Autonomous go-kart races past the finish line
Team 25503’s solar-powered go-kart uses cameras and sensors to autonomously traverse racetracks.
A solar-powered go-kart raced around the Musselman Honda Circuit without a driver – the result of seven University of Arizona Interdisciplinary Capstone students determined to inspire Arizona high schoolers to pursue STEM careers.
Team 25503 presented their autonomous racing kart at the College of Engineering’s second Winter Craig M. Berge Design Day on Dec. 5, where 500 industry partners and community members gathered at the U of A Mall to see the results of their yearlong capstone class.
“When we started, we only had a frame and four tires – no seat, no pedals, nothing,” said Eric Stewart, team member and mechanical engineering student. “Now we’ve built a fully functional go-kart with three modes: manual, remote-controlled, and autonomous.”
A roof panel converts sunlight into electricity, powering the go-kart.
The kart completed two independent laps around the circuit – proof that the team’s autonomous design could be replicated for Racing the Sun, an annual program that encourages Arizona high school students to convert gasoline-powered go-karts into solar-powered and electric go-karts.
Team 25503 posted their software code on GitHub so RTS teams can develop their own autonomous systems.
"These students created something high schoolers can actually build on," said Larry Head, project sponsor and director of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program.
Head, also a professor of systems and industrial engineering, asked the team to build a system that collected camera and sensor data around the vehicle in real time. An algorithm processed this data to detect lanes and track edges, then signaled adjustments to the steering wheel motor and braking system.
The team also built a touchscreen interface that helps users send commands and choose operating modes. Team member and software engineering student Connor Johnson said the kart’s modular design allows future Racing the Sun teams to modify, test, and advance its autonomous capabilities.
The work earned Johnson’s team the Sharon ONeal Award for Best System Software and Design and a $1,000 prize.
“This was our top choice for a project as a team. We all wanted to be part of it from the start,” said Stewart. “Working on the go-kart gave us invaluable experience that we can highlight on our resumes and that we hope will help us in our future careers.”