Minister of Research And Technology /Head of BRIN Prof. Bambang PS Brodjonegoro deliver his greetings in the soft launching of the I-Car ITS by online

ITS Campus, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continuously creating innovation in technology. After several innovations created to handle the spread of Covid-19, ITS now launched the newest innovation product in the form of a smart electric car named Intelligent Car (i-Car) ITS in the soft launching event that coincides with the 75th Indonesian Independence Day Ceremony, Monday (17/8), at ITS Alumni Park.

The launch by ITS rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Mochamad Ashari MEng was also witnessed by two important figures. The Minister of Research and Technology as well as head of National Research and Innovation Agency (Menristek/head of BRIN) Prof. Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro SE MUP PhD which is present virtually and mayor of Surabaya Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini which is directly present at the event location.

ITS rector Prof. Mochamad Ashari gave a welcome greeting in the soft launching of ITS Smart car, I-Car

Vice-Rector IV of research, innovation, cooperation, and alumni Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng Ph.D. Explained this I-Car is an autonomous electric car prototype, which is an electric car that can run by its own without a driver but with the help of Artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology combinations. This allows the smart car to help the driver identify potential hazards, prevent collisions, and reduce the risk of accidents, and be able to optimize power from the electric motor drive.

Vice-Rector IV’s Bambang Pramujati ST. MSc Eng Ph.D, when explaining about I-Car ITS

He explained, I-Car is currently based on golf car because of its simple shape, so it can be easily modified.

“I-Car is equipped with various sensors ranging from the utilization of GPS (Global Positioning System) with high accuracy and LiDAR (Light RADAR) sensors,” said Bambang.

Both sensors are combined with a high-resolution camera for use in data collection as part of the big data analysis that is subsequently processed by a high-spec computer embedded in the car. “With these sensors, the I-Car Smart Car can autonomously functioned,” he said.

Speaking of the operational system, Bambang explained that the car was designed to stop at the stops until it was directed to another stop. In the future, calling and choosing the destination can be done not only from the stop to stop, but can be from all areas that can be reached by the I-Car Smart car. “In the future, this car will be used as a commuter car inside the campus area. Students can go from one stop to the other by using this car called from the I-Car application, “said this lecturer of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Bambang also said that I-Car ITS is categorized between three and four levels based on the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Autonomous Driving Grading Standard. It is seen in driving operations and the introduction of environments system-based, as well as automation that has been between conditional and optimal levels. The steering wheel is intentionally installed to meet security regulations. “When the steering wheel is held, automatic control switches to the passenger and turns into a manual in an emergency condition that may occur on the road,” he added.

Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini when delivering her greeting and support in the soft launching of I-Car ITS

After this soft launch, according to Bambang, I-Car will continue to be developed to reach the next target. The target is to realize the product of innovative technology based on research that has a high impact on the community through I-Car with a more perfect version. “In November, I-Car will not be in the form of golf cars anymore. We will design your own car chassis and body so that it is ready to function in November, “he explained.

Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini and ITS rector Prof. Mochamad Ashari with the entire I-Car research team after the event

Furthermore, there is a second target that strengthens the synergy between the researchers at ITS with Research Center and Center for Study, The Center for Science and Technology (PUI), as well as the Science Techno Park, so that it can realize high technology product that is ready to be incubated and utilized.

ITS rector Prof. Mochamad Ashari (right) with the mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini (left) when trying to directly drive a smart car I-Car around ITS Alumni Park

It is in line with what has been revealed by the chairman of the I-Car Research consortium Dr. Ir Endroyono DEA, that this smart car was successfully realized through the cooperation of 10 research titles of experts at ITS. This young man also added a research title on the solar panels which also joined the implementation of this smart car.

At least, there are more than 30 experts in both professors, doctors, and masters in the field of competency, as well as the students involved in the making of this smart car. “The process of I-Car was held for six months since the gathering of researchers at ITS and requires three months for the production of I-Car itself,” said Endroyono who is also the head of the ICT Science and ITS robotics area.

According to him, I-Car is proof that inter research coordination and collaboration are essential for the creation of technologies that are beneficial to all.

The inter-researchers synergies target and collaboration also received full support from Minister of Research And Technology /head of BRIN. According to him, Indonesia is now a middle-income country and targeted in 2045 which Indonesia will enter as a developed country.

To achieve this goal, said Minister of Research And Technology, Indonesia must change itself from the natural resources (SDA) based to be innovation-based. “Speaking of innovation, I highly appreciate and take pride in ITS relentless research and product innovations that are not only sophisticated in their side but can be a benefit to all Indonesians,” he said.

Nevertheless, according to him, the technology still in the first stage of trial which still needs to be developed in terms of its security and accuracy. So, in the future cars and electric motors can be part of our life without disrupting the rhythm of life that the community wants. “So it is expected that it can reduce emissions and use of fuel oil,” he said.

In his speech, the rector who familiarly called Ashari was assumed that the 4.0 Industrial Revolution was forced to be accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic to be one of the backgrounds created by this I-Car Smart car. Although the funds issued in the making of this smart car is not small, Ashari remains optimistic in realizing ITS as an innovation and a pioneer in technology campus.

“For the first step will be developed three cars on the campus. Next, there will be more products not only commercially used cars for logistic transport, “he said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini with ITS rector Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng immediately conducted a trial of I-Car around the ITS Alumni Park. The number one in Surabaya is also admitted to fully believing in ITS creation because she is also a loyal user of ITS electric motor.

“I strongly believe and believe that friends at ITS are able and tough in creating something even in all its limitations,” said this alumnus of ITS described this sense of pride towards her almamater. (ra/rev/ITS Public Relations)