3D-Printed Autonomous Vehicle Rolls onto Campus
Engineering360 News Desk | August 13, 2015Researchers from the University of Michigan have made a 3D-printed self-driving car, called the “SmartCart.”
Researchers at the University of Michigan will develop autonomous capabilities for this 3-D printed low-speed electric vehicle that's manufactured by Arizona technology company Local Motors. The screen in the background shows a laser scan of the room. Image credit: Local MotorsThe entire car is not printed using 3D technology; the power train, which is similar to a golf cart’s, is manufactured traditionally.
However, most other parts were printed by Arizona-based Local Motors.
"The goal of SmartCarts is for us to begin understanding the challenges of a transportation-on-demand system built around autonomous cars," says Edwin Olson, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science.
The researchers say that printing in 3D is a faster alternative to traditional manufacturing methods and can enable more efficient prototyping of experimental technologies, such as self-driving cars.
The vehicle is designed to operate in environments such as airports or university campuses instead of roads. A prototype is being tested at the University of Michigan. The research team is working to develop autonomy and a mobile interface for the vehicle.
Local Motors says it hopes to begin sales of 3D-printed cars that are more like golf carts in 2016. It also hopes to open 100 "microfactories" around the world, where parts can be printed for local communities and companies.
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