Automotive Webinar Series for Student Competition Teams - 2026

Overview

This webinar series presents end-to-end MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset workflows tailored for Automotive Student Competition teams. It begins with core automotive topics such as vehicle dynamics, suspension and tire modeling, and powertrain system design, leading to full-vehicle simulation and performance analysis.

Building on these fundamentals, the series extends into driverless system development, covering perception and system integration workflows. Topics include vision- and LiDAR-based cone detection using images and point clouds, data labeling and model training, and co-simulation with ROS and Unreal Engine. The sessions conclude with production-oriented embedded workflows, including model-based design, continuous integration testing, automatic code generation, and deployment to hardware using automotive communication protocols such as CAN.

Highlights

Overview of vehicle dynamics modeling for Formula Student applications, including longitudinal and lateral behavior and common evaluation maneuvers
Overview of software development workflows in MATLAB and Simulink for controls applications
Overview of object detection workflows using deep learning
Overview of what’s new in Automated Driving with MATLAB/Simulink, and RoadRunner

Date	Topic
20 Apr 2026	Full-Vehicle Modeling and Simulation for Formula Student Cars Veer Alakshendra, MathWorks Veer Alakshendra MathWorks Dr. Veer Alakshendra is a professional at MathWorks, where he currently serves as the Manager, heading the dynamic Education Programs Team in India. In this role, along with his team, he plays a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing Student Programs. He has contributed extensively to the field by developing engaging and informative content in various formats, including videos and blogs. His content covers a wide spectrum of topics, including vehicle dynamics, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and robotics. He has also contributed significantly to academic and competitive realms. He has served as a judge at numerous international and national competitions. During his doctoral journey at VNIT Nagpur, Dr. Veer won two International Simulink Student Challenges. His research and academic pursuits have revolved around the domains of kinematics, dynamics, control design, vibration, and optimization, all within the context of mechatronics. Dr. Veer holds a master's degree in mechatronics from NITK Surathkal and a PhD in Robotics from VNIT, Nagpur. Nobu Iijima, MathWorks Nobu Iijima MathWorks Nobu Iijima is an automotive systems engineer with deep expertise in vehicle dynamics simulation and model-based development. He specializes in MATLAB/Simulink-driven workflows, nonlinear vehicle modeling, and simulation-to-test correlation, with extensive experience in Formula Student vehicle development and embedded control systems, including BMS software. His work focuses on using high-fidelity models to drive robust design decisions and accelerate development.	Watch video (1:27:30)
22 Apr 2026	Code Generation, and Deployment Workflows with CI Sam Reinsel, MathWorks Sam Reinsel MathWorks Sam Reinsel supports automotive student competitions worldwide as a part of the MathWorks Student programs team. Prior to working at MathWorks, he completed his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, where he worked a team lead on the universities EcoCAR 3 team. Sam’s background is primarily focused on hybrid vehicle controls and modeling, with a specific focus on controls software development in rapid prototyping applications. Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan, MathWorks Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan MathWorks Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan is a Senior Student Programs Engineer at MathWorks. She is the technical lead for automotive and ADAS competitions, along with supporting FSAE North America MathWorks activities. Her expertise includes sensor data processing, sensor fusion algorithm development, MIL testing in Simulink and MATLAB, along with Scenario and scene design using RoadRunner.	Watch video (1:20:11)
24 Apr 2026	Perception, Deep Learning, and ADAS Workflows for Formula Student Driverless Vehicles Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan, MathWorks Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan MathWorks Akshra Narasimhan Ramakrishnan is a Senior Student Programs Engineer at MathWorks. She is the technical lead for automotive and ADAS competitions, along with supporting FSAE North America MathWorks activities. Her expertise includes sensor data processing, sensor fusion algorithm development, MIL testing in Simulink and MATLAB, along with Scenario and scene design using RoadRunner. Liping Wang, MathWorks Liping Wang MathWorks Liping Wang is an Education Program Engineer at MathWorks. She holds a Ph.D. from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Previously, she worked on the research and development of 4G and 5G communication systems at companies including Ericsson and Huawei. Her expertise spans wireless communications, signal processing, and artificial intelligence.	Watch video (1:29:25)

Automotive Webinar Series Student Competition Teams