PD3C Proton design Challenge win by Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) - IMechE Student Chapter

The Proton Car Competition was held at DRB HICOM University in Pahang, Malaysia over the year from January to December 2018.

The IMechE Student Chapter of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), which was established in June 2018, hosted the competition.

The competition began with the APU's team being selected by Proton Malaysia receive a new car. The Student Chapter team members were led by Mr Arun Seeralan under the advisory of Prof Dr Ir Vinesh Thiruchelvam.

The competition was divided into three categories. Thirteen teams from all over Malaysia took part in the design category where the teams were required to build a 1:1 scale model of a functional car. The competition was mainly based on design but as the 2018 competition theme required a concept car, the APU engineering team, consisted of four Student Chapter members together with other fellow APU/APIIT skilled students from the  School of Media & Design. The team's aim was to enhance the original design of the car with the latest technologies and a futuristic outlook.

The car's design was created by the lecturers and students of APU/APIIT design school. The full APU team inclusive of the IMechE student chapter students achieved 1^st place in the design category and 3^rd place in the speed art contest, where students had to sketch out a car design based on a different theme which was given. 

_{Members of the  APU Team}

The inspiration for the car came from the young urban lifestyle of youths with the focus on futuristic and functional aspects. The final car developed featured futuristic design elements that cater for urban living lifestyle, in line with APU’s objective of being a technology-savvy and innovative university. Some key features on the concept car included the following engineered concept prototype functions:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated headlamps
• Integrated side view cameras to replace traditional wing mirrors
• Smart auto door with facial recognition system
• Fully digital infotainment system
• High-pressure front windshield to replace traditional wipers
• Touch-screen and fully-interactive panel to replace traditional dashboard, speedometer, odometer and fault indicators
• Front lower radar sensor to detect uneven objects or surfaces ahead.

It was a brilliant testament of two groups of students from the IMechE Student Chapter and APU/APIIT School of Media & Design working together to develop a hybrid model car.