Using expertise from the field of military aircraft, IRK is aiming to bring infrared technology into motorsport, along with other general applications
The digital world is on the cusp of taking a giant step forward thanks to a new infrared system that has been developed by British company, IR Kinetics (IRK). The firm, whose executive board includes a Formula 1 team founder, has re-purposed systems used on military aircraft and adapted it to be able to accurately track high speed vehicles, including cars, aircraft and trains, with a short-term view to generating new revenue streams for racing circuits, sponsors and suppliers, and a long-term view to drastically change the world in which we live.
An impressive team has been assembled including Professor Andrew Bradley
Gill Switalski
Lord Hesketh
There is nothing new or revolutionary about infrared technology, the principles of which have been known since the 19th century. The system merely uses sensors to provide highly accurate data of the location of objects. However, by repurposing the application of infrared, IRK hopes that it will be used in four key areas of our modern world: sports, gaming, transport and defence. Its potential, says the company, is huge, as it can free up capacity on the rail network, help to control autonomous cars, safely deliver supplies in war zones, and speed up decision making in sport such as video assistant referee (VAR) procedures, or penalties for excessive track limit abuse.
Motorsport is playing a role in getting the concept up and running. Companies from the aforementioned four areas, plus the field of delivery systems, were invited by IRK to witness a demonstration at the Mallory Park circuit in Leicestershire late in August. Choosing motorsport to prove the system is not an accident. The environment is tightly controlled and regulated, creating an effective proving ground. Plus, the board of IRK includes Lord Alexander Hesketh, leader of the Hesketh Formula 1 team in
