British engineering and technology pioneer McLaren Applied is partnering with mmWave technology leader Blu Wireless to deliver ultra high-speed telemetry solutions for motorsport applications.
The two companies are targeting new breakthroughs in connectivity performance in the dynamic 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.
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.
McLaren Applied’s design and systems engineering team is currently preparing the system for imminent deployment in racing.
“McLaren Applied leverages its 30-plus year heritage in motorsport to enable a more intelligent and connected approach for a wide-range of moving vehicles,” said Sam Guest, head of motorsport telemetry, control & analytics at McLaren Applied.
“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 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 nail-biting excitement of motorsport for viewers.”