The Formula 1 governing body is testing artificial intelligence at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to combat track limit violations, as well as a new system designed to improve the accuracy of car positioning in the race.
The FIA says it uses "computer vision" technology, which uses shape analysis to calculate the number of pixels that extend beyond the edge of the track.
The AI detects violations in real time when drivers cross the white line on the side of the track with all four wheels, reducing the workload and speeding up response times at the FIA Remote Operations Centre.
The Austrian Grand Prix is considered a milestone in the sport, with just four individuals facing a large number of potential violations, totaling about 1,200 violations.
At the Qatar Grand Prix, the FIA commissioned eight people to assess track limits and monitor 820 cornering violations, and sent 141 reports to the stewards, who then deducted 51 laps.
A number of violations go unpunished at the US Grand Prix in Austin. Stewards stated that their failure to properly enforce the lane restrictions violation at Turn 6 was unsatisfactory and should be addressed before the start of next season.
“Computer vision technology is being used in medicine to analyze cancer screening data,” said Tim Mallion, FIA Head of Telecommunications Operations and Deputy Racing Director.
"Doctors don't want to use computer vision to diagnose cancer. They use it to rule out the 80% of cases that are clearly not cancerous and give trained staff more time to examine the other 20%," Mallion added. "Are we the target?"
The additional layer of computer vision reduces the number of potential violations considered by the FIA's Remote Operations Centre, while allowing more stewards to monitor the race to take further action.
Formula 1's governing body believes the technology could reduce the number of accidents requiring manual inspection.
Through the use of artificial intelligence systems, the operations center can manage a small number of lane departure incidents remotely, reducing the time between reporting violations and making a decision.
Formula 1's umbrella organization wants to reduce the number of gears currently expected for a Grand Prix of 800 to just 50.