Battle of algorithms: Satbayev University students have created autonomous cars based on artificial intelligence

At Satbayev University, Machine Learning course ended with an exciting finale: instead of the standard exam, bachelor's and master's students took their developments to a virtual race track.

As part of the final, seventh laboratory work, the future engineers faced a non-trivial task: to elaborate and train a neural network capable of driving a car autonomously. Using Reinforcement Learning methods, students created agents which learned how to drive from scratch, navigating the space solely using front-view cameras, similar to how self-driving Tesla or Waymo cars do.

The final stage of the work was a real cyber tournament. A simulation of a special game environment was broadcast on the large screen in the lecture hall, where the students' algorithms competed with each other in real time.

Neural network’s task was not just to step on the gas, but to analyze the visual flow, avoid obstacles and rivals, and make optimal decisions to win. Atmosphere in the auditorium was reminiscent of an esports championship: students watched the leaderboard, where the participants’ positions changed in real time. The authors of the most successful and "smart" algorithms, who took the top places in the rating, received the highest points for the semester final assignment.

The tournament was the culmination of an eventful semester. During the course, Satbayev University students went from the basics to complex applied tasks:

• They mastered Computer Vision technologies.
• They learned how to program and train robotic arms.
• They figured out the intricacies of agent interaction in simulated physical environments.

The given approach to learning allows students not only to memorize theory, but to leave the university with a ready-made portfolio and real skills in developing complex intelligent systems that are in demand in the modern industry.

Congratulations to the tournament winners and all participants of the course on the successful completion of the semester!