Seagate Technology (Thailand) Limited, is cooperating with the Thai Robotics Society (TRS), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Society of Automotive Engineers Thailand (SAE Thailand) to organize the Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge 2008. The contest provides opportunities for university students to take part in building an “unmanned intelligent vehicle.”
The Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge 2008, will hold the preliminary round in April and the finals in June at the Bangkok Racing circuit. This is the second annual contest that uses technologies such as robotics, mechanics and computers in a challenge to move an unmanned vehicle in a predetermined direction at the highest speed and the longest distance. All vehicles that take part in the contest will be equipped with Seagate EE25 Seriesิ hard disc drives, which are specially designed for the rugged demands of automobiles and other extreme environments. After the contest, each team has to show the tracking data on the vehicle speed, stops and more.
“This contest is very challenging for Thai students, who will need to apply many principles and practices to build the vehicle that can run autonomously in an open environment,” said Jeffrey D. Nygaard, vice president and country manager of Seagate’s Thailand Operations. “In addition to honing their technical skills, students will develop critical teamwork, reasoning and other skills that are essential to any successful career in our digital economy.”
Interested applicants may apply from now until February 22. Thai nationals studying for their bachelors’ degree or higher are eligible for the competition. Each team should consist of up to 10 students and three advisors. Applicants may download the registration forms and search for more information about rules and regulations at www.trs.or.th.
The Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge 2008 consists of three rounds of selection procedures including the technical papers qualifications, the preliminary round and the final round contests. The selection of technical papers is the consideration of details in the unmanned intelligent vehicle design. Such report should contain the detailed
information on types of vehicles, engines, sensors, system control, emergency braking techniques and contest strategies.
In the preliminary round, contestants need to develop the unmanned intelligent vehicle so that it moves with the highest speed and covers the longest distance. Eight finalist teams will be awarded the development fund of 50,000 baht per team.
In the final round, a vehicle must negotiate all hazards, re-plan for alternate routes, and avoid static and dynamic obstacles while completing a complex, multi-part mission. The vehicle that performs with the highest speed and the longest distance is the winner.
The preliminary round contest will be held in on April 2. The final round contest will be held on June 4. The winning team will receive cash prize of 300,000 baht. More information about the contest can be found at http://tivc.ait.ac.th/
Assistant Professor Dr. Jackrit Suthakorn, president of the Thai Robotics Society, said the event will not only help prepare students for developing an “unmanned intelligent vehicle” but will also give them valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills that can help them in their future careers.
Dr. Jackrit added: “This competition is a challenging activity for both advisor and students.” The advisor needs to play key roles in stimulating young innovators’ interests so that the students will be able to increase their academic abilities to the highest level of the current robotic contest. We are also thankful for the sponsorship of more than 2.5 million baht from Seagate, which recognizes the importance of university student development and continuous development of various robotic competitions.”
“AIT takes pride in cooperating with TRS, Seagate and the SAE Thailand to host the Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge 2008,” said Associate Professor Dr. Manukid Parnichkun, lecturer of Mechatronics field of study, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology. “The institute has coordinated with other universities in developing courses to drive the government’s vision in making Thailand the center of robotic engineering innovation of the future.”
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