The Future of the Automobile - Winter 2009/2010
Previous Terms:
Spring 2009, Autumn 2009
Lunch Seminar on Automotive Topics
Technology - Environment - Economy - Society - Politics
The concept of this course is to
present, discuss, and envision the future of the automobile in terms of sustainability,
safety, performance, and enjoyment. Students and invited speakers from academia
and industry present their research and share their visions, explain
challenges, and offer solutions regarding individual transportation. In
addition, open discussion session will be scheduled based on the input from
students.
The goal of the course is to develop an understanding for the interactions of
technology, business, and society with a specific automotive focus and assess
technology in a larger context than someoneÕs primary educational background.
Students should have a basic background in engineering, social sciences,
business, or law. This background should provide the students with the ability
to discuss automotive topics and put them in an interdisciplinary context. It
is essential to understand that an automobile, beyond technology, influences
and is being influenced by a variety of culture, society, legal, and business
aspects.
Instructors: Prof.
C. Gerdes (ME), Prof. S. Thrun (CS), Prof. C. Nass (COMM)
Sven Beiker,
Terman 548, beiker@stanford.edu, 736-1504
Office
hours: Mon, 2-4PM, Terman 548
Time:
Tue, 12:15-1:05PM
Location:
Terman 556
Format:
Lunch seminar; students presenting their automotive related research or summary
/ thoughts
on a topic that will be provided; guest lectures as there is fit.
Level:
Advanced undergrads or beginning grads
Grading:
1 unit, S/NC, based on individual input to the course
3 points
necessary for satisfactory, points can be earned:
3 pts
– individual presentation (30min + 15min open discussion)
2 pts
– group presentation (30min + 15min open
discussion)
1 pt –
one-pager on topic that will be provided (see below)
Important:
Students who would like to present in class need to send an email request to
Sven Beiker
(beiker@stanford.edu) by Jan 11, 10am.
Final decision on the topic / number of presentations will be made by Jan
12 – offer subject to availability.
Schedule: (draft, changes will be made depending on student
input):
Jan 5: Introduction & Organizational Matters; brainstorming “Expectation, Hopes, Fears reg.
the Future of the Automobile” (see results)
Jan 12: Guest Lecture: The Stanford Solar Car Project, Sasha Zbrozek (see video)
Jan 19: Discussion Session: Technology Aspects
Jan 26: Student Presentation: From hybrids to electric cars: Junction of engineering
and business, Tom Wojcik (see video)
see presentation* (NOTE: For internal viewing and use. For external use, please
contact Tom Wojcik for permission)
Feb 2: Student Presentation: Applications of Radar-based Obstacle Detection in Driver
Assisted and Autonomous Vehicle, Mark Baybut (see video)
see presentation*
Feb 9: Discussion Session: Internet & Connectivity
Feb 16: Guest Lecture: Aerospace Control Systems, Ehab Elsonbati (see video)
see presentation*
Feb 23: Student Presentation: New technology to alleviate the traffic problem,
Mikhail Kerzhner, Prasanna Vasudevan, and Erik Goldman (see video)
see presentation*
Mar
2: Guest Lecture: Future of Automotive Design,
Max Sims (see video)
see
presentation*
Mar
9: Discussion Session: Ownership & Status
Topics for
one-pagers
- Electric Mobility - Wish vs.
Reality (due 1/18)
- Advantages / Challenges of
Electronics and Mechanics in the Car (due 1/18)
- The Internet Comes to the
Automobile – What Now? (due 2/8)
- The Perfect (use oriented)
Ownership Model for a Car (due 3/8)
- Automobile as a Status
Symbol vs. Personal Statement (due 3/8)
* Note: Contact
Sven Beiker (beiker@stanford.edu) for
password to view the presentation