TQ-RoboDrive drive for autonomous steering system from KA-RaceIng
KA-RaceIng success story Precision and efficiency for autonomous racing at the highest level
High performance under competitive conditions
KA-RaceIng e.V. is the Formula Student Team of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Every year since 2006, the team has been developing and producing new racing cars for the international Formula Student competition - one of the most demanding student design competitions in the world. In addition to classic disciplines, the vehicles also compete in autonomous racing. With an in-house development and production share of over 90%, the KA-RaceIng team uses the competition specifically as a development platform for innovative technologies under extreme time, weight and performance requirements.
Use of TQ-RoboDrive motors - precision for autonomous steering
An ILM-E70×10 frameless motor from TQ-RoboDrive has been used in the steering system of KA-RaceIng's autonomous vehicle since 2025. In combination with a harmonic drive gearbox, the motor takes over the precise control of the steering and must meet the highest requirements: minimal size, low weight, high dynamics and absolutely reliable and reproducible controllability. In autonomous racing in particular, the quality of the steering drive is decisive for driving stability, reaction times and lap times.
Why TQ-RoboDrive impresses in racing
In racing, weight, installation space and reliability are crucial. This is precisely where the frameless motors from TQ-RoboDrive have shown their strengths. The compact design combined with high performance meant that KA-RaceIng's steering gear could be designed to be significantly smaller and lighter - a key advantage, as every gram saved contributes directly to performance.
The fact that the motors can be easily integrated into the vehicle structure was a decisive factor in the decision in favor of TQ-RoboDrive. At the same time, the motors meet the basic requirements of racing: they are reliable, efficient and low-maintenance. Since using the TQ motors, KA-RaceIng has benefited from very efficient steering as well as noticeable weight and space savings, which are directly reflected in overall improved driving dynamics and performance.
Successes 2025 - performance that can be measured
The technical performance of the overall system was reflected in the results of the 2025 season: KA-RaceIng produced the fastest autonomous vehicle at Formula Student 2025, achieved 2nd place overall in the Driverless Cup at Formula Student Germany and 3rd place overall at Formula Student Czech. In addition, there were several podium places in static disciplines and a total of 10 podiums across all events - clear evidence of the performance of the drive technology used.
Together to the top
For the 2026 season, KA-RaceIng is pursuing the goal of achieving first place in the Driverless Cup at all events and once again building the fastest autonomous vehicle. The collaboration with TQ-RoboDrive is to be further intensified in order to continuously optimize drive technology and system integration - for maximum performance on the race track and beyond.