Develop a Self-Driving Tricycle

Project Goals

Demonstrate that an autonomous vehicle does not need to be a 4000 lb. car by building prototype driverless vehicles. We currently have two recumbent Catrikes and an Organic Transit ELF modified for computer control. We also have several units that interface with the CARLA driving simulator, allowing us to test the software remotely on a virtual vehicle. Project Goals: Create an automated electric vehicle that uses 30 times less energy than an automobile.

Student Outcomes

• Project level – Integrate and test subsystems. Fill in software for path following and obstacle avoidance. Design and build third-generation printed circuit boards. Develop CAN Bus software. Show operation with tricycles and virtual vehicles.
• Student level – Gain knowledge of embedded and autonomous systems. Work with a team on real-world problems.

Student Qualifications

The main student team(s) will be doing capstone projects in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering and must qualify for those programs. Additional opportunities are open to students with appropriate skill sets. All team members are required to attend a weekly meeting. Roles include:

• Makers: Mounting and wiring components Programmers: Software is in C/C++ running on Arduino. Knowledge of Embedded Systems is helpful.
• Media: Web management, documentation, and social media.
• Electrical: Modify and build printed circuit boards.
• Mathematicians: Algorithm development.
• Business: Plan system deployment in conjunction with Micro-AV SPC.

Project timeline and commitment

Indefinite. Students should have at least 5 hours per week.

Resources and additional content

• Up to 12 positions available, about 5 hours per week
• Open source project software is on GitHub/Elcano.
• Documentation is on https://www.elcanoproject.org/wiki/Main_Page.
• Commercial sales are handled through Micro-AV.com.

Tags: Autonomous vehicles; Sustainability; Transportation; Embedded Systems