Understanding Self-Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree

To become a self-driving car engineer, you must have some knowledge of data structures, calculus, and machine learning. You should also know C++, a language commonly used in self-driving cars. If you are interested in this field, you can read more about the course.

Path planning

The Self-Driving Car Engineer Nanodegree Program starts with a severe problem in self-driving cars: path planning. To solve this problem, students have come up with three approaches. There are two types of Nanodegrees you can choose to complete online. The Intro Nanodegree is aimed at beginning and intermediate software developers, while the self-driving car engineer nanodegree is for those looking to pursue a more advanced career. The Intro Nanodegree is designed to get you started and help you find a job. The program covers computer vision, robotic controls, sensor fusion, and path planning. You’ll also study control systems, safety, and localization.

Model predictive controllers

Autonomous driving is dominated by research on applying predictive model control (MPC) in navigation. MPC provides a unified optimization-based approach that handles arbitrary constraints on state, optimal tracking, and collision avoidance. This article outlines a robust MPC approach that integrates weight tuning and successive online linearization of the vehicle model. 

The first method focuses on collision-free trajectory planning based on an artificial potential field. The second method, MPC-based path tracking, incorporates two predictive model controllers within a cascade structure: an upper controller based on the vehicle’s kinematic model and a lower controller based on its dynamic model. In addition, adaptive MPC incorporates disturbances across the prediction horizon, previewing reference trajectories and calculating time derivatives.

Performance programming in C++

For performance optimization, self-driving car engineers are increasingly turning to C++. Performance optimization is essential for maximizing the potential of parallel architectures and real-time processing. Self-driving cars must be able to process large amounts of images per second, so learning how to optimize for these architectures is crucial. Performance programming in C++ helps self-driving car engineers deliver complex applications promptly.

In addition to being an efficient language, C++ supports the latest security standards, including ISO 26262, a mandatory automobile requirement. It also supports many libraries and is compatible with cross-platform compilers. Many self-driving car engineers have already used C++, with companies like Aptiv and Nvidia hiring experienced C++ engineers. There are many other benefits of C++ for self-driving car engineers, including a prestigious salary and a highly respected company reputation.

Earning potential

There are many reasons why a self-driving car engineer nanodegree is a better choice than a traditional undergraduate degree. For one, it gives students much more hands-on experience, one-on-one technical assistance, and a better chance at immediate employment. However, if you want a more advanced degree, a conventional undergraduate degree is likely not for you. You will also need more time, effort, and a decent level of English to pursue this degree.

Several online degrees are geared toward helping people become self-driving car engineers, including a Nanodegree program offered by Udacity. This program includes lessons on topics like Bayesian Inference, allowing self-driving cars to learn about their surroundings. It also teaches students to work with matrices and linear algebra.

Alternatives to self-driving car engineer nanodegree

There are several alternatives if you’re interested in learning how to design and build self-driving cars but don’t want to pay thousands of dollars. For example, self-driving car specialization is based on real-world University of Toronto courses. It is delivered in a traditional college format, with lectures, readings, and progress-checking assignments. The Nanodegree, on the other hand, is an online certificate program that focuses on theories and questions driving the autonomous technology industry.

A self-driving car nano degree may seem like the perfect course to get you started, but many courses offer higher-quality training. You can also take a self-driving car engineering nanodegree, which teaches you how to build an autonomous car.