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Team members:

• Steven Anderson
• Casey Gold
• Tom Monikowski
• Ellen Prommersberger
• Nathan Winder

We intend to modify a small-scale vehicle, go-cart or RC vehicle, that can be activate an auto-pilot mode for certain driving conditions.

Our finished product will be able to perform driving duties in stop-and-go traffic, controlling the throttle, braking and steering at low speeds. To perform these tasks, we have five smaller design objectives.

Objectives:

1. Sensor array. Sensors will be needed around the perimeter of the go-cart to detect position of other vehicles.
2. Data translation. Sensor results will have to be translated into voltages, then fed into a CPU that can determine if there is a vehicle in front of, or on the sides of the vehicle. We expect the complexity of this objective to be dependent on the compatibility of sensors within our price range for this type of function.
3. Vehicle analysis. From sensory input, our vehicle should follow behind the car in front of it at a distance variable with the speed of the forward car. If the forward car is no longer directly in front of the vehicle, then our vehicle should turn slightly toward the forward vehicle as long as there is no car to the side.
4. Mechanical instruction. After the CPU determines the proper course of action for the go-cart, it must be implemented physically in the speed and steering mechanisms. The throttle and brake instructions could be done linearly while the steering needs a rotary welded into the shaft of the steering column.
5. Activation/deactivation. The auto-pilot needs a manual button for activation but will be disengaged on any overriding input from either the steering, throttle or brake (throttle and brake are just like normal cruise-control issues).