Autonomous Systems Technology

Students will learn about the fundamentals of ground-based autonomous technologies and their application in various industries such as, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and defense. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the system components that are required for autonomous operations on any machine or vehicle. Autonomous system safety requirements will also be covered during this class. (F)

Students will receive an introduction to some of the autonomous system control methods and algorithms used to operate a ground-based autonomous system. Control methods to be covered will include area mapping and lead/follow. A brief introduction to control logic methods and the PID algorithm will be covered during this course. Prerequisite: AST 103. (S)

Students will learn about various sensor systems used on autonomous platforms for positioning, movement, data collection, and other tasks, along with the basic scientific principles behind the respective sensor's operation. Sensing methods to be covered will include ultrasound, radar, color, vision, and global positioning. This class will include introductory hands-on sensor installation and commissioning exercises. Prerequisite: AST 101. (S)

Students will be introduced to basic data collection techniques and how this collected data is analyzed for use by autonomous equipment. (F)

In this course students will use the knowledge and skills obtained in their previous AST coursework to configure a small ground-based vehicle for autonomous operation. Students will be assigned a specific task for their vehicle to perform and will test their vehicle's ability to complete this task as determined by the instructor. (S)

A course designed to meet special departmental needs.