Ultralight Connected and Automated Vehicles

Electric cars produce no greenhouse gases, but they are not really sustainable. The average US car weighs 4000 pounds and the average American weighs 180. With average car occupancy of 1.5 people, most of the energy is moving the vehicle, not the person. Public transit has a similar vehicle to people weight ratio. When the vehicle weighs less than the riders, small batteries suffice and a new charging infrastructure is not needed. Energy consumed drops by an order of magnitude at the same speed.

UW Bothell has prototypes of ultra-light automated vehicles: two recumbent tricycles in the Embedded Systems Lab and a miniature ATV used by the Electronics club. These vehicles have been project platforms for over 100 students. Past projects have developed electric circuit boards, software, sensors and physical coupling. Students can contribute programming, electronic or mechanical design or web page enhancement. Participation can be capstone, independent study or volunteer. To apply, contact tfolsom@uw.edu.  Future projects may cover:

• Improvements to existing systems
• Autonomous behavior.
• Simulation and software regression testing
• Visually guided lane following
• Obstacle avoidance
• Sophisticated control systems
• Modular vehicles
• Physical docking and undocking when moving