Capstone team develops solar-powered, self-driving go-kart
Team 25503’s solar-powered go-kart uses cameras and sensors to autonomously traverse racetracks.
Every year, Racing the Sun encourages Arizona high school students to convert gasoline-powered go-karts into solar-powered and electric go-karts. Engineering students took this idea to the next level, designing a solar-powered go-kart that can also drive autonomously.
For its Interdisciplinary Capstone project, Team 25503 created a kart that would be able to participate in the annual race as the students cheer on from the sidelines.
The team built a system that collected camera and sensor data around the vehicle in real time. An algorithm processed this data to detect lanes and track edges, then signaled adjustments to the steering wheel motor and braking system.
The team also built a touchscreen interface that helps users send commands and choose operating modes. Team member and software engineering student Connor Johnson said the kart’s modular design allows future Racing the Sun teams to modify, test, and advance its autonomous capabilities.
Team 25503 took home the Sharon ONeal Award for Best System Software and Design and a $1,000 prize at the second Winter Craig M. Berge Design Day.