ZotCart Autonomous Golf Cart

ZotCart is a fully autonomous golf cart that will be roaming around Ring Road in the near future. This is achieved by designing drive, brake and steer by wire mechanisms to allow for autonomous control of the golf cart, with the ability for a human to take control in case of an emergency. Several sensors such as cameras, radars, and IMUs along with control algorithms will allow for autonomous driving around static obstacles.

As of now, there are many different ways to get around campus such as by walking, scooter, or bike. However, these all require investment whether it be in the form of money or time. ZotCart allows for multiple people to enjoy quick transport all around campus, all while allowing a comfortable ride and an opportunity to get some extra work done due to the autonomous nature of the vehicle.

We aim to have a functional vehicle roaming around campus starting in early 2026. The implementation of the by wire mechanisms should be complete at the end of Winter Quarter 2025, with the integration of sensors and control algorithms following after.

Objectives:

• The design should prioritize user safety.
• The design should be durable.
• The mechanisms should be easy to assemble and implement.
• The mechanisms should allow for full autonomy of the vehicle.
• The golf cart should be able to allow for manual override.

Preliminary Design Review: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kqKUgT6_HtdNEhsBCfM3q0AC6UNbOe2QfjVhZo5wyqg/edit#slide=id.p

Team Lead: Ammar Khakoo (akhakoo@uci.edu)

Sponsors: Yasser Shoukry (yshoukry@uci.edu) and David Copp (dcopp@uci.edu)