Fontys ICT gets challenged in the field of autonomous driving
A group of enthusiastic students and teachers are taking part in the Self Driving Challenge (SDC) of the RDW. In this unique project, students get the chance to further develop their skills in autonomous driving and to compete with each other. They do this by having a self-driving vehicle perform tasks on a circuit.
A total of nine student teams from different colleges and universities will compete against each other. Last February was the kick-off. Fontys ICT participates in the 'open category'. This means that these teams are allowed to participate with their own vehicle. These vehicles must meet several minimum requirements. Frans Mouws, lecturer at Fontys ICT and project leader says: "That is immediately a big challenge. Our students have to be creative and work well together to meet all the requirements. We opted for a self-propelled quad bike. In doing so, we receive support from Fontys Engineering, we work together with Fontys Engineering's Future Automotive lectorate, and we also seek active cooperation with other lectorates and study programmes. Indeed, the next exciting milestone is the test day in May at the RDW test track in Lelystad. This is where our vehicle will go 'on the road' for the first time."
That the students are not on their own is also evident from the guidance from Fontys ICT's High Tech Embedded Software lectorate. Teade Punter, lecturer, says: "For the challenge, we put our existing knowledge and experience in the field of autonomous robots to use. We also intend to expand our expertise in the coming years and improve the outcomes of our participation in the SDC. The experiences in autonomous driving we gain here are interesting for practical research, with the practical roll-out at the RDW. A win-win for both parties."
The challenge
The challenge involves realistic traffic scenarios. These include stopping at traffic lights, parking, and taking into account a pedestrian crossing the road. The team whose self-driving vehicle completes the tests best and fastest will be the winner.
The results will allow the SDC to meet the RDW's current knowledge needs. The RDW is an approval and registration authority, regulator, and public service provider. The organisation deals with vehicle safety and sustainability; from design to dismantling or export.
The Self Driving Challenge aims to gain knowledge about the complexity of autonomous vehicles and the way these vehicles make choices. The outcomes of the student projects will help prepare for a future in which self-driving technology will play an increasing role.
Want to know more about the student team's progress? Visit the blog. The final day will take place on June 14 2024 in Lelystad.
Autor: Nathalie Verschueren
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