Notes:

The lecture is primarily offered for master’s programs, e.g., in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Information Technology, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management and much more. Please check the course catalog for the specific course offerings in each degree program and module: Course catalog 

Content/Learning Objective:

The main objective of the lecture is the practical implementation of the pipeline required for automated/autonomous driving functions, using a real test vehicle and the infrastructure (traffic light intersection). This includes environmental perception using various sensors, the processing of the recorded sensor data, the planning of driving maneuvers, and the final execution of the maneuver via the actuators:

• Sensor data recording: Setup and data recording of the sensor system with the test vehicle
• Perception: Data annotation, sensor data segmentation, object detection
• Maneuver planning: Path and trajectory planning
• Maneuver execution: Vehicle control, implementation of the driving maneuver in the real test vehicle via actuators

The course is conducted in groups of four. A total of four groups is offered. The theory and practical sessions are held in the same week, with theory on Tuesdays and practical sessions on Wednesdays. The theory sessions cover the material needed to develop a theoretical understanding of the practical task. During the practical sessions, students will work on concrete work packages related to the practical task. Homework is assigned after each practical session, which must be completed by the next practical session. Materials will be made available in advance via ILIAS for preparation.  

The final grade is based on the scores from two written tests during the lecture period and the final presentation, including the final report (2-3 pages) on the practical task. An additional requirement is the passing of the homework. Registration for the Autonomous Driving in Practice lecture is open exclusively online until October 19, 2026 (11.59 p.m.).

Please note that your registration will not take effect until you confirm it using the link automatically sent by the registration system! Sometimes (especially when confirming via smartphone), the confirmation code may not be entered correctly, in which case your registration will not be “activated”. Therefore, please check that the code is entered or displayed in full, if necessary, copy it manually into the address bar of your web browser.

Selection process:

Due to space limitations, the event is limited to four groups of four people each. Places will be allocated based on the students’ academic progress (semester level and subject-specific programming skills). Master’s students will be given priority. If all other criteria are equal, a random selection will be made. The order of registration does not affect the allocation of spots. Students who could not be accommodated this semester will be placed on a waiting list and given priority when they register for the next winter semester.