In the quest to enhance safety and efficiency in short-distance transportation, a team of researchers led by Suradet Tantrairatn from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand has developed an innovative autonomous electric golf cart designed for inter-building passenger mobility. This breakthrough, published in the journal *Applied Sciences* (translated from Thai as “Applied Sciences”), could have significant implications for the energy sector and urban mobility solutions.
The study addresses a critical need highlighted by global road safety reports, which identify human error as the leading cause of traffic accidents. By integrating LiDAR, cameras, and IMU sensors, the research team has created a fully autonomous platform capable of mapping, perception, localization, and control within a drive-by-wire framework. This system achieves superior coordination in driving, braking, and obstacle avoidance, making it a promising solution for safe and efficient short-distance transport in semi-open environments like university campuses.
“Our goal was to develop a practical model for autonomous driving systems that could enhance transport safety and reliability,” said Suradet Tantrairatn, the lead author of the study. “The results demonstrate that our prototype can achieve centimeter-level mapping accuracy and precise localization, which are crucial for real-world applications.”
The electric golf cart prototype achieved impressive performance metrics, including a mapping accuracy of 0.32 meters and localization precision of 0.08 meters. Additionally, the system demonstrated a 2D object detection mean Average Precision (mAP) value exceeding 70%, indicating its ability to accurately perceive and position objects in real-world conditions. Field tests confirmed that the vehicle maintained appropriate speeds and path curvature while effectively avoiding obstacles, highlighting its potential for practical autonomous operation.
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate application of autonomous golf carts. The technology could be scaled up to support a variety of short-distance transportation needs, from campus shuttles to urban mobility solutions. This could lead to reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and enhanced safety in urban environments.
“Our findings suggest that autonomous systems like this could play a significant role in the future of smart mobility,” Tantrairatn added. “By improving safety and reliability, we can support the development of scalable and sustainable transportation solutions.”
As the energy sector continues to explore innovative ways to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, the integration of autonomous electric vehicles into short-distance transportation networks could be a game-changer. The research published in *Applied Sciences* provides a solid foundation for further development and commercialization of these technologies, paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future.