PACCAR

Autonomous Driver Vehicle Test Interface

PACCAR has a need to evaluate vehicle response from autonomous driver inputs, regardless of the autonomous driver system in use. PACCAR Technical Center (PTC) strives to develop a mechanical and electrical interface that would allow a human driver to act as the autonomous driver through a set of redundant controls inside the truck cabin. This student team will work to specify the human driver interface system components and design the mechanical interface to the truck cabin. Components required include an electronic steering wheel, throttle pedal, brake pedal, driver display and interface(Speedometer, turn signals, lights, wipers, etc.) and provisions for an electronic control unit mounting. The interface this student team will work to create should: - allow verification of controls response to lateral, longitudinal commands, and driver inputs (lights, turn signals, cleaning, etc.) - be capable of being installed in various PACCAR vehicles (Kenworth, Peterbilt) - be capable of being utilized by individuals of varying height, weight, gender, etc. - have durable and reliable components capable of withstanding Class 6-8 vehicle duty cycles - have a realistic, comfortable, and intuitive driver feel (e.g. not computer game) General Schedule: Background and ideation - 4 weeks, Concept development - 4 weeks, Prototype development - 4 weeks, Prototype testing 8 to 12 weeks The outcome this student team will work to achieve includes: A physical prototype of the human driver interface system components and mechanical vehicle interface. Future year extension: Design the electrical/controls interface between the human driver control components and the autonomous vehicle platform.