VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge
VDI ADC finally entered the 2. round
With the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge (VDI ADC), the young talent competition for autonomous driving model cars on a scale of 1:8, ambitious teams were finally be able to show again on May 20 what potential lies in modified RC model cars. After the successful start in March 2020 and last year's Corona forced break, 5 Teams took the challenge competed against each other on the "Campus of Ideas - Accenture Office" in Munich, the new base of the main sponsor of the VDI ADC 2022.
The racetrack was located in the 312 m² Campus Max, a light-flooded hall with a room height of two stories, equipped with an oversized video wall. After an exciting day of competition, the winner was Team IFM Racing from Kempten University of Applied Sciences. And although there could only be one first place in the end, we see winners in all participants who mastered this challenge.
Are you ready for the next challenge in autonomous driving competitions?
Compete with other teams from all over Germany in challenging tasks, prove yourself before the eyes of a top-class jury of experts and establish valuable contacts with renowned representatives from industry and science as well as attractive sponsor companies at the following get together.
We are already looking forward to the next VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge. Stay tuned.
Congratulations to the winning team IFM Racing
from Kempten University of Applied Sciences! You did a great job an defended the title 🔥 😃
With bits and bytes on the race track
Report from Fritz Münzel
On May 20, 2022, at the Campus of Ideas in Munich, the young talent competition in the field of autonomous driving, the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge (VDI ADC), finally entered the next round. Five teams from all over Germany thrilled the audience with their modified RC model cars during the all-day competition and showed what is possible in the field of autonomous driving in the miniature range.
Every competition needs rules and regulations. For the ADC, the VDI Bezirksverein München Ober- und Niederbayern (VDI District Association Munich Upper and Lower Bavaria) has drawn up a comprehensive set of rules which, on 36 pages, not only defines the course and the various judging disciplines, but also sets out technical parameters for the model cars [1].
The key point is the use of a particular design of the Japanese Kyosho, which has been on the market for a long time and has a well service network in Europe. With this a whole host of technical parameters have already been defined, from the engine power and the sensors to the on-board computer and the operating software, taking into account the latest state of the art. The drive motor alone, with a maximum output of just under 150 W is already astonishing. The organizer wanted to prevent with this standardization that the competing teams don't run up to the cost-intensive material battle for better technical equipment such as engine power, tires, batteries, etc. A certain version of NVIDIA is prescribed as the on-board computer, for which there are already a lot of programs for image evaluation from the industrial sector. But the teams were allowed to deviate from the standard equipment, as long as the performance of the variant is not greater than that of the standard solution. Thus one finds also the use of the microcomputer from Arduino, which is very common and for which a large number of software solutions exists. As basic software ROS had to be used, a standardized control software, as it is also used in "real" autonomous driving cars. On this basis, the participants could create their own software modules. The design of these modules contributed significantly to the success of the project.
In a first evaluation, the "static discipline", the teams had to present their solutions and take part in the discussion. A total of five teams competed in six disciplines (see table). The individual disciplines were weighted differently. Faultless parking and driving on time were rated very highly, less important was the acceleration race and the pursuit race. The discipline "Overtaking" was not actually planned, but the participants during the competition choosed to try it anyway with some amazing results, which were astonishing and were met with great applause.
All participants gave their best, but only one can win, and that was the team from Kempten University of Applied Sciences. The secret of their success lay not so much in individual perfect sequences, as rather in the experience of the participants
in control engineering and robotics as well as from the successful participation in the last ADC. In the pursuit race, however, the group had to accept the deduction of points, because the control loop that defines the distance to the vehicle in front was probably set a little too sharp. And so their Porsche pushed it a few times. Could this be the first step toward more fun with autonomous driving? Maybe for some drivers but the deduction of points in the real life is rather painful.
Source:
[1] www.vdi-adc.de/fileadmin/sn_config/ mediapool_vdi/bilder/bezirksverein/doc/VDIADC-Reglement_v7.pdf
Impressions from the 2nd VDI ADC
These teams were competeting on May 20
Team SAM, University of Applied Sciences Munich
Team SAM from the Munich University of Applied Sciences starts with the four participants: Christof Huber, Killian Renn, Benjamin Vanni Jasin Barud. The team is supervised by Prof. Dr. Lars Wischhof
Team Taco, University of Applied Sciences Offenburg
Team Taco from the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg with the six participants: Franka Weirich, Arian Braun, Anton Kesy, Rico Schillings, Etienne Muser, Dominik Friedrich.
The team is supervised by Prof. Dr. Klaus Dorer
Team UDEmobil, University of Duisburg-Essen
Team UDEmobil from the University of Duisburg-Essen starts with the four participants: Alexander Hoffman, Yannik Thelen, Tom Schickel, Simon Krämer.
The team is supervised by Prof. Dr. Frédéric Etienne Kracht
Team IFM, University of Applied Sciences Kempten
Team IFM - Racing from the IFM - Institute for Driver Assistance and Connected Mobility, University of Applied Sciences Kempten, with the two participants: Bonifaz Stuhr, Johann Haselberger.
The team is supervised by Prof. Bernhard Schick.
Team ADC, University of Applied Sciences Bochum
Team ADC from the University of Applied Sciences Bochum Campus Velbert / Heiligenhaus with the four participants: Sven Wallner, Rene Schirm, Kilian Wittke, Jan Weber. Team picture follows.
The team is supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Lemmen
Empowering real talent
The task of the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge is to built or to modify a model car of scale 1:8 to handle self-driving scenarios that are based on problems in real life as well as on racing events. In this challenge, model cars will autonomously run through a race track that features a pit stop allowing traffic-anlogue maneuvres like parking or taking higway exits.
While this race format provides a brand-new challenge in the field of autonomous-driving competitions, the racing spirit will promote new and innovative solutions. How much can an algoritm push the boundaries of the model car driving through a curve in terms of speed and hitting the optimal apex?
We encourage you to participate in the contest! To compete in the challenge, the cars will have to master:
- Driving autonomously through a racetrack
- Completing a variety of parking tasks
- Communicating with other participants (Connected Driving)
The concept of the competition
At the interface between real motorsport, robotics and automation, the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge gives young engineers the opportunity to acquire scientific and technical skills in a competitive environment, to exchange professional knowledge and to gain new experience - and all this with a lot of team spirit and without any risk for occupants or spectators. Evaluated by an independent jury of experts from science and industry, they also strengthen their self-confidence in their individual creative power.
Automation and electrification of vehicles represent a profound change in social life. For our society and the progress of sustainable technology, it is therefore fundamental to introduce young people to key topics such as these as early as possible, in order to give them the space to approach the technological challenges of the future in a playful way.
The VDI Association of German Engineers has set itself ambitious goals with the Autonomous Driving Challenge. It creates a platform for young people and students, through which social and professional skills can develop and technology is promoted. At the same time, students are given the opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people in an international environment and to make initial contacts with associated companies.
About the Challenge
Eligible for participation are teams of two to six members. We encourage you to participate from whatever faculty or country your team is from. Besides to the costs of components and a security deposit of 100 € for the event (that will be refunded after participation), the competition is free of charge. We don‘t necessary require having a supervising professor, but we encourage getting support from your respective institution.
Division into two classes
The challenge is divided in two main cups. While the idea of the VDI Supercup is providing a nearly unconstrained environment for development, the concept of the VDI Cup is to compare mainly the programming while using a predefined platform that is equal for every team. Ready-to-use car kits are available for the Cup and Supercup, please contact us. Refer to the Technical and Sporting Regulations of the VDI ADC for more details.
VDI Supercup
VDI Cup
- Most components can be freely selected
- Constrains apply on size and appearance
- Programming, laptime and hardware choices contribute to score
- Hardware platform is predefined
- Programming makes the difference
- Only programming and results contribute to the score
What exactly are the tasks?
Static Challenges
The teams will have the opportunity to demonstrate concepts and ideas used in the model car to the jury. The concept will be judged in three categories:
- Software concept
- Component choice and hardware concept (VDI Supercup-specific)
- Design and sensor integration
Dynamic Challenges
- Racing – All disciplines are inspired by the thrill of real-life motorsport. We believe that motorsport can push new develpoments, as the competition between the teams poses an incentive to improve. In lap record, teams will have try to reach the fastest lap time while having a limited time on the race track. In time trial the car that manges to perform the most laps in a limited amount of time will win. In individual pursuit, two cars on opposing sides of a small symetric track will try to reach each other.
- Parking – The task lies in finding a parking space, performing the parking maneuver as well as exiting while checking for colliding traffic. The task is performed on the pitlane of the racetrack.
- Connected Drive – All disciplines will be initiated by a wi-fi signal from the race management
Last Event
On 13 March 2020 the first edition of the newly created challenge in the field of autonomous-driving competitions 'VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge' took place. A team from the University of Applied Sciences Munich and one from the University of Applied Sciences Kempten took up the challenge of participating.
The circuit artfully meanders through the sun-drenched foyer of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The race track at the venue is very close to reality with its hairpin bends, chicanes and acceleration straights.
About the competition day
First of all, the teams have to face the top-class jury with the presentation of the vehicle concept (technical implementation, choice and installation of the components, justification of the choice of the software codes and algorithms). Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Markus Krug (HS Munich), the judges are Dr. Eric Wahl (Porsche), Dr. Daniel Kürschner (AVL S&F), Dominik Reif (Schäffler), Prof. Dr. habil. Alfred Schöttl (HS Munich) and Markus Frey, Managing Director of the main sponsor, Zielpuls GmbH from Munich, will evaluate the concepts presented.
In the afternoon, the dynamic tasks will begin with autonomous parking in and out. Remarkable here is the fast and error-free reaction of the vehicles as soon as other road users appear. The acceleration race, in which the reaction time and maximum performance on the 10-meter long straight test track is crucial, is won by the team from Kempten with a fantastic time of 1.5 seconds.
The audience highlight is then the race against time, where the fastest line choice and best traction are the deciding factors. Also on the race track the team "Adrive Living Lab" from Kempten can convince, after SAM unfortunately retired with a technical defect. Under great applause, Bonifaz Stuhr, Felix Treuer, Holger Link, Johann Haselberger and Dominik Schneider win the VDI ADC winner's trophy and a one-year VDI membership.
Do you have what it takes?
Are you interested in being a part of the competition? Submit your application now!
To participate, please add to your application:
- The name of your university
- The name of your team
- The names of the participants and supervisors
- A picture of your team
- Which competition class is chosen
Rules and evaluation
The evaluation of most dynamic disciplines is based on objective criteria like lap times. In disciplines like parking the jury uses subjective measures like the aesthetic of the maneuver as well.
Refer to the regulations for further details on performance evaluation. There, you will find everything you need to know about the rules, the disciplines technical details of the track. The regulations are subject to change, as further questions from teams arise.
Get in touch
Coordination and Planning
"Do you need help with the registration or are there any other questions left? Do not hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you", Kristina
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kristina Wolf. She is supporting all organizational matters concearning the VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge around Prof. Dr. Peter Pfeffer, deputy chairman of the VDI District Munich Association of Munich, Upper and Lower Bavaria and Prof. Markus Krug, HS Munich.
You would like tot get in touch? Just drop a mail to adc@vdi-sued.de
About VDI - The Association of German Engineers
VDI - The Association of German Engineers, is a German technical and scientific association. With 145,000 engineers as members, the VDI is the largest technical and scientific association in Europe.
The VDI District Association of Munich, Upper and Lower Bavaria
The VDI District Association of Munich, Upper and Lower Bavaria (short: VDI Munich) with its over 11,500 members the link to the VDI members at local level.
With more than 300 events on current technical topics each year the VDI district association Munich offers the local platform for engineers to exchange expert knowledge and experience in personal contact. There are 20 VDI working groups on different topics, as well as five VDI district groups in Upper and Lower Bavaria and three VDI divisions in Austria.
The commitment of the VDI district association with its more than 100 volunteers reflects the entire range of engineering know-how. The district association is also VDI Circle of Friends Italy.
The management and orientation of the VDI District Association is in the hands of the board of directors, which is supported significantly in its implementation by the advisory board of volunteers as well as the office team. In the annual general meetings, the work done and planned is monitored and generally approved.
Here you can find out more about the VDI district association of Munich, Upper and Lower Bavaria
VDI Autonomous Driving Challenge 2022 powered by
