Building the next-generation Eira off-road UGV
Background
Eira Systems is a Swedish start-up developing electrically powered unmanned ground vehicles for logistics, CASEVAC and other supporting missions in demanding off-road environments. Eira has developed and tested the full-scale Eira-X prototype and has now received a contract to develop the framework for a second-generation platform together with a major Swedish defence actor. Eira is based at The Yard in Lindholmen, Gothenburg.
A central part of the next-generation vehicle is the development of a modular wheel unit integrating the electric motor, suspension, braking and mechanical interfaces to the chassis. Of particular interest is the front wheel module, or complete front assembly, where suspension, steering, drivetrain and structural interfaces must be designed as one integrated system. The aim is to achieve a solution that combines good off-road mobility with low weight, robustness, serviceability and cost-effective production.
Goal description
The goal of the thesis is to investigate, design and evaluate the wheel module and front suspension architecture for Eira’s next-generation UGV platform, mostly by combining existing off-the-shelf solutions with proprietary components and software. The work may focus on:
- Mechanical integration: wheel motor, suspension and steering, including geometry, load paths, uprights, control arms and the chassis interface
- Vehicle dynamics: how the design affects kinematics, steering, weight transfer, traction, stability and off-road loads
- Wheel module: one module for every corner with good wheel protection, swapped in the field in minutes, e.g. through a standard interface to the motor controllers
- Front assembly: the most complex part, where suspension, steering, motors and structure must be designed as one system
- Rear assembly: optionally two identical wheel pairs, with tracks around the rear wheels
- Self-recovery: winch integration and a ground anchor for pulling out when there is no anchor point nearby
- Wiring and slide-out rack solution: electronics and batteries in a rack that slides out from the rear of the vehicle, with wiring and connectors designed so it comes out easily
The thesis can be broad or go deep into one topic, and we would love for you to bring your own ideas. Either way, we want the work to end up on the real vehicle, not only as concepts and simulations.
Student background
We require applicants to be curious, positive and ambitious and, because of our industry, citizens of a NATO or EU member state. Experience from Formula Student is a big plus. We assess applications on the following, in order of priority (attaching something for one of them is enough):
- Projects (school, hobby or work) in a related area
- Your personality and motivation for this project
- Merits
- Knowledge (your academic background and relevant courses)
Apply preferably before 1 November to andreas.munck@eirasystems.com.
NOTE: We have a few other proposals up in other areas also.