Building a Successful Driverless Car: Insights from FSG

In the adventurous quest of building a successful driverless car, the Formula Student Germany (FSG) brings forward a wealth of knowledge and insights, especially in the realm of safety and hardware actuations. Martin Snellberger, an electrical engineering graduate and a former Formula Student member, shared his expertise, focusing on how to ensure the safety of driverless vehicles through meticulous inspection and the implementation of robust hardware actuations. Below, we delve into the key aspects of his presentation, offering valuable perspectives for enthusiasts and engineers interested in the autonomous vehicle space.

Safety First: Ensuring Driverless Vehicle Security

Autonomous System Master Switch (ASMS)

The ASMS plays a crucial role in ensuring that the autonomous system is safely deactivated during manual driving. It prevents unintended steering activations or brake actuations, which could pose a risk to the driver. An additional safety layer is introduced with a lockout feature, allowing only authorized personnel to activate the autonomous system.

Autonomous System Status Indicator (ASSI)

The ASSI provides external cues about the internal state of the autonomous system. It serves to inform bystanders or team members about the vehicle's operational status, enabling quick reactions in case of anomalies, such as unexpected movements or system failures.

Remote Emergency Stop (RES)

A fundamental safety feature, the RES allows for immediate deactivation of the vehicle in case of emergencies. This ensures that the vehicle can be brought to a halt safely, preventing potential accidents.

The Magic of Hardware Actuators

Steering Actuator

The steering actuator is a marvel for those not deeply immersed in the driverless vehicle domain. It allows the steering wheel to move autonomously, guided by the vehicle's computing systems. However, safety measures are in place to ensure that the steering actuator only operates when the vehicle is in a 'ready to drive' state, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries.

Emergency Brake System (EBS)

The EBS is designed with functional safety in mind, requiring redundancy and failure monitoring to ensure reliability. Importantly, the system must be capable of activation without electrical power, adhering to FSG rules that emphasize safety and resilience.

Insights from the Field

Snellberger shared practical advice on ensuring the safety and effectiveness of driverless vehicles. This includes the importance of designing an emergency brake system that can be easily deactivated by track marshals, ensuring quick and safe removal of the vehicle from the track. Additionally, the presentation highlighted the need for comprehensive technical inspections to verify the safety and functionality of the EBS and other critical systems.

In conclusion, building a successful driverless car requires a deep understanding of safety protocols, hardware actuations, and the technical intricacies of autonomous systems. Snellberger's insights from FSG provide a valuable roadmap for teams and individuals venturing into the exciting world of autonomous vehicles. His emphasis on safety, paired with practical advice on system design and inspection, underscores the critical aspects of developing driverless technology that is both innovative and secure.

For more detailed insights and examples shared by Martin Snellberger, you can watch the full presentation here.