WHAT: Self-driving model cars designed and built by Florida Polytechnic University students who are enrolled in the University’s first “Autonomous Systems and Self-Driving Vehicles” course will race in an exciting, Grand Prix-style final exam.
The exam will take place on Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. inside the Innovation Science and Technology (IST) Building on the Florida Poly campus in Lakeland.
Three teams of students will test the self-driving model vehicles they’ve spent the semester engineering on two challenging courses inside the IST Building. Before the exam, students will practice and map the courses using simultaneous mapping and location (SLAM) technology. Once the exam begins at 2 p.m., each car will be required to drive the course on its own demonstrating fast autonomous navigation in complex environments.
WHO: Dr. Dean Bushey, Autonomous Systems course professor; various students who took the course.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, Noon – 3 p.m.
Noon – 2 p.m.: Students will map the Simultaneous Mapping Location (SLAM)
2 – 3 p.m.: Final Exam Grand Prix
WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University
IST Building –First-floor Commons –Room 1067/1068
4700 Research Way
Lakeland, Fla. 33805-8531
VISUALS:
Autonomous model vehicles, engineered by students, racing the two courses; Interviews and photo opportunities with Dr. Bushey and students.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. Dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the University blends applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Faculty experts at Florida Polytechnic University provide insightful analysis, opinions and comments about a broad range of STEM and higher education subjects. To connect with Florida Poly faculty, click here. The campus, located in Lakeland, Fla. along the I-4 High Tech Corridor, opened for classes in the fall of 2014.
