Project: Autonomous Vehicle

Team #7 Optimus Prime
EDGSN 100 Section 003
May 2, 2008, Submitted to John Klinger, EDGSN 100

From left to right:  Coleman Gregory, Email Coleman; Arelys Reyes, Email Arelys; Bryan Fischer, Email Bryan; Kristen Wyman, Email Kristen; Igor Moiseev, Email Igor

Figure 1:  Isometric view of the outside of the autonomous HMMWV.  The sensors are placed on the roof to maximize space and minimize possible damage.

Figure 2:  This section view of the autonomous vehicle shows the front seat and how it will sit up higher with a weatherproof case for the computer below.

Figure 3:  This view shows a section of the autonomous vehicle again and a better view of the seat and computer compartment.

Our Report

Abstract

             Team Optimus Prime was selected to design an autonomous vehicle for BAE Systems and eventually for military use.  By researching various sensors and studying the problem we were given by BAE Systems we were faced with developing an autonomous systems that could see a crater in the road, operate in blackout conditions, avoid oncoming traffic, and find a safe route at all times for the vehicle and its crew.  It also needed to be reasonably energy efficient because of the minimal electrical power available on board.  Each team member developed new product designs based on the HMMWV 998 Variant.  After developing the concepts, we used the selection and screening process to narrow down the choices and ultimately finish with our autonomous vehicle design.  We decided on a design that used LIDAR, Mid-range Radar, an IR Camera, and a UV Camera to develop a safe course for the vehicle.  The driver and Tank Commander (TC) will each have a computer screen; the TC's screen will be touch screen so that it is possible to change certain aspects of the course and program.  It will also include one direction screens which will only allow the TC and driver to view them and cut out extra light.  We chose to put the computer to run the system under the two front seats to use all space possible because there is very little extra space available.  We placed the sensors on the roof in a metal casing to protect them from the elements.