# 189. Stanford & Toyota Drift Cars With AI

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-08-27
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/stanford-drifts-cars-with-ai-RlVyF6x_

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss a collaboration between Stanford University and the Toyota Research Institute, where Professor Christian Gerits' team used AI to achieve autonomous tandem drifting in Toyota Supras. They explain that training neural networks on these extreme boundary cases—specifically the 'feel' of friction and inertia rather than rigid physics models—aims to make Level 3-5 autonomous vehicles safer in unpredictable, low-friction scenarios like icy roads. The hosts highlight the technical details, such as 50Hz route replanning and sensor instrumentation, while noting the technology's potential portability to standard consumer vehicles.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [4:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=279) Stanford and Toyota's Autonomous Drifting Project
- [6:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=419) The Physics of Drifting and AI 'Feel'
- [9:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=549) Tandem Drifting and Neural Network Training
- [12:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=739) Relevance to Autonomous Safety and Low-Friction Conditions
- [14:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=857) Vehicle Instrumentation and Portability
- [17:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-08-27-189-stanford-toyota-drift-cars-with-ai#t=1050) Conclusion and Industry Implications

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Stanford University (company)
- Toyota Research Institute (company)
- Toyota Supra (product)
- Tesla (company)
- Waymo (company)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Christian Gerits (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep. 22 | Cruise's Sr. VP of Engineering, Mo ElShenawy, on Developing Autonomous Vehicles](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-04-15-ep-22-cruises-sr-vp-of-engineering-mo-elshenawy-on-developing-autonomous-vehicle) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Episode 91: Robot navigation on land and in water - John Leonard](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-09-27-episode-91-robot-navigation-on-land-and-in-water-john-leonard) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 81: Vision for self-driving cars - Vassia Simaiaki](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-19-episode-81-vision-for-self-driving-cars-vassia-simaiaki) (Robot Talk)
- [Recalling Apollo 11 | What, Exactly, Is a Car? | AI Benchmarks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-07-19-recalling-apollo-11-what-exactly-is-a-car-ai-benchmarks) (EE Times Current)
- [AVs and the Blame Game | Indian IC Industry Ascendent | The Artistry of AI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-10-25-avs-and-the-blame-game-indian-ic-industry-ascendent-the-artistry-of-ai) (EE Times Current)

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