PRD-428: Formula E

The Formula E (elastic) Challenge is a 13 week long project in which student teams design remote controlled race vehicles powered by 16 feet of rubber band. The class is held during the summer term and teams compete in a series of race events including a handling course, a drag race, a hill climb, a beauty contest, and best in show. This year, the project will provide an opportunity for ArtCenter undergrad students to join the competition along with teams from Grad ID, Pasadena City College, winning teams from Formula E-China, and Sacramento State Univerisity, among others. The project is designed to teach lessons in strategy, product development, science, engineering, design fabrication, branding and event planning. Students also learn about competition, working in teams, setting goals, and implementing plans that meet them. The vehicles are design and created through an iterative process with the latest computer design and rapid prototyping tools with advanced materials and mechanisms. Race vehicles rapidly accelerate them to speeds over 25mph.