DIN A4 Ground Effect Autonomous Vehicle
Direct successor to Crazy Car started 8 months ahead! Features 13 kg ground-effect downforce cushion on a 2 kg chassis, Bugatti-like launch acceleration and STM32H7 Model Predictive Control (MPC).
Project Timeline & Milestones
Directly applying lessons from our Graz Crazy Car experience, we started the 2027 competition vehicle 8 months ahead. Pitching our technical concept secured €400 in component sponsorship for high-torque motors, sensors and power electronics.
We partly designed the CAD model in SolidEdge and worked out a comprehensive development plan. The rest of the detailed CAD modeling and physical assembly will be completed afterwards.
Developing Model Predictive Control (MPC) in MATLAB/Simulink deployed to an STM32H7 dual-core MCU @ 480 MHz. Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors detect opponents dynamically to adjust racing lines and secure victory in 2027.
1. Aerodynamic Ground Cushion & Explosive Acceleration
Because competition tracks feature technical, tight turns where acceleration is far more critical than raw top speed, we optimized the vehicle for explosive launch acceleration (capped at 18 km/h). An active ground-effect fan creates a 13 kg downward suction cushion against the track surface, preventing wheelspin and allowing maximum torque delivery.
2. Model Predictive Control (MPC) & ToF Opponent Avoidance
Using MATLAB/Simulink code generation, a Model Predictive Controller runs on the STM32H7 microcontroller to estimate vehicle trajectory along the circuit. Integrated Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensors detect opponent vehicles in real time, calculating evasive racing line offsets while preserving optimal speed.
Project Media, Code & CAD Assets
SolidEdge 3D CAD concept models, aerodynamic skirt layouts and component packaging schematics.
