Between 2018 and 2019, the Monash Connected Autonomous Vehicle student team was formed under Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering. The team first began focusing on ITS and autonomous system development. The team comprised of 50 members ranging from 2nd year to final year engineering student across different engineering specialisation such as mechatronics, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.

Our team’s supervisor Professor Hai Vu was awarded the 2019 Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) National Research Award. Professor Hai Vu and MCAV team won the award for our work on Virtual Reality Autonomous Vehicle (VRAV) simulations. This paved the way for on-road autonomous vehicle testing and simulated driver tests in dangerous conditions. IT’S is the peak body for advance transport technology in Australia. Winning this award shows that Monash University and MCAV is at the forefront of Autonomous Vehicles and moving Australia to a safer future.

In 2022, the MCAV team honed in on key research objectives, consolidating projects for a streamlined focus. Members initiated rigorous testing of autonomous driving systems, commencing full vehicle construction. A standout achievement was the unveiling of ESDA—an Electric Self-Driving Automobile, embodying a fusion of autonomy and sustainability. Simultaneously, the team propelled advancements in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), marking a stride toward an interconnected transport landscape. This year showcased the team’s commitment to shaping the future of autonomous driving through concrete milestones in research, testing, and innovation.