APC (Autonomous Platform Cup)

The APC team builds and integrates our autonomous platform vehicle for the Formula Student AI Autonomous Platform Cup — a competition category where teams design their own driverless vehicles equipped with AI computers, sensors, and low-voltage electric powertrains to compete in FS-AI dynamic events.

Unlike the DDT category that retrofits a traditional Formula Student car, our APC entry is purpose-built for autonomous racing from the ground up.

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Focus Areas

• Vehicle design & build: Designing and constructing a purpose-built autonomous platform with low-voltage electric powertrain, meeting APC technical regulations.
• Sensor integration: Mounting and calibrating LiDAR, cameras, IMU, and other sensors on the APC vehicle.
• AI system integration: Integrating the autonomy stack (perception, SLAM, planning & control) onto the vehicle hardware.
• Safety systems: Implementing emergency braking, remote shutdown (RES), and other safety-critical systems required by competition rules.

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Practices

• Regulation compliance: Ensuring the vehicle meets all IMechE APC technical rules including wheelbase, braking, and powertrain requirements.
• Test-driven development: Validating systems in simulation and controlled test environments before competition.
• Cross-team collaboration: Working closely with Perception, SLAM, and all other subteams to integrate the full autonomy stack onto the APC vehicle.