General Motors and SAE International recently announced the university team lineup for the latest AutoDrive Challenge II competition. Following he success of the first AutoDrive Challenge, the AutoDrive Challenge II competition helps to promote STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) through the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.
The colleges set to participate in the latest AutoDrive Challenge II competition include:
- Kettering University
- Michigan Technological University
- North Carolina A&T University
- The Ohio State University
- Penn State University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Toronto
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Queens University
- Virginia Tech
Each team is tasked with developing AV technology capable of navigating an urban driving course, per the requirements stipulated by SAE J3016 Standard Level 4 automation. The four-year competition will include annual benchmarks for the design and development of the new AV systems, while participating students will continue their education through SAE professional development courses.
Each of the participating universities have committed to providing relevant curriculum, vehicle testing facilities, undergraduate participation, and faculty and graduate student leadership, with students set to develop tech with real-world applications relevant to AV implementation.
“We’re thrilled to be kicking off the second series of the AutoDrive Challenge to give even more students networking and mentoring opportunities and hands-on experience as they prepare to enter the mobility industry,” said the vice president of programs at SAE International, Chris Ciuca. “Autonomous vehicles offer a bright future and as the technology rapidly evolves, it is imperative that the brightest minds are ready to meet the challenges ahead.”
General Motors will provide each team with a Chevy Bolt EUV, which will serve as the platform with which the team will integrate their AV technology.
The all-new Chevy Bolt EUV
“At General Motors, we envision a future of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, and we have committed ourselves to leading the way toward this future,” said GM vice president, global electrification, controls, software and electronics, Dan Nicholson. Nicholson also serves as the executive sponsor for the competition. “The AutoDrive Challenge is a great way to give students the hands-on experience they need to find success. We are very excited to work with these talented students over the course of the competition and know they will make an immediate impact on the automotive industry upon graduation.”
General Motors unveiled its first fully autonomous vehicle, Cruise Origin, in January of 2020. Cruise Origin promises emissions-free ride-sharing solutions, all without a human pilot onboard.
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Comments
AV has been overpromised and a consequence is that public AV acceptance has slipped. This slippage needs to be turned around. Initiatives such as the AutoDrive Challenge will help with this turnaround.
Thanks for sharing. Thanks for this post! I appreciate this initiative for the betterment of the electrical vehicle technology! The more advanced technology should be added in the automobile industry.