Dubai Students Build Solar-Powered Driverless Car
n a collaborative effort, students at the Canadian University in Dubai (CUD) have successfully developed a groundbreaking solar-powered driverless car that has the potential to revolutionize campus transport between its two buildings in City Walk.
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Student-Designed Solar-Powered Driverless Car Unveiled at Canadian University in Dubai
I Undergraduate engineers formed teams and focused on various aspects of the vehicle's design, including navigation system, power capacity, bodywork, and chassis, all geared towards creating a car that operates solely on solar energy. A total of 22 senior students from CUD's school of engineering, applied science, and technology worked together to turn this ambitious idea into a tangible reality. Currently showcased as a proof-of-concept design at the university, the solar-powered car is expected to soon hit the roads for practical use.
CUD Students Showcase Innovative Solar-Powered Car Prototype
As part of their graduation program, CUD students engaged in five distinct technical groups, each taking responsibility for specific elements of the vehicle's manufacturing process. Steering, braking, bodywork design, material selection, and suspension system development were among the key areas of focus for these groups. The integration of all these systems to create a cohesive and functional car posed the greatest challenge. Feras Usmani, an electrical engineering and mechatronics student, emphasized the crucial role played by guidance from professors, effective teamwork, and strong engineering skills in ensuring the success of the car's developments. The solar-powered car stands as a testament to the students' dedication and ingenuity.
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Harnessing Natural Resources: A Step Towards Autonomous Transport
The solar-powered driverless car project at CUD showcases how natural resources, like solar energy, can significantly contribute to the transition towards autonomous transport systems. The vehicle's central processing system, responsible for handling inputs from camera and Lidar sensors, forms the core intelligence of the car. Additionally, another group focused on power supply, utilizing a photovoltaic panel installed on the roof to charge the traction battery and deliver a 60-volt power supply to the electronic devices onboard. This innovative project demonstrates the students' dedication to research, data configuration, and the application of engineering skills, furthering their technical expertise and setting them on a path towards future success.
UAE's Advancements in Driverless Vehicle Technology
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology implementation. With a strong emphasis on self-driving cars, the UAE aims to enhance road safety, traffic efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. Several autonomous services have been tested and launched across the country, with a growing number of self-driving vehicles expected to hit the roads in the coming years. In line with this, the CUD solar-powered driverless car project serves as an excellent example of how natural resources can contribute to the future of autonomous transport. The UAE's continuous advancements in this field are fostering innovation, practical application of theoretical knowledge, and the development of valuable interpersonal and technical skills among its students.
