Driverless Program Update

10/29/2025 4:25:13 PM ET   Formula SAE Electric

SAE is pleased to announce that additional rules documents for the Driverless Systems Form (DSF) and the Driverless Vehicle Status Video (VSV) have been posted for teams interested in participating in the Driverless competitions. These documents complement the recently published Driverless Rules Supplement.

  • Driverless Systems Form (DSF): Outlines the required submission for participating teams and defines the Driverless System as the combination of sensors, compute, actuators, and other hardware and software that enable the vehicle to operate in Driverless Mode.
  • Driverless Vehicle Status Video (VSV): A required submission in which teams must demonstrate their vehicle driving under its own power before the specified deadline.

We understand that many of you have questions regarding the Remote Safety System (RSS). SAE is actively working with GrossFunk to serve as the RSS supplier, maintaining consistency with Driverless competitions operating in Europe. GrossFunk is currently developing a revised RSS unit designed to enable teams—regardless of location—to compete in both the U.S. and European events with a simple switch of frequency keys.
Note: Teams will be required to purchase an RSS unit. GrossFunk will provide SAE International with a new datasheet and ordering process for interested teams once available.

Because operational requirements vary between countries, SAE is also coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to obtain temporary authority for use of the RSS units during the June competition.

We appreciate your patience as these final details are confirmed and will share updates as they become available. For any rules inquiries, please submit questions online using the rules module.

Friendly Reminder: The Driverless Notice of Intent (NOI) document is due by November 3, 2025, for teams interested in participating this season. Submission of the NOI does not commit your team to participate if circumstances change, but teams that do not submit the NOI will not be eligible to participate later.