Automotive sponsorships
At OxTS, we always want automotive engineers to do the best work possible. We are proud of our involvement in many different competitions and initiatives around the world.
Below is an overview of the initiatives we are involved with:
AutoDrive Challenge / EcoCAR Mobility Challenge / Oxford Brookes Racing Autonomous / TUfast
AutoDrive Challenge
What is the AutoDrive Challenge?
Eight US university teams are tasked with developing and demonstrating a full autonomous driving passenger vehicle.
The technical goal of the competition is to navigate an urban driving course in an automated driving mode as described by SAE Standard (J3016) level 4 definition by year three.
OxTS’ involvement:
OxTS took on the role of Official Supplier in 2019, contributing to the competition scoring.
OxTS provide each team with a full complement of measuring equipment, including an RT3000 GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS), an RT-Range S and an RT-XLAN radio unit.
A full installation and technical support package was also provided for the duration of the competition.
Related news:
EcoCAR Mobility Challenge
What is the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge?
The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge (EcoCAR) is the latest US Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series.
The four-year competition challenges eleven university teams to apply advanced propulsion systems, as well as connected and automated vehicle technology to improve the energy efficiency, safety and consumer appeal of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer – Specifically for the carsharing market.
OxTS’ involvement:
Since 2020, when OxTS became an Official Supplier, we have been providing each team with a full complement of measuring equipment, including an RT3000 GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS). Teams use this equipment throughout the academic year as they prepare for the annual competition.
Specifically, teams generate ground truth reference data with this equipment, which they use to calibrate perception system sensors and refine sensor fusion algorithms. At the annual competition, their progress is assessed across a series of dynamic challenges. The output from OxTS’ RT3000 is used in this scoring.
Related news:
Oxford Brookes Racing Autonomous
Who are OBR Autonomous?
Formed in 2018, OBR Autonomous aim to develop highly precise self driving systems for the Formula Student race cars.
OxTS’ involvement:
OBR Autonomous are using the industry-leading OxTS RT1003 inertial navigation system, provided by Datron Technology, to validate and benchmark the performance of their own localisation systems, and assist in the generation of ‘digital twins’ of the vehicle and test track in a simulated environment.
This has allowed Oxford Brookes University to compete strongly in the 2020 Formula Student UK: Artificial Intelligence (DDT class) – placing an unprecedented 1st in design, 1st in business, 1st in the new autonomous simulation event and 4th in real world autonomous driving.
Related news:
TUfast
Every year, the students of the Technical University of Munich set out with the same goal: to build a new, superior TUfast race car.
Races take place across Europe throughout the year.
OxTS’ involvement:
OxTS and our partner, DTC Solutions, have sponsored TUfast since 2018.
OxTS provides an RT4003 Inertial Navigation System and Base Station to equip the autonomous racing car team with precise localization. This allows the team to map pre-planned routes and achieve real-time navigation, by combining speed and acceleration measurements.
