Autonomous Driving I

Objectives

The aim of the course is to have an overview of aspects related to the Connected and Autonomous Transport Systems (CATS). Apart from a review of technological aspects and the current challenges that are present in the industry, it's complemented with the learning of simulation models and their programming tools that will allow the assessment of the impact of these CAT systems. Finally, a practical work of a use case representing a component of a CAT system will be carried out.

Learning outcomes

• Analyses, designs and solves measurement systems, signal conditioning, signal processing, analogue and digital filtering and instrumentation buses applied to the automotive industry.
• Knows the advanced fundamentals of microcontrollers and designs and applies embedded systems and electronic instrumentation and control systems for the automotive engineering sector.
• Knows and applies the technologies used in autonomous driving systems (sensory, space mapping, systems integration, etc.).
• Analyses results and outputs.
• Effectively presents orally the results obtained in practices and / or works.
• Develops skills in complex situations or that require new solutions both in the academic field and work or professional.
• Knows the application of environmental and sustainability technologies.

Competencies

General skills

• Desire to take part in lifelong learning, innovate, create value and acquire new knowledge.

Specific skills

• Know the principles of analogue and digital electronics, electronic instrumentation and microprocessor-based systems, and this knowledge in the design of embedded systems and electronic instrumentation and control systems for the automotive engineering sector.
• Understand the basic principles of use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases, software applications in engineering, industrial computing and communications networks, and apply this to engineering in general and to the design of connectivity systems in the automotive sector.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.

Core skills

• Be a critical thinker before knowledge in all its dimensions. Show intellectual, cultural and scientific curiosity and a commitment to professional rigour and quality.
• Exercise active citizenship and individual responsibility with a commitment to the values of democracy, sustainability and universal design, through practice based on learning, service and social inclusion.
• Interact in international and worldwide contexts to identify needs and and new contexts for knowledge transfer to current and emerging fields of professional development, with the ability to adapt to and independently manage professional and research processes.

Content

1. CATS systems overview
   1. Sensors
   2. Maps and GPS
   3. Connected vehicles
   4. Autonomous vehicles
   5. Fleet management
2. Virtual environments
   1. Traffic simulation overview
   2. Behavioural models
   3. Programming tools
3. Design and analysis of a use-case

Evaluation

• Participation at class: 5% (No recovery): RA9, RA14
• Project deliverables:
  • D1: Project planning: 5% (No recovery) - week 6: RA13, RA14
  • D2: Project outline and planning: 10% (No recovery) - week 8: RA13, RA14
  • D3: Project implementation/results: 40% (Recovery) - week 17: RA5, RA7, RA8, RA9, RA13, RA14
  • D4: Project conclusions: 10% (Recovery) - week 17: RA5, RA7, RA8, RA9, RA11, RA13, RA14
• Defense of the project: 30% (No recovery) - week 17: RA11, RA12

Methodology

Sessions

• All group - Provide the context of the topic
• Segmented by groups:
  • Supervision and advise session with each group and professor for developing the implementation of the use-case
  • Autonomous sessions for developing the implementation of the use-case

Bibliography

Key references

• Alonso Raposo et al. (2019). The future of road transport. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/eur-scientific-and-technical-research-reports/future-road-transport
• William B. Ribbens (2017). Understanding Automotive Electronics: Chapter 12 - Autonomous Vehicles. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128104347000120
• William B. Ribbens (2017). Understanding Automotive Electronics: Chapter 1 - Overview. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128104347000016

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.