THWS students develop autonomous software for the design competition "Formula Student Germany" – more students wanted
When Formula Student turns ideas into real race cars, every connection matters and success depends on everything working seamlessly together: design and software, test bench and track, and above all, the people behind it.
The Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO) at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is supporting Mainfranken Racing e.V. as a sponsor for its new vehicle project, the MF18. The team is currently making a major technical step forward, moving from a rear-wheel-drive electric car to an all-wheel-drive system. And because Formula Student is no longer only about horsepower, the MF18 will also take part autonomously in the Driverless competitions.
Mainfranken Racing has already demonstrated that this approach delivers results beyond theory: the team achieved 1st place in the Driverless category at FSItaly 2025.
Formula Student: One year of development and then every second counts
Formula Student is an international engineering competition for students. Within one year, teams design and build their own formula-style race car and compete against universities worldwide at events. It’s an engineering project, a competition, and teamwork at high speed with real-world performance under real track conditions.
Italy provided a vivid example of how quickly setbacks can turn into success: right at the start of the event, an accident in the first Driverless discipline damaged the car, including the front wing and suspension. Within 24 hours, the Mainfranken Racing team, supported by the Formula Student community and other teams, returned the car to the start and completed an intensive program including Endurance, Autocross, and Trackdrive runs. The result: multiple first-place finishes in Driverless disciplines and the overall win in the relevant classes.
CAIRO's contribution: MAI students help develop the autonomous software
CAIRO's involvement is not only visible through the sponsorship logo on the vehicle, it is tangible in the development work. Two students from the international master's program Artificial Intelligence (MAI) contributed directly to the autonomous software: Tamara Bergerhoff and Sebastian Baader. From algorithmic logic to robust implementation, AI and software expertise is being transferred into a race car that must be not only fast, but also capable of driving itself.
Join in instead of watching: Mainfranken Racing is looking for new Driverless talents
For the next development stage, Mainfranken Racing is looking for students who want to continue running and further develop the autonomous software. Whether in sensing and perception, planning and control, system integration, testing, or data analysis. Anyone who enjoys working on real challenges and seeing their results in action on the track will find an environment where theory quickly turns into practice.
Contact for interested students: https://mainfranken-racing.de/kontakt/
About Mainfranken Racing e.V.
Mainfranken Racing e.V. is a student motorsports team from the Mainfranken region. As part of Formula Student, the team designs and builds a race car each year and competes at international events, increasingly also in the Driverless category.
About CAIRO
The Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO) is the AI research institute of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt. CAIRO develops innovative AI solutions with a strong focus on open-source technologies and European digital sovereignty. By combining application-oriented research with active knowledge transfer to industry, CAIRO is making a significant contribution to strengthening Bavaria's and Europe's AI ecosystem.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about more than 9,100 students, a wide range of more than 60 degree programmes, and two doctoral centers, THWS covers a broad spectrum ranging from technology to economics and social sciences, language and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and not least in a versatile English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Head of the Center for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO)
Professor Dr. Ivan Yamshchikov
Franz-Horn-Straße 2
97082 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354