UCI Autonomous Driving

Dive into the Future of Transportation

Experience a transformative two-week program at the University of California, Irvine, where high school students immerse themselves in the cutting-edge world of autonomous driving. Hosted by UCI’s esteemed Samueli School of Engineering, this camp offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, bridging the gap between high school learning and university-level engineering.

Hands-On Autonomous Rover Development

Collaborate in teams to design, build, and program your own autonomous rover. Navigate complex S-shaped tracks, integrating infrared sensors and AI decision-making algorithms to achieve real-time autonomous navigation.

University-Level Curriculum

Engage with content adapted from UCI’s upper-division engineering courses, providing an authentic glimpse into college academics and research methodologies.

Expert Mentorship

Learn directly from UCI professors and graduate students, gaining insights into the latest advancements in robotics, AI, and mechanical engineering.

Final Project Presentation

Collaborate in teams to present your autonomous rover design and performance. Gain experience in public speaking, technical explanation, and professional-level demonstration—skills essential for future academic and career success.

What Will You Learn and Gain?

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Knowledge and Skills

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Program autonomous rovers using Arduino and real-time sensors

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Design and prototype robotic components through Onshape 3D modeling

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Apply AI logic to navigation challenges like S-curve track driving

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Personal Development

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Build confidence through live technical presentations and peer feedback

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Strengthen collaborative problem-solving in fast-paced team environments

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Practice initiative, accountability, and project ownership from start to finish

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Future Benefits

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Gain a university-issued certificate to enhance college applications

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Build an early portfolio of applied robotics and AI project work

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Develop clarity on STEM career paths through faculty mentorship and exposure

How This Project Transforms Participants

The UCI Autonomous Driving Summer Camp is more than a learning experience—it’s a launchpad. Students gain real-world technical fluency while discovering the confidence to take on ambitious challenges beyond the classroom.

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Developing Research-Ready Thinking

By working through real engineering problems, students build the analytical mindset and project structure needed to later write research papers or technical portfolios in AI and robotics.

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Earning Spots in Competitive Engineering Programs

Camp alumni have used their experience and final rover project to stand out in applications to selective university research programs, STEM competitions, and advanced academic pathways.

DRIVE THE FUTURE

Step into the driver’s seat of innovation. At UCI, you won’t just learn about autonomous vehicles—you’ll build one. From engineering your own rover to solving real-world navigation challenges, this is where your journey into robotics, AI, and hands-on problem-solving begins.

Don’t just imagine the future. Engineer it.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

The UCI Autonomous Driving Summer Camp is designed for ambitious high school students ready to take on real engineering challenges and explore the future of mobility.

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Who Can Apply:

Rising 10th–12th grade students (ages 15–18)
Strong interest in STEM, especially robotics, AI, or mechanical/electrical engineering
Prior experience with coding or hardware is helpful—but not required

Journey Gallery

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the hands-on innovation happening at the UCI Autonomous Driving Camp. This gallery captures the energy, focus, and collaboration of students as they design, build, and test their autonomous rovers—bringing engineering and AI to life, one moment at a time.

Ready to Engineer the Future ?

Spaces for the UCI Autonomous Driving Summer Camp are strictly limited to ensure high-quality mentorship and hands-on laboratory access at the UCI Samueli School of Engineering. Applications are processed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis for qualified rising 10th–12th graders. Don’t miss the opportunity to build your robotics portfolio and master AI coding.

Start Your Application Now

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