University of Groningen wins Self Driving Challenge 2023

For a circuit, these times may not be groundbreaking, but at the Self Driving Challenge, this feat is unprecedented. This competition organised by the RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority) challenges students to programme a self-driving, electric kart in such a way that it travels the track without human intervention. Six student teams participated this year, twice as many as last year. For the first time, the field of participants also featured master students (in addition to bachelor students), of which the Groningen team immediately took the top prize.

Even though they went home with silver, the University of Twente team was less successful. During qualifying, a day earlier, the omens seemed favourable and their vehicle completed an entire lap independently. However, this was not the case during the final race, where the kart even refused service. After a complete software reset, it started moving after all. With the metres driven, confidence increased, until in the dreaded chicane all hope was once again dashed. The kart came to a standstill in the verge. The Twente team reacted defeated, like an Olympian missing the podium. Yes, even autonomous driving is emotion.

The Rijksuniversiteit's success almost makes one forget that finishing is not a given. After all, last year no singleteam crossed the finish line, but the vehicle of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences from Zwolle covered the most metres. Although the defending champions did a lot more programming than their predecessors, a podium finish was not in the cards this year. Hanzehogeschool Groningen took the bronze medal, Rotterdam University came fourth, Windesheim fifth and The Hague University of Applied Sciences came last.

Compared to 2022, the karts were equipped with more technology. This year, for instance, teams had three front cameras, two more than the year before. Also new was the rotating LiDAR, an advanced sensor that self-driving cars are also equipped with. The extra cameras were well used, but the LiDAR was not deployed by any team. Thijmen Fellinger, former participant in the Self Driving Challenge and now software engineer at the RDW, explains. "That sensor is mainly meant for obstacle detection, but because driving a complete lap is already challenging enough, we chose not to apply any obstacles this year."

If it is up to Gerard Doll, Division Manager Vehicle, Regulation & Licensing at the RDW, these obstacles are definitely coming. "I also think the technology could be even more complex, with the addition of a radar sensor, for example." Why the RDW is organising this challenge? Doll: "This is the way for us to get to know a new generation of technical students, but also the perfect opportunity for students to learn about the world of self-driving vehicles. Developments in that field are moving at lightning speed, already two car manufacturers have submitted a self-driving model for inspection at the RDW." Speaking of development, what to expect at the next Self Driving Challenge? "We are thinking of an open class, in which other vehicles can also participate."

Finally, the floor belongs to the winners, who, as a grand prize, will soon meet R&D experts from Self Driving Challenge partner NXP. Emma Langeveld, spokesperson for team Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, has a tip for subsequent participants: keep it simple. With relatively simple line detection and video-controlled distance measurement, the team drove to victory.

The Groningers ended with a spectacular encore. Another clear round, this time in a higher gear. In doing so, although unofficially, they set a record time of 6 minutes and 32 seconds. So next year the teams will have something to bite into.

1. University of Groningen full lap of 8m06.
2. University of Twente to furthest point in 5m29.
3. Hanze University of Applied Sciences to furthest point in 5m40.
4. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences to furthest point in 2m27.
5. Windesheim University of Applied Sciences to furthest point in 2m02.
6. Haagse Hogeschool to furthest point in 0m31.