Autonomous Mobility

CUMULATIVELY 9 MONTHS IN INDUSTRY DEVELOPING A BRAND-DEFINING Autonomous DELIVERY VEHICLE
MECHANICS • ELECTRONICS • INDUSTRY

Brief

Work within a select team within Ocado Technology's Advanced Technology department on a £20 million project, collaborating with industry partners to bring self-driving cars onto roads as part of a driverless grocery delivery system.

Outcome

My work contributed to creating the next-generation prototype that meets legal requirements, ensures mechanical integrity, and interacts successfully with users. My supporting projects will enhance future workflow. Collectively, this leads to an optimised, automated future, transforming the last mile and reducing costs.

Position
I was responsible for vehicle hardware development, while providing support to the wider team. Our team was agile, and my versatile skillset was pivotal in adapting to the rapidly changing tasks.

Test Rigs
I supported the software team by creating test rigs for firmware evaluation. These compact, portable, versions of vehicle components required expertise in electronics, user-centred design, CAD, and various machining techniques to rapidly prototype and deliver.

Refrigeration Solution
I conducted thermodynamic analyses to identify areas of improvement, then led a subgroup in translating these findings into a physical solution. This involved constraint identification, design for manufacture, and optimising over 85 FDM prints, ultimately delivering a solution that ensured safe delivery.

App Management
I later developed an app management system that streamlined stock monitoring whilst facilitating direct purchasing. Leveraging UX principles, I oversaw front-end design and created back-end databases. This increased vehicle build speed, enhancing productivity and communication.

Safe, Cheap, Efficient
By taking out delivery costs, not only will profit increase for the company, but costs are lowered for customers, all while being safer than your standard driven vehicles.