Through the collaboration, the two companies are targeting improved connectivity performance in the motorsport environment, providing a data pipe that can handle all data and video streams from a race car in real-time.
The solution will combine Blu Wireless’ mmWave technology with McLaren Applied’s intelligent motorsport gateway on-car telemetry hardware, with McLaren Applied also providing systems architecture, integration, and support through its deep knowledge of motorsport requirements.
The solution includes McLaren Applied’s patented software that ensures stable connectivity for vehicles and transportation moving at high speed. The software aggregates data across multiple networks and is a key enabler in the application of the mmWave technology for multi-gigabit connectivity across all race car platforms.
The technology has been successfully tested over the last 12 months across multiple tests in the UK and North America, including demonstrating multiple HD video links on race cars travelling at speeds above 165mph. The tests run by McLaren Applied and Blu Wireless have proven the technology’s capability, with McLaren Applied’s design and systems engineering team currently preparing the system for imminent deployment in racing.
Sam Guest, Head of Motorsport Telemetry, Control & Analytics at McLaren Applied said, “McLaren Applied has leveraged its long history in motorsport to enable a more intelligent and connected approach for a wide-range of moving vehicles. We expect this new technology to deliver an even more engaging race experience for motorsports fans, with the potential to incorporate live gaming and other forms of interaction.”
Mark Halliday, Head of Product and Programmes, Connected Intelligence added, “The new collaboration with Blu Wireless is aimed at bringing a step change in connectivity in the harshest of race environments by offering new levels of speed and stability to inform race-winning strategies”.
Commenting Mark Barrett, Chief Commercial Officer at Blu Wireless said, “We are excited to apply our cutting edge mmWave technology to the challenging world of motorsports. The application we’ve developed with our partner McLaren Applied is a perfect fit for the types of environments and high speeds within which the race cars are performing. Our robust, gigabit connectivity and tailored system is certain to deliver real-time, almost life-like experience and will enhance the excitement of motorsport for viewers.”
