NTT Revolutionizes the Indycar Experience with Cutting-Edge Digital Twins
NTT is gearing up to enhance the experience for Indycar fans just in time for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2022.
By analyzing millions of data points from previous seasons and the first five events of the current NTT Indycar series, leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital-twin technology, NTT plans to offer more detailed and predictive insights in real-time. These insights will cover everything from optimal times for overtakes to pit and fuel strategies. Fans can follow these predictions throughout the season via Indycar’s social media channels, and they’ll be featured in broadcasts by NBC as well.
Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, remarked on the importance of fans to the series, noting that NTT’s technological innovations have significantly boosted fan engagement. He expressed confidence that this trend will continue, thanks to NTT’s efforts.
NTT’s technology provides a deeper understanding of the race by creating a digital twin of each car. This means over 140 sensors on every vehicle collect millions of data points, which are analyzed to make predictions based on both historical data and current race conditions. For the Indy 500—spanning 800 kilometers over 200 laps—more than eight billion data points will be gathered, allowing for highly accurate race strategy predictions.
Eric Clark, NTT Data Services’ Chief Digital Officer, emphasized that this season, fans can enjoy enhanced interactive experiences courtesy of digital twins and predictive analytics, bringing them closer to the drivers’ perspective. This year’s Indy 500 is particularly exciting, marking a milestone in an already engaging season.
At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the integration of NTT technology has transformed the venue into a smart arena, significantly improving the experience for both visitors and staff. The technology offers operations and security teams better visibility and faster decision-making capabilities, thanks to AI and digital-twin technologies. It also provides real-time updates on visitor and vehicle traffic flow, helping fans avoid congestion through the IMS mobile app, which provides gate entry wait times and peak traffic alerts every 30 seconds.
Peter Cutts, Chief Innovation Officer at NTT, highlighted their co-innovation efforts with Indycar as a prime example of the advancements in technology they’re bringing to long-standing sports traditions.
