Thesis worker - Strategic and Trajectory control of a self-driving bike

Thesis Work at Volvo Cars 

Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. All thesis projects are arranged in business critical areas and therefore you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one!

 

Background

In a research project, self-driving bikes are developed with the purpose to be used in test-driving experiments where vehicles’ safety systems for bike safety are tested. Among others, Volvo Cars, Autoliv, Magna, and AstaZero are partners in the project. The goal is to have the bicycle driving pre-defined trajectories carrying a dummy to look as similar as possible as a real biker to the vehicle’s sensor system. Several bikes have been built, and the basic functionality has been validated. Next step is to evaluate the bikes in more realistic manoeuvres in connection with several test objects.

 

Scope

 

A validation test is typically defined by that several objects, for example, a vehicle and a biker, follow well-defined trajectories so that it can be tested if the sensor system of the vehicle detects the bike. For a test to be valid and repeatable, the trajectories must be followed very accurately. More specifically the following tasks should be covered:

 

• Define benchmarks trajectories, for example going straight and then wiggling. The rate of wiggling should be scalable so that one can scale from simple tests to more advanced ones. 
• Evaluate present functionalities of the bike on the defined trajectories. • Modify control algorithms if necessary. 
• Comparison tests of autonomous bike with dummy and real bike from sensor perspective 
• Validate, and possibly, improve the positioning system of the bike. 
• Validate on test-site track.

 

We are searching for one or two highly motivated students from the master program in Systems, Control and Mechatronics or a student with a similar background. Experience of real time control, programming and electronic design and building is of value. Having a driving-license is an advantage.

 

What you´ll bring 

 

The master students will cooperate with experienced engineers to develop parts of the next generation of vehicle technology. You will work with basic theory from several engineering disciplines such as mechanics, signal processing, control, and software engineering. You will implement algorithms in real-time hardware and perform driving tests together with engineers from Volvo Cars at the test site AstaZero.
Educational profile: Automation and Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technical design, Technical physics, Technical Matematics and Global systems

Area: Electronic design, Mechatronic design

 

Duration

• The work will start in Jan/2023 to be discussed
• The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.
• 30 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
• This thesis is to be conducted by 2 Students working in pair. 

 

Be part of the change – apply today!

We’d love to receive and review your application. Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your CV and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials.
 
Apply as soon as possible but no later than 2023-12-20
 Please note that applications via email will not be accepted.
If you want more information about the project or simply learn a bit more about the team, please reach out to:

Manager, 96310 at  sofia.skold @volvocars.com
Supervisor, 96310 at carina.bjornsson@volvocars.com
 

Who are we?

Everything we do starts with people. Our purpose is to provide freedom to move, in a personal, sustainable and safe way. We are committed to simplifying our customers’ lives by offering better technology solutions that improve their impact on the world and bringing the most advanced mobility innovations to protect them, their loved ones and the people around them. 

Volvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. The people of Volvo Cars are committed to making a difference in our world. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. We believe in bringing out the best in each other and harnessing the true power of people. At Volvo Cars your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential. Join us on a journey of a lifetime