Two categories and 9 teams in the 2024 edition
Self Driving Challenge 2024: Two categories and 9 teams
The selection has been announced. In 2024, the RDW Self Driving Challenge (SDC) will see participation from 9 student teams, nearly double the number from the previous year. This edition of the challenge introduces a completely new format that incorporates realistic traffic scenarios, aligning with the RDW's current knowledge needs. In addition to the existing closed category, this edition introduces an open category, which allows participants to enter the challenge with their own vehicle.
The teams
Beginning in February, students from three universities and six universities of applied sciences will gear up for the sixth edition of the challenge. The SDC 2024 will welcome the following institutions at the starting line:
Open Category
- Fontys (HBO)
- University van het Noorden (RUG, Hanze and ROC’s)
- TU Eindhoven (WO)
- Hogeschool Rotterdam (HBO)
Closed Category
- Hanzehogeschool (HBO)
- Windesheim (HBO)
- Haagse Hogeschool (HBO)
- Universiteit Twente (WO)
- NHL Stenden (HBO)
Teams in the open category will compete with their own vehicles, which must meet certain minimum criteria. These teams enjoy the freedom to choose their hardware, sensors, and processing power. However, the RDW does not provide hardware or vehicle support for these teams. A significant benefit for the open category teams is that they have access to their vehicles even outside of the official test days. The majority of these teams are expected to compete with a modified Renault Twizzy.
On the other hand, teams in the closed category will be provided with a computer by the RDW to program and operate an electric RDW kart. In this category, teams are not permitted to alter the hardware.
Young talent
The RDW Self Driving Challenge provides young talent with the opportunity to advance in the realm of smart mobility. Student teams engage in competition by guiding self-driving vehicles through a series of trials on a track, which mimic real-world traffic scenarios that autonomous vehicles may encounter. These include challenges such as stopping at traffic lights, parking maneuvers, and responding to pedestrians crossing the road. The winner of the Self Driving Challenge is the team whose autonomous vehicle completes these tasks most effectively and quickly.
About the Self Driving Challenge
The Self Driving Challenge aims to gather insights into the complexities of autonomous vehicles and the decision-making processes of these systems. By doing so, the RDW is positioning itself to be well-prepared for a future where self-driving technology plays an increasingly significant role, both in usage and potentially within the vehicle type-approval process.
Final race
The test days and the finale of the Self Driving Challenge are held at the RDW test track in Lelystad. The educational trajectory begins each year in February and concludes with a finale on the circuit just over five months later. The finale of this edition is scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2024.
About RDW
The RDW is a public service provider (ZBO) committed to safety, sustainability, and legal certainty in mobility. Its responsibilities encompass the safety and sustainability of vehicles from the design stage right through to dismantling or export. The RDW acts as an approval and registration authority, a supervisor, and a public service provider. Legal certainty and reliability form the foundation of their services. In 2024, the RDW will have been performing these duties for 75 years, every day, across the whole of the Netherlands.