Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Institute

The Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Institute (AVMI) advances research in modeling, control, and testing of autonomous and manned vehicles for harsh terrain and adversarial environments. Supporting the U.S. Army GVSC, AVMI collaborates with government, NATO, academia, and industry, and extends its work to systems like rovers, tractors, and off-road machinery.

During my time at the lab, I contributed to both mechanical design improvements and ongoing research efforts focused on vehicle autonomy. One of my key tasks involved addressing a persistent issue in the gear reduction system—the gasket in use was prone to wear and failure under heavy loads and extended testing conditions. After researching alternative materials and analyzing the system’s mechanical constraints, I designed a new gasket using a more resilient and heat-resistant material that could better withstand the stresses of off-road vehicle operation. This change not only improved sealing and durability but also reduced the frequency of system maintenance and failures during testing.

Another challenge I worked on was the wheel speed sensor, which was giving inconsistent readings due to misalignment and vibration. I conducted a detailed review of the mounting setup and ultimately redesigned both the housing and the attachment bracket. The new design stabilized the sensor, improved alignment, and incorporated vibration-dampening features to ensure more accurate and consistent speed data—an essential input for the robot's navigation and control systems.

Currently, I’m part of a team building a high-fidelity driving simulator to replicate the experience of operating the lab’s off-road autonomous ground robot. This simulator aims to provide an extremely immersive experience, incorporating real-time terrain interaction, vehicle dynamics, and operator controls to mirror real-world driving conditions. It's being developed using game engine software integrated with robotics middleware to create a seamless simulation environment. The project serves multiple purposes: it offers a safe and cost-effective platform for testing autonomous algorithms, supports human-in-the-loop experimentation, and provides a training environment for future operators. This effort requires collaboration across disciplines, including mechanical design, software integration, and control systems, and has allowed me to further develop my skills in systems engineering and user-focused design.

Mobility Experience

I contributed to various projects at the Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Institute Lab, enhancing my skills in autonomous systems and vehicle technologies.

Focused on innovative mobility solutions.

Lab

Research and Development

Mobility Lab

2021 - 2023

Worked on cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicle technologies and mobility solutions.

Project Contributions

Mobility Institute

2020 - 2021

Engaged in collaborative projects focusing on enhancing autonomous vehicle functionalities and user experience.