This research focuses on the study, design, and construction of an intelligent vehicle capable of driving on a road, following a desired path, avoiding obstacles, and obeying traffic laws autonomously (driverless) for the Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge.

Problem: A significant number of people currently drive under hazardous conditions, such as fatigue, drowsiness, blurred vision, or alcohol intoxication, which are major causes of road accidents. Therefore, an intelligent vehicle with precise decision-making capabilities that can drive autonomously was developed to mitigate such problems and associated losses.

Methodology: The vehicle used is a modified, rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission motorcycle engine. Various sensors are employed: an Encoder to measure distance and steering wheel angle; Gyro and Accelerometer to measure the vehicle’s acceleration and angular velocity; Ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection; GPS to pinpoint the vehicle’s global position; and a Camera for detecting obstacles, traffic lights, and traffic signs. Autonomous driving is achieved using a Teaching-Playback technique, a common approach for autonomous vehicle navigation systems. The system is taught by manually controlling the accelerator and steering wheel angle to guide the vehicle along a path. Subsequently, data from the sensors are analyzed to estimate the vehicle’s position at each moment, thereby defining the control path for automatic movement. As the vehicle moves, it continuously uses data from various sensors to ensure its current position remains aligned with the taught path.

Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge
The Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge is organized by the Thai Robotics Society in collaboration with the Mechatronics Department, Asian Institute of Technology, and supported by Seagate Technology (Thailand) Ltd.
2007: FIBO developed an intelligent vehicle and entered the competition for the first time under the team name “Dark Horse.” Using a go-kart as the vehicle’s structure and a DC motor as the primary propulsion system, the team successfully reached the finish line, securing third place and receiving the Outstanding Technical Award.