Samuele Cigardi

Battle Kart

Description

As a Technical Developer collaborating with Preston & Barbieri, I played a pivotal role in the development of the Battle Kart project, an innovative interactive bumper car experience that merges electric karting with augmented reality to create a real-life video game environment.

In this project, I led the design and prototyping of advanced electronic systems to transform traditional bumper cars into autonomous robotic vehicles. This involved developing custom PCB designs and writing firmware in C++, enabling precise control and responsiveness of each kart.

A significant technical achievement was engineering a steer-by-wire system with force feedback, utilizing a custom Field-Oriented Control (FOC) controller. This system replaced conventional mechanical steering, providing drivers with a realistic and immersive driving experience.

To facilitate real-time position tracking, I customized an Android kernel integrating the Antilatency System inside an app, allowing for accurate monitoring of each kart's location within the arena. This technology enabled hybrid gameplay experiences, where dynamic floor projections and responsive kart feedback created an immersive environment reminiscent of a real-life video game.

Additionally, I contributed to the development of interactive games within this ecosystem, designing a low-latency Wi-Fi communication system between the server and the bumper cars to ensure seamless gameplay. This infrastructure allowed for real-time interactions and competitive multiplayer experiences, enhancing the overall engagement for participants.

The Battle Kart project exemplifies the fusion of cutting-edge technology with traditional amusement attractions, offering participants an unparalleled interactive experience that pushes the boundaries of entertainment.