Mechanical Tools

The patent pending reactive sensory enclosure (RSE) helps Spirit's sensors "see" through sun glare, rain, and mud issues.

AMC devices are used for steering and have separate inputs for gas. brakes, and emergency systems.

EMC devices are the same type as those used by disabled drivers to control their cars.

GPS Tools

Team uses high-end GPS+IMU+DMI unit to help battle a myriad of race day reception issues. Spirit can drive autonomously without GPS!

Multiple GPS units allow Axion Racing to check signal strength and accuracy of each unit.

Spirit provides an indicator when GPS is unavailable.

FLIR Cameras

A FLIR camera is capable of determining temperature differences. It is a long wave fix mounted camera that helps identify various objects.

The FLIR video camera system works very well in dusty conditions. It can see water, dirt, grass, people, and other temperature producing obstacles.

Bumblebee

Cameras

Bumblebee is a classic stereo vision camera, with two high quality 1/3'' progressive scan CCD sensors. Team uses five stereo cameras around the race vehicle.

Good for visualization of obstacles for driving off-road. It sees what can be seen in non-dusty conditions.

RGB Cameras

The RGB cameras are CCD visual tools that help the team to find a variety of obstacles in the vehicle's path. It's especially useful in finding the road in front of the race vehicle.

Good for visualization of obstacles for driving off-road. It sees what can be seen in non-dusty conditions.

Computing Tools

Four Dell 2650 Servers are used for rack computing power.  Linux software is the standard operating system. This was the most computing power of any team at the 2004 Fontana QID!

Axion Racing uses Lab View, MySQL, Linux, and the team's patent pending AI code to quickly command the autonomous racing vehicle.

LADAR Sensors

LADAR sees grass, water, and rocks. It can also be utilized to identify other obstacle types.

This tool helps the Challenge Vehicle identify objects in front of the vehicle. The team uses both long and short range SICK LADAR units. 

Path  Planning Tools

Axion Racing uses satellite imagery, USGS/NASA maps, 3D mapping,  along with actual route measurements for autonomous path planning.

AI uses information to internally determine the quickest computed path from the first to last waypoint along any route driven by Spirit.

Sound Sensors

Sound wave processing systems are used to determine terrain, outside environment, and inside operations. 

Sound is an integral part of Spirit's "Black Box" system.

Helpful for providing inputs for future blind drivers of autonomous vehicles..