Automated and Connected Driving Challenges

The MOOC "Automated and Connected Driving Challenges (ACDC)" introduces participants to some of the latest research challenges and provides the possibility to develop and test automated and connected driving functions step by step.

This module introduces students to current scientific challenges in the field of automated and connected driving. Students may subsequently write an independent research paper on these challenges in the module “Automated and Connected Driving Challenges – Research Project.” However, this is not mandatory. This module lays the theoretical and practical foundations that enable students to conduct their own research in the field of automated and connected driving. The scientific challenges presented are largely addressed in current national and international projects. Students thus have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with current research topics, contribute to them, and publish a scientific paper.

In this module, students acquire skills in the following areas:

• Function development for automated and connected vehicles,
• Programming in Python and C++,
• Development of software modules for the Robot Operating System,
• Artificial intelligence, deep learning, neural networks,
• Sensor data processing (camera, lidar, ...),
• environment modeling (data filtering, data fusion, object tracking),
• behavior planning (route planning, maneuver planning, trajectory planning),
• cooperative and connected driving.

Knowledge and Understanding: Students can

• identify and explain current scientific challenges in the field of automated and connected driving.
• identify and explain the key functions of automated and connected vehicles.
• explain how different software modules interact in automated and connected vehicles.
• explain the role of AI technology in automated and connected vehicles.
• identify and explain the basic functioning of the Robot Operating System.

Skills and Competencies: Students

• are able to contribute to current scientific challenges in the field of automated and connected driving.
• can program functions for automated and connected driving in C++ and Python.
• can integrate the functions they have developed into the Robot Operating System.
• can train neural networks, e.g., using TensorFlow.
• are able to evaluate the functions they have developed.

Recommended Prerequisites:

• Basic programming experience (Python, C++)
• Basic experience with Linux

The two-level mutual trust-based quality assurance scheme has been adopted:

• at the university level: RWTH Aachen has applied its internal quality assurance procedures and structures to the proposal of Automated and Connected Driving Challenges it submitted to ENHANCE and to its implementation - the related learning activities,
• at the Alliance level: the body composed of Education Officers has made decisions regarding the inclusion of Automated and Connected Driving Challenges proposed by RWTH Aachen to the Innovative Learning Campus part of the joint ENHANCE educational offer, based on the compliance with the formal requirements and ENHANCE goals.

The course grade results 100% from the exam grade.

Registration deadlines:

• Winter Semester (October 1 to March 31): Registration open from August 1 to 31

How to register + enroll:

1) Create an account and register at the Incoming Students Online Portal within the above mentioned deadlines. Fill out the form “Application: Non-Exchange Incoming Students” and choose the Program “ENHANCE Virtual Mobility.” Please consult our Guidelines for Registration for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application based on your selected courses.

2) Upon successful registration, you will receive an Admission Letter and a guideline “How to enroll”.

Required documents:

• Certificate of Enrollment at ENHANCE Partner university *
• Copy of passport

3) Enrolling is only possible with an Admission Letter. Deadlines:

• Winter Semester (October 1 to March 31): Enrollment open from August 1 to September 20

4) After successful enrollmen, register for your ENHANCE Online Course via RWTHonline.

Please note: RWTH students can regularly register via RWTHonline, but need to check with their examination board, whether recognition is possible.

* If your home university is not part of the ENHANCE Alliance, or your home university does not even have a partnership agreement with RWTH, you may contact the Incoming Student Services Team to inquire whether admission for Virtual Mobility is possible.

Important note: Participants of this MOOC will receive an individual voucher for cost-free quizzes and an official Certificate at the end. However, this voucher will only be handed out after the above describe admission procedure. A self-enrollment via EdX only does not include a Voucher.

Recognition: We recommend checking with your local examination board at your home university, whether recognition is possible.