Latest update
softwarecomputer-visiontesting
Real-time object detection running on Raspberry Pi
Successfully deployed YOLO-based object detection on the Raspberry Pi camera feed with real-time inference and performance validation.
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University of Maryland
Autonomous RC Progress
Active build cycle
Project kickoff phase
From garage builds to full-track autonomy.
We are building a sensor-rich autonomous remote-control platform that can localize, plan, and drive itself. This page stays up to date with weekly logs, test milestones, and the next experiment on deck.
Hardware
2
Cana Kit RPi 5, cam v2
Ready to test
0
Integrations pending
Team size
3
UMD students
Build status
Just getting startedCurrent sprint: wiring and testing motor controllers, servos, and ESC hardware to enable drive and steering actuation on the RC platform
Raspberry Pi setup + Camera & sensor wiring100%
Object detection using RPI cam feed100%
Motor control integration10%
Basic drive-by-wire0%
Next up: integrate motor controller and ESC with Raspberry Pi to establish PWM-based drive and steering control for autonomous operation.
Roadmap
Milestones to demo day
Each phase closes with a documented test run and a changelog entry. Expect new notes every sprint.
Compute & power setup
DoneRaspberry Pi OS flashed, GPIO validation complete, battery circuit ready.
First sensor integration
DoneCamera module mounted and validated, sensor wiring complete, initial data logging working.
Object detection & validation
DoneYOLO on RPi, basic path planning, obstacle avoidance validation.
Motor control & steering
UpcomingESC/servo integration, PWM testing, first manual drive test.
Changelog
Latest build updates
Posting cadence: after each meaningful test or milestone.
Team & contact
Want to follow along?
We are students from UMD building an autonomous RC platform. Reach out if you want to collaborate, mentor, or sponsor testing days.
Primary channel
yugaank@umd.edu
Current focus
Motor controller and ESC integration with Raspberry Pi for autonomous drive control
Next steps
Immediate build checklist
Wire the motor controller and ESC to the Raspberry Pi GPIO pins.
Calibrate ESC and validate servo response with PWM signals.
Implement motor control library and test drive/steering commands.
Run the first manual drive test on a closed track with safety tethers.
Team
Meet the builders
Yugaank Kalia
Team Lead
Leading the autonomous logic and object detection pipeline. Coordinating hardware integration and field testing.
Email: yugaank@umd.edu
LinkedIn: View profile
Varen Maniktala
Software Engineer
Handling YOLO inference on RPi, camera calibration, sensor data processing, and real-time perception.
Email: vmanikta@umd.edu
LinkedIn: View profile
Aaron John
Hardware Engineer
Managing motor control circuits, power distribution, ESC tuning, and vehicle mechanical systems.
Email: aaronjoh@umd.edu
LinkedIn: View profile