Széchenyi István University’s Data Acquisition System for Electric Go-Karts Granted Utility Model Protection
Experts from Széchenyi István University’s Vehicle Industry Research Centre and Digital Development Centre have developed a comprehensive data acquisition system that not only enables the technical performance of go-karts to be analysed but also helps improve drivers’ racing techniques.
Sustainable mobility, electric vehicle technology and digitalisation play a key role in Széchenyi István University’s research, development and innovation activities. These priorities are reflected in a recent development that has been granted utility model protection and was created by experts from the University’s Vehicle Industry Research Centre and Digital Development Centre. The comprehensive data acquisition system designed for electric go-karts provides detailed information on vehicle performance and driver technique.
The development was carried out as part of the Green Traffic Cloud project
The development was carried out within the framework of the Green Traffic Cloud (GTC) project, which aims, among other things, to promote environmentally friendly vehicle technologies and intelligent mobility solutions. The researchers explored the potential applications of an onboard data acquisition unit, using an electric go-kart as a test platform.
Dr Zoltán Pusztai, research fellow at the Vehicle Industry Research Centre, explained that, unlike conventional passenger cars, go-karts do not have a standardised data acquisition system. The individual solutions developed by different manufacturers are often incompatible with one another, and the information they provide is also limited. The experts therefore developed a comprehensive platform capable of processing data from several different types of sensors simultaneously.
“We equipped the go-kart with various sensors, including an inertial measurement unit, differential GPS, wheel speed sensors and a steering angle sensor. The system also processes information from the electric powertrain and the battery management system. By analysing these data together, we can monitor not only the vehicle’s technical performance but also examine the driver’s racing technique. We also tested the solution on a real track with a driver,”
the researcher explained.
He added that, due to racing regulations and safety requirements, the complete sensor system can primarily be used during training sessions and testing, although certain components may also be suitable for use in competitive conditions.
Data acquisition also supports driver development
Dániel Csikor, professional project manager at the Vehicle Industry Research Centre, pointed out that the development is closely linked to the University’s motorsport activities. The institution has its own motorsport division, whose Uni Győr WMS team has also achieved significant success in go-kart racing.
He emphasised that utility model protection provides legal protection for the technical solution developed at the University and may facilitate its future commercial exploitation. The technology could be particularly valuable for professional go-kart teams, as the measurements allow them to analyse vehicle settings and driver performance more accurately.
“Go-karting is one of the most important entry points into motorsport, where driver training begins at a young age. Our development therefore also supports talent development, as analysing detailed data can show precisely where and how drivers can improve their racing technique. For example, it is possible to identify why a driver lost time in a particular corner and what adjustments could help achieve a better lap time. The skills acquired in this way can later be applied in car racing as well,”
said the Vehicle Industry Research Centre’s professional project manager.
Protection may also facilitate the commercial exploitation of the university development
The University’s Centre for Higher Education and Industrial Cooperation played an important role in the process leading to the granting of utility model protection. In the future, the institution’s technology transfer company, Uni Inno Zrt., will also contribute to promoting the commercial exploitation of the development.
The go-kart data acquisition system is another example of how university research and development results can be translated into practical applications. The solution can contribute to advances in electric vehicle technology, technical analysis in motorsport and the training of young drivers.
