NTT and NTT DATA Unveil Innovative Simulation Technology at Indy 500

NTT and NTT DATA, leading global technology and business solutions providers, have introduced cutting-edge simulation technology at this year’s Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge. This groundbreaking technology offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the sensations of driving an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car, emulating the professional racing experience.

Race Like the Pros

The new racing demonstration leverages “Embodied Knowledge” technology from NTT Research, utilizing extensive data collected from NTT and INDYCAR’s long-term collaboration. This advanced technology integrates physical sensations with digital innovation, allowing users to feel the resistance of the steering wheel, vibrations and forces on the pedals, gear shifts, and tire traction, all mirroring a professional driver’s experience.

Beyond Motorsports

NTT’s “Embodied Knowledge” technology is also applied in various fields such as medical surgery training, coaching, and enhancing fan experiences in sports. Future applications are planned for employee training in retail, education, and manufacturing, as well as enabling AI robots to perform tasks with human-like precision. This initiative is part of NTT’s $16 billion annual investment in research and development, aiming to deliver commercially impactful innovations.

“NTT DATA has pushed the boundaries of how technology can impact motorsports, helping us tap into vast amounts of data in advanced and productive ways,” stated Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, which owns INDYCAR and IMS. “Their impact can be felt across our enterprise, where NTT Smart Venue Technology has vastly improved the fan experience at IMS, and real-time data from race control fuels our INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.”

Eric Clark, CEO of NTT DATA, North America, highlighted the value of the partnership: “Every day, we work with the world’s leading enterprises in healthcare, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, public sector, and other vital sectors. Few organizations produce as much real-time data and analytics as the INDYCAR racing teams and venues of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Partnering with INDYCAR helps us explore and pressure-test our offerings in real-time intense settings. We use those learnings to help our clients transform their businesses, improve sustainability, leverage AI, enhance customer experiences, and expand their internal capacity for innovation.”

Enhancing the Fan Experience

Fans attending the Indianapolis 500 and other events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway can enjoy the benefits of NTT DATA Smart Venue technology, which includes AI-enabled optical detection for improved security and traffic flow. Combined with digital ticketing, these technologies provide real-time and predictive wait times at event gates and concessions, ensuring a safer and more efficient fan experience at the world’s largest single-day sporting event.

Remote Engagement

Remote fans of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES can access the INDYCAR app for real-time, data-driven racing insights, including live scoring, in-car cameras, and driver-to-team radio communications. This app enhances the viewing experience by allowing fans to follow pit strategies and predict race winners. The app is available for download from the iOS App Store and Google Play.