• Introduction to autonomous driving;
• World modelling and vehicle localization;
• Sensing, object detection, tracking and prediction;
• Object segmentation and classification based on deep learning;
• Path planning using ML;
• Vehicle control and interfacing;
• Fundamentals of ROS and Autoware framework;
• Map creation, perception mockup and planning simulation with rViz;
• Simulation fundamentals with Autoware and PixKit;
• Scenario creation, sensor data simulation and vehicle control verification with AWSim;
• Working with ROS nodes and launch configurations in the Autoware framework;
• Autoware codebase rebuild & redeploy: Perception, Planning, Control;
• Introduction to PixKit;
• PixKit setup: unboxing, physical setup and interfaces;
• PixKit operation and control fundamentals;
• PixKit digital twin instantiation with Autoware;
• Working and configuring PixKit sensors;
• Working and configuring PixKit vehicle interfaces;
• SW updating and redeploying on PixKit;
• PixKit scenarios simulation and verification;
• PixKit scenarios verification on a test track;

M1 – Introduction to autonomous driving

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Learn the key terminology, challenges, tool groups and current status of autonomous driving development.

Identify autonomous driving (AD) elements in a technical project management tabletop problem.

1 hour

M2 – World modelling

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Understand how the autonomous vehicle (AV) perceives and understands the world around it. Learn common sensor types, as well as the available detection and tracking algorithms including AI and ML. Learn the concepts of sensor fusion and vehicle localization.

Create a draft high-level architecture of a AV world modelling building blocks.

2 hours

M3 – Path planning and vehicle control

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Learn how vehicle learns to drive by determining the most appropriate path and positioning in the world around it. Understand the main actuation signals and interfaces to the powertrain.

Create a draft high-level architecture for the AV path planning and control blocks.

2 hours

M4 – Introduction to ROS and Autoware

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A hands-on introduction to setting up the development environment with ROS and Autoware under Linux, including the fully-furnished AV stack from AWF and PixMoving.

Install, set-up and build your first ROS + Autoware software with Hello World.

2 hours

M5 – World mapping and planning in Autoware

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Learn the map format and tools (rViz) used by Autoware with hands-on examples covering map creation, perception mockup and planning simulation.

Utilize rViz to set up the vehicle map and perform planning simulation on top of AWF codebase.

2 hours

M6 – Simulation and verification in Autoware with a vehicle digital twin

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A practical look at the concept of a vehicle digital twin, including its verification in the game-like simulated environment within the AWSim tool.

Hands-on installation and setup of AWSim with the PixKit codebase. Setting up scenarios. Simulating sensor data and creating custom sensors. Verifying vehicle behavior using the correct KPIs.

3 hours

M7 – Deep dive into Autoware

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Learn in-depth configuration of Autoware nodes within the perception, planning and control groups. Learn how to customize node configuration and existing code and create your own flavour of AV behavior.

Identify and edit/update the configuration and codebase of select Autoware nodes to modify important elements, such as detected object boundaries, vehicle attack path, powertrain actuation smoothness, and more.

3 hours

M8 – Setting up PixKit

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Get familiar with PixKit – a full-size EV chassis fully operated using Autoware. Learn to set up the physical vehicle and bring it to life with basic operation and control.

PixKit unboxing and physical setup until the vehicle “comes to life”.

4 hours

M9 – Programming PixKit with Autoware

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Learn how to instantiate PixKit within the Autoware framework, using all the necessary tools from AWF. Learn how to adjust and expand sensing and vehicle interface nodes for your specific use case.

Build the PixKit vehicle model within Autoware, then configure and simulate it using rViz and AWSim. Make select adjustments to the sensor and vehicle interface nodes and test those changes in the simulator.

2 hours

M10 – PixKit verification in simulation and on the test track

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Learn how to test PixKit, both in the simulated environment and on the test track. Learn how to identify potential issues and perform software (SW) updates for the vehicle.

First, set up exemplary simulation scenarios within AWSim and then on your test track. Verify the vehicle’s behavior for correctness. Perform exemplary code updates and learn how to redeploy software to the vehicle.

2 hours (simulation) + 7 hours (test track)

Project (certificate-track version only)

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Develop and quickly verify a selected scenario for either the digital twin, full-size vehicle (or both) according to your interest with a help of an expert mentor. Work is performed with PixKit within ROS and Autoware.

14 hours

Final Exam (full course version only)

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1 hour