Dual electric and mechanical steering and braking for a 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.
Our vehicle steers and brakes electrically, controlled remotely or by the autonomy stack. If the electrical system fails, a person must still be able to steer and brake the vehicle by hand, so it can be pushed or towed home.
Goal description
The goal of the thesis is to design and build steering and braking systems that work both electrically and mechanically, so that a person on site can take over when the electrical system fails. The work can take one of three directions:
- Steering: a steering rack driven by our steering actuator, with a steering wheel that works without power
- Braking: electric brakes with a mechanical backup that works without power, and a manual release so the vehicle can be towed
- Retrofit kit: a complete steering and braking solution for converting existing vehicles to unmanned operation
The switch to manual control must be seamless, without the actuators fighting the person. The work is tested on a rig first, then on our vehicle.
We have a full-scale UGV you can test on, and we are developing the next generation right now. We currently have two CubeMars steering actuators, and we buy whatever else you need. We would love for you to bring your own ideas, and we will support you in shaping the project around them.
Student background
We require applicants to be curious, positive and ambitious and, because of our industry, citizens of a NATO or EU member state. 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)
NOTE: We have a few other proposals up in other areas also.
Apply preferably before 1 November to andreas.munck@eirasystems.com.