Ducati Uses Machine Learning And IoT To Get More From MotoGP Tests

Ducati hopes the use of machine learning will help it gather more insight from testing from fewer on-track sessions, saving time and money, and resulting in the creation of a faster bike for the upcoming MotoGP season.

The team, which entered the world’s premier motorcycle racing series in 2002 and won its sole riders’ championship in 2007, is extending its partnership with Accenture to apply analytics to data harvested from more than 100 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

These sensors capture details such as engine parameters, speed, revs, tyres and brake temperatures and this data is combined with historical information that allows Ducati to simulate results and allow its engineers to optimise bike configurations for races.

Ducati MotoGP machine learning

To date, 4,000 sectors of race track and 30 scenarios have been analysed and this data is presented visually so engineers can easily understand and interact with the findings from the analytics, making changes where necessary.

Accenture sees the visualisation of data as a key differentiator for its analytics capabilities.

“By simulating and monitoring a motorbike’s performance under a vast array of track and weather conditions, we’ve been able to apply machine learning integrated with IoT sensor data, to help minimize the time, expense and effort of traditional on-track testing,” said Marco Vernocchi, EALA lead at Accenture Analytics.

“Ultimately, we hope this innovative solution will help the Ducati Team stay ahead in every race they compete in.”

“Early results of this solution are extremely promising,” added Marcello Tamietti, who leads the connected transport division at Accenture Digital’s IoT practice.

“The power of collating data from the bikes and earlier races allows us to compute several potential outcomes per setting, starting a new dialogue about how to get the smartest, fastest bike on the track.

“Test engineers can use real insight to alter bike configurations according to conditions, which could transform the way the Ducati Team operates its entire testing apparatus, adding new value to on-track, intelligent testing.”

Accenture is also working with the Six Nations rugby championship, crunching data from matches to provide stats and predictions to the media and tournament organisers in a bid to boost fan engagement. It also builds the official mobile app and is working on virtual reality.

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