In the next three years, which is the full duration of the project, students from eight universities will focus on developing autonoums technologies, modifications and testing in practice. During their work and research, they will tackle real-world applications of sensing technologies, computing platforms, software design implementation and advanced computation methods such as computer vision, pattern recognition, machine learning, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and autonomous vehicle controls.

Each of the student teams will be provided with a Chevrolet Bolt EV as the vehicle platform, as curtesy of General Motors. Additionally, GM's strategic partners and suppliers will support the students by providing vehicle parts and software to ensure technological support.

During Year 1 of the competition (beginning in fall 2017), the students will be getting familiar with sensing and computation software. They will be tasked with completion of a concept design written paper, but they will also need to demonstrate some simple missions for on-site evaluation, such as straight roadway driving and object avoidance/detection. During Year 2 they will move to solid system developments and more challenging on-site testing. In the final year, Year 3, final validation of design and concept refinement will take place, including complex on-site testing.