SoSe23 Skills // Useless Machines - race it break it fix it²

In this course, simple prototypes of electrically powered vehicles for cargo and passenger transport were designed and built. The emphasis was placed on implementing individual ideas and programming the drive and control components.

To facilitate this, all participants received a kit consisting of a standard 8.5" hoverboard (2x400W motors, battery, electronics), two Arduino microcontrollers, gamepads and Arduino radio modules.

In the first part, everyone had to build a simple radio-controlled functional model capable of carrying a payload of 20 kg. In this part, the design was meant to be determined solely by functionality.

In the second part, a vehicle for passenger transport was constructed based on the insights gained. The focus was on implementing one's own ideas regarding the vehicle's characteristics, including design, driving dynamics and steering.

At the end of each part, a race with all the vehicles was held on campus, with a small award ceremony, champagne and trophies.

The course was conducted in collaboration with Daniel Scheidler from the Chair of Materials and Environment.

Lecturer: Dipl.-Des. Timm Burkhardt