and efficiency rating on a Prius within a target time range. While Toyota employees and dealers have been able to participate in the challenge, this is the first time that members of the public will have the chance to compete. TRI is furthering the concept of Onramp to incorporate a technical challenge for participants that includes data crunching and simulation.

“TRI is excited to host the Prius Challenge and introduce a competition that will allow participants to use machine learning and sophisticated data analysis tools to test out their theories in the real world,” said Dr. ‎Gill Pratt, CEO at Toyota Research Institute Inc. “Silicon Valley and the Bay Area are a hotbed for automotive talent and innovation, and this event is the perfect opportunity for TRI to engage with the tech community and have some fun in the process.”

This is the third Onramp event sponsored by Toyota. Jason Wiener, winner of the Onramp 2015 Smart Mobility Challenge, will return for Onramp 2017 with his connected car startup, Hyperdrive, by developing an application that enables Prius Challenge contestants to track telemetry data and optimize their performance during the race. In addition, Open Source Robotics Corp. (OSRC), as part of a partnership with TRI, will provide a driving simulator that allows participants to strategize and practice driving through a virtual program.

“The Toyota Onramp series is a fantastic set of events aimed at driving collaboration between Toyota and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs,” said Wiener. “I hope we will see a great field of competitors out there on the racetrack on March 3 competing to bring home the Prius Cup.”

Toyota Onramp is an invitation-only event. For more information, including details on how to request an invitation or participate in the Prius Challenge, visit toyotaonramp.com.

You May Also Like

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

UniClutch and UniClutch Sport will be the first iterations of this system to launch in the U.S. UniClutch's dual core technology significantly boosts torque capacity without compromising drivability. Its one-of-a-kind, patented and adaptable design fits a multitude of vehicles, simplifies inventory management, expedites clutch replacement time, and lessens common installation problems. Compared to UniClutch, UniClutch Sport offers a further 15% more torque capacity and a sport-tuned pedal feel for more serious enthusiasts. These features create a clutch system with mass appeal for consumers and aftermarket businesses alike, as the industry grapples with a continuously challenging supply chain and the need to find labor efficiencies.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024 Inductees

Six honorees whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace will be recognized.

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

Advance Auto Parts Announces ‘National Battery Day’ Promo

DieHard battery giveaways and complimentary battery testing will be part of nationwide festivities held on Feb. 18.

FCS Introduces 18 New Numbers in February

The new release includes 4 shock absorbers and 14 suspension struts.

Other Posts

Toyota Prius Battery Codes P0A7F, P2011 and P0A80

A second generation Toyota Prius is at least 12 years old and batteries may need to be replaced. Here’s what the codes mean.

Key Programming

When it comes to key programming, there are different levels of security access depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

Tenneco Introduces Add-On Valve Technology 

The company says the RideRefine SDD valve brings new levels of versatility, tunability and comfort to passive damper performance.

AP Emissions Releases New Part Numbers for February

AP Emissions Technologies has released 12 new SKUs that cover six million VIO in the month of February.