Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
autonomous campus shuttle
brief
An autonomous shuttle designed for a closed-loop campus environment, featuring an open-air configuration with optional light rain protection.
The project prioritized low development cost through the use of off-the-shelf components (steering, seating, wheels, lighting), combined with a simple, boxy form language to reduce manufacturing complexity.
A key requirement was easy access to the control module, enabling hardware upgrades and software development for autonomous driving research and competition.
Designer: Daniel Cheong | CAS Modeler: Kentaro Kaneko
Project Development
From the outset, the team proposed a symmetrical vehicle architecture, allowing the front and rear body panels to be shared in order to minimize tooling and production costs. The only differentiation was the lower bumper insert, which required a unique design at the front to accommodate air intake needs.
In line with the cost and manufacturability goals, the initial design emphasized clean, straight, and boxy surfaces with minimal curvature, reducing fabrication complexity.
As the project progressed, the design team worked closely with engineering to strike a balance between cost efficiency and visual appeal. While maintaining the project's practical constraints, subtle plan-view curves were gradually introduced to soften the overall form and improve the vehicle’s aesthetic quality without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Design sketches
Canvas Rain Cover
interior sketches
Control modules can be accessed by opening the IP cover, allowing diagnostics and updates to be performed easily.
The IP is designed with ease of manufacturing and cost efficiency in mind. A simple extruded frame forms the foundation of the IP while also providing structural integrity.
Outcome
The project was successfully completed and later selected as the platform vehicle for student participation in an autonomous driving programming competition, demonstrating both its practical design and adaptability for educational and experimental use.