The Tecnun automotive team is showcasing its first-ever autonomous single-seater at the Kursaal

The Tecnun automotive team from the University of Navarra’s School of Engineeringhas unveiled its first-ever autonomous single-seater at the Kursaal, marking a new milestone in the history of this project , which began nearly two decades ago.

The vehicle, designed and built entirely by 74 students from Tecnun (62% of whom are from Gipuzkoa), gave an autonomous driving demonstration to some of the 64 sponsoring companies and institutions that support the initiative, as well as to family and friends.

Team leader Pau Buj, from San Sebastián, highlighted the importance of this breakthrough: “The automotive industry is moving toward electrification and autonomous driving. As a Formula Student team, we wanted to be part of that transformation and develop our own technology.” As Buj explained, this new single-seater represents another step in the team’s evolution: “We started in 2008 with our first internal-combustion vehicle, then developed the electric car, and now we’re incorporating autonomous driving. It’s a natural evolution that reflects the direction the industry is heading.”

For his part, Eduardo Álava, head of area Tecnun area , emphasized that the development autonomous system is the result several years of work: “Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we have been able to create technology capable of driving the vehicle autonomously around the track at the highest possible speed without veering off the track.” The single-seater is equipped with cameras, GPS, and inertial sensors that allow it to perceive its surroundings in real time. Based on this data, various algorithms interpret the status make decisions that translate into actions involving the steering, throttle, and braking systems.

It is worth noting that the work carried out throughout the season will be put to test summer in the Formula Student (Formula Student) in the Czech Republic (July 19–24) and Germany (August 11–16). This international competition brings together male and female engineers from 1,500 university teams around the world. “It is a privilege to represent Gipuzkoa and also a great responsibility,” Álava concluded.

Contacts for further information

• Pau Buj (Basque and Spanish). Team leader. Gipuzkoa. Education: 4th year Degree dual Degree Mechanical Engineering design and development at Tecnun. Phone: 688819826

• Eduardo Álava (Spanish). Head of area Álava area . Education: 4th year of Industrial Technology Engineering at Tecnun. Phone: 646361671

• Natalia Bañón (Spanish). Head area Team Management. Navarra. Education: 3rd year, Industrial Organization Engineering at Tecnun. Phone: 699543444