Autonomous racecar program

The Science Buskers is delighted to introduce the Autonomous RACECAR (Rapid Autonomous Complex Environment Competing Ackermann steeRing) program, supported by the Broadcom Foundation, and based on the Autonomous RACECAR program , designed and offered by the Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Driverless vehicle technology has been growing at an exponential pace. The Autonomous RACECAR program gives students the opportunity to explore driverless vehicle technology, collaborate, and demonstrate fast autonomous navigation through the researching, programming and assembling of a RACECAR which will be able to autonomously run through a racetrack with a certain set of parameters and obstacles. 

This year we are offering the program to five teams each with 5 members. Students will be guided by both virtual and in-person instructors throughout the program. Students in the program will have free access to BWSI's Python Core course, an optional Python training that students can choose to take before starting Autonomous RACECAR. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with Broadcom Inc engineers who develop some technologies used in driverless vehicles.

We start with introductory programming and work to machine vision and control algorithms to code an autonomous model car. Teams will program and assemble the RACECAR as they prepare for the final race which will be held on 27 July 2023 at the Africa Science Buskers Festival in a racetrack. The racetrack will have a variety of challenges that will require that a range of behaviours be implemented to allow the vehicle to make high-level decisions based on visual perception in order to complete the track. 

Program duration: 3 months (starting in April)

Age of participants: 13 – 18 years old

Prerequisite: None

How to Register: Registration may be submitted by teachers or tech/science club leaders only. We encourage students who want to participate in the tournament to appeal to their teachers or tech/science club leaders.

Teachers or tech/science club leaders need to out the interest form below to get started.