Working Hard

Things are now in full swing: A class project is due soon, I have officially started a masters thesis, Formula student is rolling, and the weather just got crappy. Before I moan about that stuff, here is me canoeing:

There is a lake near my place so I rented a canoe two weeks ago with a bunch of other international students. There were lots of little islands to explore. I named the smallest grassy one Nap Island and that is what we did there.

Here is another random building near my apartment

I Don't know why I like it, I just do.

I have a Masters thesis now. It not with a company but instead with a professor at the university. Here is the preliminary description:

Master's Thesis –Robotic Vehicle Control with Application to ESP Testing
The current stability systems used in cars are built using proprietary specifications for vehicle response. To compare the performance of different vehicles requires a system that can measure the vehicle dynamics under specific conditions and then reverse engineer the vehicle control specifications. The objective of this Master's thesis is to first develop a system that can reproduce the same test conditions in different vehicles in a repeatable manner. Specific topics to be addressed:

1) Assess the current state of the art for testing electronic stability systems
2) Identify the types of vehicle maneuvers that will allow stability programs to be analyzed
3) Develop a mechanical system that can steer, brake, and control vehicle speed independent of the driver
4) Collect vehicle data using the system and test maneuvers listed in 2) and 3)
5) Preliminary analysis of data and identify steps needed for a complete assessment procedure.

I am currently doing some background research on the subject and discussing the details with the professor. I have my own Saab to work with which is cool. It will be the biggest remote control car I have ever played with

As part of my masters degree program, I must be part of a project team. Once again I am on the Formula Student team. Instead of designing part of the car, I am one of two people in the communication subgroup. We will deal with all the related paperwork, sponsors, PR, marketing, and general organization. I am actually looking forward to it because this has been a problematic area for many teams. I am also an advisor to the suspension and unsprung mass group. The Chalmers 2006 formula student car is one of the fastest in the world! Hopefully we can do even better!

Last weekend I went to Stockholm for an AIESEC conference. It is a student organization that helps students find jobs in other countries. I drove a new Volvo V70 300 miles accross Sweden to get there. Driving in Stockholm was fun. I guess I scared/impressed some people with my "San Francisco" style of driving. They are not used to big city driving in Sweden.

Here is a picture of the front door of the Handel University of Economics in Stockholm where the conference was. Its very old and the door is super cool! You actually go in and out this way.

The weather has finally turned gloomy here. It is not expected to get better. I guess I will have to buy an umbrella and a good jacket. Two things I normally don't need at home.

Time for some Swedish flash cards and then it's bedtime.

God Natt från Sverige