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Background
A DAF engineer in Sunnyvale
Reading time: 5 minutes
From July to September 2024, DAF software engineer Marius Lepindea had the opportunity to work at the PACCAR Innovation Center in California.
The Engineer in Residence (EIR) program is a partnership between DAF Trucks from Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and the PACCAR Innovation Center in Sunnyvale, California. It’s a temporary assignment for DAF engineers to work at the center for three months. The program runs every 1-1.5 years. Candidates undergo a competitive selection process.
The 2024 iteration was initiated by the collaboration between Steven Olson, Director of Engineering at the Innovation Center, and Peter Vanhoef, at the time Supervisor of the Software Engineering Group at DAF. At the end of 2023, several Eindhoven engineers interested in participating gave a series of presentations in which they showed their experience and motivation. The goal was to select a suitable engineer for this iteration.
Predictive adaptive cruise control
The choice fell on Marius Lepindea, a software engineer specializing in embedded systems and machine learning (ML) applications. “When I presented my project on machine learning for traffic sign detection, I felt it was a great opportunity to demonstrate my passion for innovation. The application was built on top of a generic miniature truck, at 1:14 scale.”
Lepindea’s focus was on predictive adaptive cruise control (P-ACC). His project responded to the growing demand for vehicle efficiency, allowing the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system to better adapt to the environment. “It’s motivating to know that my work could contribute to the Innovation Center’s goals.”
“The P-ACC function is an exciting challenge,” Lepindea notes. “By leveraging ML techniques, we aim to create a system that not only meets driver needs but also optimizes fuel consumption, marking a step toward smarter, even more efficient vehicles. To test the P-ACC function, engineers will use the Car Learning to Act simulator, Carla, an open-source platform designed for autonomous driving research.”
The project was coordinated by Antonio Luna, technical lead for the Innovation Center’s applications team. “Working with colleagues from different geographies brings new perspectives to add value for PACCAR,” he finds. “Thanks to Marius’ contribution and all the support received, we continue strengthening our collaboration with the teams in Europe.”
Abandoned airstrip
The facilities at the Innovation Center support a flexible, research-oriented working process. Engineers have access to various tools, including Carla and HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) systems, as well as real trucks from Peterbilt, Kenworth and DAF. While these trucks are readily available for testing, they can also be taken to Crows Landing. Located about 100 miles from Sunnyvale, this decommissioned air station serves as a test track for PACCAR’s various truck divisions.
One of the distinctive aspects of the EIR program is access to Crows Landing. The expansive, abandoned airstrip provides an unparalleled setting for rigorous and unrestricted real-world testing. “Driving out to an old airport, knowing that it’s been repurposed for us to push our trucks to their limits, adds a layer of excitement to our work. This is cutting-edge,” says Lepindea.
At Crows Landing, engineers from the Innovation Center have the freedom to experiment with various truck functionalities in a controlled yet expansive environment. The isolation and length of the airstrip allow for high-speed tests and maneuvers that would be impossible in more conventional settings. “Collecting data here is crucial,” Lepindea explains. “We perform a series of driving tests that are designed to gather as much information as possible under different conditions. This data is then meticulously analyzed and used to enhance our simulation models back at the Innovation Center. It’s fascinating to see how data collected from a test run in such a unique place can directly influence cutting-edge technology.”
Professional growth
“The environment at the Innovation Center fosters creativity and collaboration,” states Lepindea. “Working in a place that encourages adaptability rather than strictly following processes is refreshing and motivating. The synergy between DAF and the center allows them to push the envelope in innovation and quality.”
According to Lepindea, the EIR program exemplifies DAF and PACCAR’s commitment to advancing technology in the automotive industry. “I’m thrilled about the opportunities the program presents. Not only for my professional growth but also for the future of automotive technology.”
“By fostering collaboration and focusing on personalized technologies, engineers gain invaluable experience that shapes their careers and enhances the competitive edge of both companies,” Lepindea concludes. “In the short and long term, these advancements will have significant implications for developers and technical managers alike, influencing daily operations and the market as a whole.”
Top image credit: PACCAR/DAF
