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Wong Ju Ming
11-11-2009, 12:06
Audi Pikes Peak TTS Autonomous Vehicle


Audi has teamed up with Stanford University to create an autonomous TT-S, named "Shelley".


Designed to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the car has been outfitted with 'drive by wire' technology which uses algorithms developed by Stanford University and Sun Microsystems. The algorithms will process data collected by the "Applanix POS LV420 GPS and the Inertial Measurement Unit" to steer the car up the mountain. Other techno goodies include an 'APA-BS' (Axially Parallel Actuation-Braun-Schweig) electric power steering system, an electronic throttle, and an emergency shutdown system.


According to Audi, "Two independent systems are being used in the Pikes Peak TTS, the initial controller development is being done on an XPC target using Matlab and Simulink which are the standard research tools from Stanford's DDL. The final vehicle controls are being run on ruggedized custom built solutions running a Core2Duo CPU and Solaris operating system that is being developed in collaboration with Sun Microsystems."


While the TT-S can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds - thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of toque - Audi says the primary goal is to complete the hill climb "in a reasonable time, using rally driving techniques."




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All about the Audi Pikes Peak TTS

The Audi Pikes Peak TTS is nicknamed "Shelley" by the Stanford DDL after Michele Mouton, arguably the most successful female rally driver to date who played a significant part in Audi's racing history.


Goal
To collaborate with Stanford to build an autonomous vehicle capable of completing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in a reasonable time using rally driving techniques.


Team:
Volkswagen Electronics Research Lab
Convert a vehicle to drive by wire, develop a safety architecture to ensure a reliable autonomous drive with no safety driver, and implement Stanford's control algorithms on a system jointly developed with Sun Microsystems.


Stanford Dynamics Design Lab
Develop robust control algorithms that enable the vehicle to drive at the limits of handling on a variety of surfaces, and lets it complete the Pikes Peak course.


Sun Microsystems
Specify a hardware platform that can run Stanford's real time algorithms and develop a framework that enables Real Time Java to the vehicle CAN system.


Vehicle:
Make and model: 2009 Audi TTS
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 DOHC
Transmission: 6-Speed S tronic automatic transmission
Fuel Consumption: City: 21 mpg
Highway: 29 mpg
Combined: 24
Power: 265 hp & 6000 rpm1
Torque: 258 lb-ft. @ 2500 - 5000 rpm
Top speed: 155 (249km/h),
Acceleration: 0-60mph: 4.9sec
Weight incl. sensor: ~ 1470kg.


Drive-By-Wire:
Steering: Modified "APA-BS" (Axially Parallel Actuation-Braun-Schweig), a new production electric power steering system with direct by-wire control through custom ERL Electronics.
Throttle: Electronics from VW ERL reproduce signals to emulate a driver pressing on the throttle.
Brakes: Active brake booster from Continental with by-wire control through ERL Electronics.
Gear: Modification of signals exchanged between transmission and gear shifter using custom ERL electronics on production hardware.
Parking brake: Use of stock electric parking brake from VW Passat through a custom ERL electronic interface utilized on Junior.


Safety:
In addition to multiple redundant systems for vehicle control, and emergency shutdown the Pikes Peak TTS has a Solaris based system running a Java RTS system monitor that can perform a vehicle shutdown if it determines conditions have become unsafe.

As a backup solution, the vehicle includes a telemetry system that can transmit all vehicle parameters to a receiving station up to 20 miles away which can also shut down the vehicle remotely, or order the safety systems to engage and bring the car to a controlled stop.


Sensors:
The Pikes Peak TTS utilizes an Applanix POS LV420 GPS and Inertial Measurement Unit to measure its position.




Vehicle Control:

Hardware:
Two independent systems are being used in the Pikes Peak TTS, the initial controller development is being done on an XPC target using Matlab and Simulink which are the standard research tools from Stanford's DDL. The final vehicle controls are being run on ruggedized custom built solutions running a Core2Duo CPU and Solaris operating system that is being developed in collaboration with Sun Microsystems.


Software:
The Stanford University Dynamics Design Lab is developing cutting edge control algorithms that look to optimize the ability to control the vehicle under the most demanding circumstances. As these algorithms are finalized they will be merged into a new framework being developed at the ERL based that shares many components with other ERL Autonomous driving projects.

Audi Club (Singapore) Exclusive Content

Wong Ju Ming
11-11-2009, 12:11
the above is the direct result of this announcement by VW Group. Sorry couldn't post this VW announcement earler until the Audi part of the equation was complete.

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Volkswagen Group and Stanford University are expanding their cooperation
The Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab will be inaugurated

Wolfsburg / Stanford, 23 October 2009 - Volkswagen Group research directors, Dr.-Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, together with Stanford’s Prof. James Plummer, Dean of the School of Engineering, will inaugurate the new Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab on the Stanford University campus at a dedication ceremony this coming Saturday.

The successes of Stanley and Junior – autonomous vehicles that won the DARPA Grand Challenge and Urban Challenge races – demonstrate that cooperation between science and industry can drive the development of significant new technologies. With VAIL, the traditionally close cooperation between Volkswagen Group and Stanford University will take on a new aspect with the common purpose to focus even more intensively on innovative technologies to improve mobility, vehicle safety and environmental protection. In the run-up to this event, Volkswagen’s Head of Group Research, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, explained that, "Stanford University and Volkswagen are ideal partners. VAIL is an important step in further developing this international collaboration. Both Science and industry should benefit equally from the new VAIL lab in paving the way toward new technologies."

The centre, which is still under construction, will provide about 750 square meters of space for research teams from the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics and information technology, as well as a fully equipped workshop area. VAIL will also include a vehicle proving ground. In addition to its contribution of two million dollars towards the construction project, Volkswagen will also fund Stanford's CarLab to the tune of $750,000 per year over the next five years. This interdisciplinary research centre, which is also new, should attract top-notch, young international scientists and provide them with opportunities for independent research.