The rise of autonomous cars represents a significant leap in automotive technology, promising to reshape transportation as we know it. But what exactly goes into programming these complex machines? We delve into the world of autonomous vehicle programming with insights from a seasoned embedded systems engineer who has spent over 15 years at the forefront of this exciting field.
With a background spanning from developing autonomous watercraft for the Navy to pioneering self-driving mining trucks and now leading embedded systems at Outrider for autonomous logistics hubs, our expert offers a wealth of knowledge. Holding a BS in Computer Engineering, an MS in Engineering Management, and a Professional Engineer license, their career journey provides a unique perspective on the intricacies of programming for autonomous vehicles.
From Naval Vessels to Autonomous Mining Trucks: A Journey in Embedded Systems
Our expert’s journey began with developing embedded systems for the Navy’s first autonomous watercraft. These unmanned vessels, ranging from 20 to 40 feet, were designed for critical missions, including patrolling and underwater mine detonation. This early experience laid a strong foundation in the challenges of creating reliable and robust autonomous systems in demanding environments.
Moving into the commercial sector, they joined John Deere as a senior systems engineer. Here, the focus shifted to agricultural and construction equipment, developing safety-rated operating systems and contributing to the adoption of AutoSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture). This role highlighted the importance of safety and standardization in autonomous vehicle development, principles that are paramount in the automotive industry.
The scale of autonomous vehicles took a dramatic turn with a role at Liebherr USA as Lead Software Engineer, developing autonomous mining trucks. These colossal machines, with tires towering at 13 feet, presented a new set of engineering challenges. This experience underscored the adaptability required in autonomous programming, as the principles applied to smaller watercraft needed to be scaled up to operate massive industrial vehicles safely and efficiently.
Currently, as Head of Embedded Systems at Outrider, the focus is on revolutionizing logistics hubs through autonomous yard operations. This diverse background, spanning naval, agricultural, mining, and logistics applications, provides a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and varied applications of programming autonomous vehicles.
Managing Complexity: Projects and Priorities in Autonomous Programming
Today, our expert works as a project manager, ensuring that autonomous systems are not only innovative but also meet the practical needs of customers. Managing multiple projects simultaneously, the core objective is to deliver systems that perform as expected, on time, and with the right results. The technical background remains invaluable in this role, facilitating informed design decisions and providing crucial support to the engineering team.
While project management involves oversight and coordination, the heart of the work remains deeply rooted in software development. The embedded engineers are the driving force, taking ownership of projects through the entire software development lifecycle. This hands-on approach ensures that each team member contributes directly to the success of the overall project, fostering a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
The Code Behind the Wheel: Criticality and Control in Autonomous Systems
Embedded software is the nervous system of autonomous vehicles. It resides in the controllers closest to the hardware, directly influencing the vehicle’s physical movements. The primary function of this code is to ensure accurate and timely communication and action. While data exchange is fundamental to all software, in autonomous vehicles, timing is paramount. A fraction of a second delay in braking, steering, or position awareness can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Therefore, rigorous testing across a multitude of scenarios is not just recommended but essential. The software must be designed to fail gracefully and predictably. Embedded software engineers require a deep understanding of both the software and the hardware it interfaces with. Controlling hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical devices via software is a complex task, demanding a thorough grasp of the underlying mechanics and electronics. Ultimately, embedded code orchestrates the interplay of various subsystems, creating a cohesive and functional autonomous vehicle.
Advice for Aspiring Coders: Beyond Just Writing Code
For young coders aspiring to enter this dynamic field, our expert offers invaluable advice: prioritize thorough documentation and testing over simply writing code quickly. Often, the initial focus is solely on code implementation when estimating project timelines. However, true software engineering encompasses much more than just coding.
The most time-consuming aspects are often the upfront planning, design, architecture, requirements gathering, and comprehensive testing. Mastering the art of accurately estimating time for these crucial tasks and executing them diligently is what distinguishes a true software engineer from just a coder. This holistic approach ensures the robustness, reliability, and safety of autonomous systems.
Tools of the Trade: Programming Languages and Technologies
Software and Hardware Tools in Autonomous Vehicle Development
The toolbox for programming autonomous vehicles is diverse and constantly evolving. While the specific tools and languages can vary depending on the application and company, a strong foundation in core programming principles is essential. Languages like C++ and Python are frequently used in autonomous vehicle development, alongside specialized tools and frameworks such as ROS (Robot Operating System). Understanding hardware interfaces and real-time operating systems is also crucial for embedded systems programming in this domain. Staying adaptable and continuously learning new technologies are key attributes for success in this rapidly advancing field.
The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Autonomous Systems
Programming autonomous cars is a multifaceted and challenging endeavor, requiring expertise in software engineering, robotics, and automotive systems. It demands a commitment to safety, rigorous testing, and a deep understanding of both software and hardware. For those passionate about shaping the future of transportation, mastering the art of programming autonomous vehicles offers a rewarding and impactful career path.
