How Technology Innovations in Motorsport Enter Everyday Life
High-end motorsports are known around the world for pushing the boundaries of technology design.
By doing so, they provide millions of fans with thrilling entertainment, yet what many don’t realise is how motorsports such as Formula 1, Rally, Formula E and others impact the products we use every day.
The birth of semi-automatic gears
The direct shift gearbox was first developed by Porsche in 1984. This innovation gives drivers the benefit of clutch-less shifting and is used as the foundation for paddle gears in Formula 1 cars to this day.
After further modifications were made to the original Porsche idea, it gave rise to the semi-automatic gears, as found in a variety of modern cars.
Obviously, semi-automatic gears haven’t made their way into every vehicle on the market yet, but they are available as an add-on for cars made by Honda, Porsche, Audis, Mercedes, Hyundai, VW Golf – and the list goes on.
Improving energy efficiency with Formula 1 technology
One of the biggest problems faced by retail stores is energy costs.
Sainsbury’s operates 1,100 UK stores require considerable energy to operate, with open refrigerated displays accounting for a vast proportion of the total cost.
However, this is changing thanks to motorsport technology. A new startup called Aerofoil Energy has new ideas in mind for improving the efficiency of refrigerated displays.
In motorsport, Aerofoil’s technology helps improve the cars’ grip on track by generating up to two tons of downforce. It is also used in F1 cars to channel air to brake ducting to reduce heat and improve brake cooling.
Now the same technology is being used to improve chiller cabinet cooling efficiency.
By recycling air currents, Aerofoil Energy have successfully found a way to reroute air currents back into the chiller cabinets, increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Since being rolled out in 2020, they have helped Sainsbury’s drastically improve their energy efficiency. It won’t be long before other supermarket chains follow suit.
All-wheel drive
Back in 1980 the Audi Quattro road car was first introduced with an interesting new feature: all-wheel drive (AWD). Ideal for both flat and rough areas, it’s no wonder that AWD was viewed as the next step-up from four-wheel drive.
In rallying, the power relay of AWD allows each wheel to get the necessary power boost independent of the other wheels, making the car incredibly nimble, and at the same still extremely fast.
Moving on from 1980, AWD is used in various car models around the world as a direct result of first being implemented in the Audi Quattro road car.
AWD helps drivers stay in control when navigating bumpy roads and tight corners during unfavourable weather conditions. Car brands using the technology range from Subaru through Nissan to Suzuki, Volkswagen and of course the Audi A4 Allroad.
How data analysis has changed
Formula 1 fans may remember how the McLaren Advanced Technology system (MAT) contributed to the success of the McLaren team in the 2010s.
It was so successful in fact, that it is now used to improve other non-motorsport companies’ manufacturing, research and development processes.
One such example of the MAT system in day-to-day business is its use in data analysis processes provided by KPMG, which kicked off in 2014.
Combining their advisory and audit services with MAT’s predictive data analysis services enabled KPMG to provide high-quality advisory services for their customers.
It is also likely that MAT will be used in many other industries to improve operations and supply chains operations, with the hope that efficiency savings may be passed on to the general public.
Improvements in public transport
Many people don’t realise how public transport has benefitted from Formula 1 technology design. By harnessing 5G infrastructure, network planners have been able to create connected road, rail and underground infrastructure systems using some of the data telemetry tools used in Formula 1.
In 2018 it was announced that data technology used in F1 would be combined with 5G and rolled out as part of the management system for the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system.
The technology is also used for managing air traffic as well as on land, with air traffic controllers using it to predict late and out of schedule departures and arrivals. They do this by running multiple simulations to create accurate predictions, just as in motorsport. The benefits to air traffic controllers include reduced congestion and fewer emissions from planes waiting to land.
Carbon fibre materials
The cost and production issues of carbon fibre meant that in its early days its use was confined mainly to motorsport, where it improved speed, handling and strength.
Now used more widely in road cars, it can reduce weight by up to 50%, and thereby improve fuel efficiency by as much as 35%.
Carbon fibre chassis are also used in electric and hybrid vehicles such as the BMW i3, where the heavier battery is offset by the lighter frame weight.
Technology Design Continues to Shape Our Future
It’s easy to see how technology originally developed and used in motorsports has positively impacted the lives of consumers in one way or another.
Yet there are other ways to bring great ideas to life. Cambridge Design Technology offers you the tools, experience and expertise in technology design to make them a reality, For more information, feel free to get in touch.
