Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition returns to Oakland University with new honors, expanded challenges

The internationally recognized Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) will return to Oakland University this spring, marking the 33^rd annual competition and bringing hundreds of student engineers and cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology to campus.

Co-hosted by the Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science, the four-day competition attracts collegiate teams from across North America and the world who design, build and program autonomous ground vehicles capable of navigating real-world driving scenarios.

A total of 32 U.S. and international teams are scheduled to compete during this year’s event, which will take place in Parking Lot 37 in the southwest area of OU’s campus in Rochester, Mich.

Admission is free and open to the public, giving visitors an opportunity to experience autonomous vehicle technology in action. Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, water, sunscreen and sunglasses while cheering on participating university teams.

This year’s competition introduces new student recognition opportunities and expanded technical challenges that are generating increased excitement among participants and strengthening preparation for careers in intelligent vehicle systems.

New student recognition and awards highlight 2026 competition

One of the most significant additions to IGVC 2026 is the new Intelligent Vehicle Specialist (IVS) certificate, developed to recognize students who demonstrate advanced technical knowledge and teamwork throughout the competition process.

Approximately 120 students have already been nominated for the certificate, with an estimated 80 or more additional students expected to apply. The IVS certificate will be awarded by Louay Chamra, Ph.D., dean of engineering, to students who successfully complete a structured set of systems engineering tasks integrated into the IGVC experience.

These tasks mirror professional engineering workflows and include requirements analysis, concept development, system design, simulation, documentation, presentation, testing and qualification. All components are completed through collaborative teamwork, providing students with hands-on experience that reflects the expectations of modern engineering careers.

“The Intelligent Vehicle Specialist certificate represents an exciting step forward for our students,” said Chamra. “By completing the rigorous engineering tasks required through IGVC, students gain hands-on experience that closely mirrors industry expectations. This program not only recognizes their achievements, but also prepares them to lead in the rapidly growing fields of autonomous vehicles and intelligent systems.”

IGVC 2026 will also introduce a new Top Performer Award, presented to the team demonstrating the strongest combined performance across both the Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) and Self Drive challenges. Each year, IGVC presents 18 cash awards and six honorary awards based on performance across three competition areas: Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav), Self Drive and the required Design Challenge. The new Top Performer Award adds an additional level of competition and encourages teams to achieve excellence across multiple technical disciplines.

Expanded challenges and industry support drive student innovation

The Self Drive challenge continues to evolve to reflect the growing complexity of real-world highway systems. Last year, teams began navigating center-lane yellow markings, requiring vehicles to distinguish between white and yellow lane lines — similar to modern roadway requirements. For IGVC 2026, teams will begin collecting data and testing solutions for two new driving conditions that will be fully implemented in 2027: passing in designated no-passing zones and responding to traffic signals (red, yellow and green).

These new functions require teams to integrate artificial intelligence, advanced controls and sensor technologies to manage real-time driving decisions.

“Each year, we continue to raise the level of challenge at IGVC to reflect what students will face in the real world,” said Jerry Lane, IGVC founder and co-chair. “The new certificate program and expanded driving challenges are generating tremendous excitement among students, while helping them develop the skills needed to design intelligent vehicles that can safely navigate complex environments.”

This year, students from Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science will compete with two teams in separate IGVC challenges. One team, led by Associate Professor Jun Chen, will return to compete in the Self Drive challenge after a strong participation last year. A second, newly formed team led by Visiting Assistant Professor Nashwan Sebi will compete in the Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) challenge.

IGVC continues to receive strong support from industry partners who help mentor students and identify future engineering talent. Corporate sponsors for IGVC 2026 include RoboNation, Hyundai MOBIS, National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter, Magna International, DENSO, BAE Systems, Dataspeed Inc. and Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, a new retail sponsor.

Community invited to attend

Community members, educators, industry professionals, STEM K-12 students, and robotics enthusiasts, especially FIRST competitors, are encouraged to attend the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition and experience the innovation, teamwork and problem-solving that define the next generation of intelligent vehicle technology.

Visitors can support their favorite university teams while witnessing autonomous vehicles navigate complex courses designed to simulate real-world driving environments. For competition schedules, participating team information and visitor details, visit igvc.org.

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