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If you’re knowledgeable in this area, you can enable your Kia Soul to drive autonomously for under $2,000, according to David Sosnow, the chief product officer at PolySync.
PolySync has created a platform used by different stakeholders—manufacturers, researchers, and suppliers—to test systems for autonomous vehicles. Recently, they transformed this platform into an open-source kit that individuals with the right expertise can utilize to construct their own self-driving car.
The Open Source Car Controls (OSCC) serves as an interface for managing a vehicle’s systems, allowing users to build on that foundation by incorporating their own algorithms. Last year, the OSCC was made publicly available on GitHub, and the company also markets hardware kits, which consist of three PolySync motherboards, for $649. However, additional components are necessary, such as brake actuators, an Arduino motherboard, and, notably, a compatible car.
In theory, the kit is compatible with any vehicle equipped with electric steering and throttle-by-wire, according to Sosnow. However, it was specifically engineered for the Kia Soul, particularly for the 2014 model year and newer, due to features like electric power steering, throttle-by-wire, and ample space for computers. The vehicle’s affordability also allowed the startup to experiment with and refine several cars instead of investing $100,000 in a single custom build.
“If you have a solid understanding of mechanical systems and a background in electrical engineering, you can create one on your own,” he explains, suggesting that having a team for installation can be beneficial. Nevertheless, he points out that some components, like brakes, might be better handled at a race shop. The responsibility for implementing software, algorithms, sensors, cameras, and other custom specifications falls on the consumer.
Starting with just a few motherboards and various car parts can seem overwhelming. To assist with this, PolySync provides “guided builds” at its facility in Portland, Oregon. Over five to seven days, their engineers instruct customers on the build process, which they can later apply in their own projects.
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