Growing and expanding opportunities to provide 21st Century skills and knowledge in areas associated with Robotics and Autonomous Vehicle operations on Hawai'i and MAUI
The Maui Robotic Vehicle Association is a non-profit entity created to provide a central place for various schools and other non-profit / profit entities to come together to share common interests in autonomous vehicles and robotics technologies. This is one of the fastest-growing areas for future jobs and good incomes.
The goal of the MRVA is to grow and expand the opportunities of the community workforce and students to provide 21st Century skills and knowledge and create good local and state-wide jobs in areas associated with Robotics and Autonomous Vehicle operations.
2021-2023 PROGRAMS
MRVA Inc. (Maui Robotic Vehicle Association) is an innovative organization dedicated to advancing autonomous vehicle technology and fostering collaboration with the University of Hawaii to drive innovation. Our 2021-2023 programs encompass a range of exciting projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle development and participation in national and international competitions.
The team behind the IAC season victories, in 2023 begins R&D for AVAMobility, Maui's groundbreaking autonomous electric fleet vehicle designed with sustainability in mind.
University of Hawai'i lead AI Racing Tech collaboration participates in the Indy Autonomous Challenge, finishing the 2022-2023 Season as the #1 Ranked U.S. Based Team, #3 Ranked Internationally
University of Hawaii ART team's part participation participation in the Purdue evGrandPrix Autonomous, and the new Autonomous Karting Series!
UHMC Engineering Tech class in Autonomous Vehicle Tech including participation in the F1tenth challenge
ABout ouR Initiatives
One of our flagship initiatives, grown out of the spring 2020 UH-Maui Autonomous Vehicle Technology (AVT) class, is a multi-campus project in partnership with the University of Hawaii. This project focuses on the development of scaled autonomous vehicles, ranging from 1/10 to 1/4 scale, including go-kart sized vehicles. The goal is to enter these vehicles in prestigious competitions on a national and international level. Currently, students from UH-Maui College and UH-Manoa are actively participating in two notable competitions: F1tenth and the Autonomous Karting Series, formerly evGrandPrix.
A major highlight of MRVA Inc. is the remarkable success achieved by our AI Racing Tech (ART) collaboration. Under the leadership of the University of Hawaii, our AI Racing Tech (ART) collaboration has achieved remarkable success. In the Indy Autonomous Challenge, our team has emerged as the #1 Ranked U.S. Based Team and an impressive #3 Ranked Internationally for the 2022-2023 season. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to excellence and showcases the cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology developed by the ART team.
Furthermore, we are delighted to introduce AVAmobility, a groundbreaking project developed by MRVA Inc. with the same talent behind the internationally acclaimed AI Racing Tech Team. AVAMobility represents Maui's first autonomous electric vehicle, designed with sustainability as a core principle. AVA combines advanced technology with eco-friendly features, offering residents and visitors a new era of transportation on the island.
This project not only enhances convenience and safety but also contributes to the local economy by creating job opportunities and fostering innovation. AVA is a testament to our commitment to a greener future for Maui, providing a convenient, safe, and environmentally conscious travel option.
With a focus on research, collaboration, and technological advancements, MRVA and its affiliated projects are at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development and the promotion of sustainable mobility. Join us in shaping the future of transportation on Maui and beyond!
A FOCUS IN EDUCATION
Through these collaborations, MRVA is committed to nurturing the next generation of robotics enthusiasts and advancing the field of autonomous vehicle technology. By supporting education initiatives and engaging in cutting-edge research, MRVA aims to contribute to the growth and development of the robotics community on Maui and beyond.
St. Anthony High School robotics team and competitions. Other Maui High schools to follow.
UH-Manoa Robotics Lab research in LIDAR detection methods and fast moving vehicles
Our program partners with and mentors talented Students through the Hawaii STEMworks Innovation Internship Program. An annual internship program that runs for a six-week duration from June 14th - July 23rd. Successful interns are offered placement on competitive robotics teams.
CHARTER OF THE ORGANIZATION
Schools & the Community
Working with schools and the community to provide leadership and some funding for qualifying AVT Research and testing programs.
Funding & Resources
Reaching out to secure local, state and federal funding as well as industry sources for grants and financial assistance to grow the program.
NEWS
@CES 2023! ART Takes 3rd Place!!!
AI Racing Tech sweeps into 3rd place taking out MIT at CES in January 2022. See the winning race here
Texas 2022 ART takes 2nd Place!!!!
In an upset AI Racing Tech sweeps into 2nd place into 2nd place in the international Head to Head at Texas Motor Speedway. Find out more
@CES 2022, Race Day Recap!
Once again, #history was made by the teams at this year's #ces2022. Although we did not get the chance to compete on race day, we made huge advancements thanks to UC San Diego, Triton AI UC San Diego, and some help from our #Berkeley friends! We can't wait for the next race, where we expect to make some heads turn and go even faster!
Check us out here!
Did You miss the Vegas Race?
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® and Energy Systems Network, the organizer of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, made history again and hosted a head-to-head, high-speed autonomous racecar passing competition at CES® 2022 this year!
Watch the recording here!
evGrandPrix
Shoutout to Triton AI UC San Diego from UC San Diego for getting 3rd place at the #EvGrandprix this weekend! They have been hard at work collaborating with the AI Racing Tech team, with support from our friends over at linedanceAI
#IAC2021 #TopKartUSA ADLINK Technology #AutonomousVehicles Indy Autonomous Challenge #ROScub
Meet The UH AI Racing Tech Team!
Cutting-edge vehicles, speed, and competition are nothing new at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But on October 23, 2021, the home of the Indy 500 will experience a first: Fast cars without drivers.
Check it out here: https://buff.ly/2WdKkjV
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
Mahalo to MRVA SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
To VectorAero LLC for resources, leadership and initial and continuing funding to help make the program a success.
Special thanks to the County of Maui and to the Maui County Parks Department for their support in providing testing access to the Maui County go-kart track and other MC Park facilities.
To the University of Hawaii and to the local High Schools (including especially St. Anthony School) for their interest and participation.
To the Maui MEDB for their support of the Maui College Stem and TECH programs and local grade-high schools STEM programs.
And the many others that have contributed to and are working to make Maui a more "techy" place and this program a success.