Racing games have come a long way over the years. From basic 2D sprite-based titles, they’ve evolved to incorporate advanced engines with highly realistic simulated physics that can even be used to help develop real-world automobiles. For [Surrogate.tv], that still wasn’t quite good enough, so they decided to create something more rooted in reality.
Their project resulted in a racing game based on controlling real RC cars over the internet, in live races against other human opponents. Starting with a series of Siku 1:43 scale RC cars, the team had to overcome a series of engineering challenges to make this a reality. For one, the original electronics had to be gutted as the team had issues when running many cars at the same time.
Instead, the cars were fitted with ESP8266s running custom firmware. An overhead GoPro is used with special low-latency streaming software to allow players to guide their car to victory. A computer vision system is used for lap timing, and there’s even automatic charging stations to help keep the cars juiced up for hours of play.
The game is free to play online, with the races currently operating on a regular schedule. We look forward to trying our hand at a race or three, and will be interested to see how the latency holds up from various parts of the world.
We’ve seen other remote RC builds before; usually featuring the power of the Raspberry Pi. We’ve also covered useful techniques for low latency video for real-time applications. Video after the break.
Another “cool project” on HaD but real 3D remote RC game idea from .UA is Isotopium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Xc_HQkJwY
this is real 3D + real Monster in chemical mask :P
Isotopium is a dead company with a game that has no point, you just drive around for no reason AND you pay for it. These guys have actually created real games which are free and with much better quality and latency.
This is exactly what I wanted to do. But couldn’t figure out the low latency video streams. Great job!
“Isotopium: Chernobyl” is faaar faaar beyound only lack of ads
This is a very complex project. Credit for making it work! And his room looks like the 1980’s toy stores I used to go to as a kid. I want to party with this guy at his place…
I don’t know how they got it to work so nicely. I was driving from Texas and somehow I’m controlling cars in Finland with feeling almost no delay? Wha…how….I’m gonna maybe let my daughter play this Tuesday when they are back online… maybe.
Amazing project with perfect execution. I am glad that something that I wanted a long time ago is now a reality!
Coolest. Thing. Ever.
Hi there,
I have one of this small RC cars and i want to know how to modify the firmware, especially the maximum steering angle. I have note that there is 2 small plugs accessible on the top of the electronic board. Have you tried to hack his?
cheers,
Bovitch