Bryn Balcombe, ADA Founder
Why start ADA?
When we started Roborace it was clear these new forms of AI motorsport would require independent governance of Technical and Sporting Regulations to ensure fair competition.
ADA began with these foundations but evolved when it became clear that the unique approach to the regulation of AI systems within motorsport address the need for global harmonisation of standards for self-driving vehicles and the next generation of AI Safety Systems.
Our current mobility solutions cause 1.3 million fatalities a year and have now become the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
As a global mobility industry that’s unacceptable and why ADA’s mission is to ensure Artificial Intelligence innovations eliminate this global epidemic by 2050.
Motorsport & Road Safety combineD
In my late teens I started in Formula One, working for Bernie Ecclestone’s F1 Group. The level of passion and excellence still sets the bar for every other environment.
While studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering & Vehicle Design I moved to Lotus Engineering, Norfolk, England, where sound of the Lotus 107 shake downs on the Hethel test track echoed through the engineering office.
However, it wasn't F1 I was there for. I’d entered the field of Road Safety. Specifically the world of airbag design, crash testing, biomechanics simulation and pioneering research on the impact of airbags on rear-facing child seats.
After the tragic fatalities of Roland Ratzenberger & Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix Formula One began accelerating research of driver safety. I saw the opportunity to combine both my passions in one.
Second time around at Formula One I focused on connected vehicle technology and patented the first cellular communications system capable of transmitting and receiving data from cars running at more than 200mph.
The innovation continued at the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track which received the prize of First Center of Excellence awarded by the FIA Institute for Motorsport Safety to recognise the work done in safety research and innovation.
Today’s challenge remains focused on Motorsport & Road Safety. This time through my work on the cutting edge of electric, connected & autonomous vehicle technology at Roborace as well as non-profit ADA.