The FIA has tested a new AI camera system at the European Rally Championship that is designed to identify spectators in restricted areas in order to increase safety
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is working to make rallying even safer. A camera system with artificial intelligence (AI) that identifies spectators in restricted areas was successfully tested at the European Rally Championship (ERC). This allows security personnel to intervene quickly and ensure that the rally runs smoothly.
The system was used at the ERC opener in Spain – the Rally Sierra Morena. The cameras detect fans who are in red zones, i.e., areas of the special stages that are closed to spectators. In rallying, fans get very close to the fast cars, so it is particularly important that the organizers’ safety concept is adhered to.
The special stages are often several kilometers long, so not every area can be monitored by marshals. The camera system helps security personnel maintain an overview and intervene if necessary. But how are the cameras used?
Cameras installed on cars
These are not classic surveillance cameras installed at the special stages, but cameras mounted on the rally cars. They film the areas on the special stages anyway, and AI detects whether spectators are in restricted areas. If a camera detects inappropriate behavior by a spectator, this is reported and action can be taken before the next car passes the area.
Since no human has to interpret the images and the AI issues a message immediately, the effort required by security personnel is manageable. The experience gained from using the system is currently being evaluated. The premiere was a success, so the cameras could be used in future rallies.
FIA Safety Director Nuno Costa: “Spectator safety is of paramount importance in rallying. Special stages often take place in natural surroundings and under unpredictable conditions. Ensuring that fans remain in safe areas is a major challenge and responsibility. The AI camera system takes us a big step forward in monitoring and risk management during events.”
Fans and rallying should be protected
“The system is not designed to restrict fans, but to protect them,” he clarifies. “It enables officials to react quickly and intervene immediately before accidents occur.” FIA Road Sport Director Emilia Abel adds: “We have good systems in place at World Championship level, but spectator safety is also very important to us at lower, national and regional levels, so it’s important that something is developed there too.”
“Rallying is perhaps the most spectacular form of motorsport because there is nothing quite like seeing the cars in action on a special stage,” Abel continues. ”We want fans to be able to enjoy this safely. The AI system can make a big difference as it gives organizers a new tool that can provide real-time information about the events.”
“For us, the message is important: it’s about protecting the spectators, but also about protecting the sport,” Abel clarifies. ‘We want rallying to continue to grow, because we are entering an exciting new era in the coming years.’ With such safety systems, it could become easier to approve rallies, as safety concepts play a crucial role.