The Engineering Faculty at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) is currently developing an ecosystem for electric and robotic vehicles in Semarang. As for the first step in creating this ecosystem, students and faculty members of the Engineering Faculty have invented an electric vehicle named Udinus Campus Electric Pedicab (Becik-KU).

Through this vehicle, Udinus successfully responded to the government stimulus of shifting from conventional energy vehicles to renewable energy vehicles. Dr. M. Ary Heryanto., S.T., M.Eng., a faculty member involved in the project, explained that the pedicab utilized batteries as its main source of energy. Additionally, on top of the pedicab, there was a solar panel functioning as a device to amplify the power of the batteries.

"The pedicab works automatically, with the capacity of four passengers. Moreover, beneath it, there is a camera serving as a road detector,” he uttered.

Dr. M. Ary Heryanto, S.T., M.Eng., who was also the Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, revealed that the pedicab would later be operational in the Old Town area of Semarang. The pedicab will later be able to make a tour around the Old Town area without the need for an operator. This accomplishment was the result of a collaboration between Udinus and the city government.

“This electric pedicab also has the feature to explain the condition within the Old Town area. For example, if the pedicab were to pass the Blenduk Church, it would inform the passengers about the landmark by utilizing the screen. The information mainly scopes the history and uniqueness of the landmark,” he added.

Heru Agus Santoso, Ph.D., the Dean of the Engineering Faculty, expressed his pride in the innovation made by faculty members and students of the Engineering Faculty. On the same occasion, he also explained that the pedicab was classified as an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV), which was a result of the research conducted by a faculty member. Moreover, the development of this electric pedicab also served as a step for the campus to contribute to the public, particularly in implementing the Tri Dharma philosophy.

“We will always be committed to supporting this matching fund research. Thus, it can be launched as soon as possible, with the best possible output. Hopefully, Udinus will be able to contribute to the development of Semarang into a smart city,” the dean concluded.

Becik-KU, alongside other innovations produced by Udinus, including Sekar Nuswantoro Gamelan Robot, Udinus Campus Chess Robot, and the Plant Detector App, were also showcased at the Seminar on the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence by Strengthening the Electronic-based Cloud Technology for the Electronic-based Governmental System in Semarang. The seminar, attended by roughly 300 participants across the country, was also attended by the mayor. (Humas Udinus/Haris. Foto: Dok. FT Udinus)