Draft:Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), UIET, Panjab University

Society of Automotive Engineers, UIET, Panjab University

SAE UIET PU Logo Logo
Abbreviation	SAE UIET PU
Formation	2009 (2009)
Type	Non - Profit Organisation
Legal status	Active
Headquarters	Chandigarh, India
Members	150
Chairperson	Akshit Kain
Vice - Chairperson	Parth Bansal
Parent organization	SAE India
Website	[1]

Introduction

The SAE UIET Panjab University is a collegiate club affiliated with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) India [2] and operates within the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET)[3], Panjab University. The club functions across four dynamic domains that fuel its diverse projects and accomplishments.

1. Team Garuda - The Motorsports Team of SAE: This team specializes in designing and building Formula-style cars, ATVs, and Go-Karts for student competitions while exploring innovative sustainable mobility technologies such as Hyperloop and Hydrogen-CNG-powered vehicles.

2. Team Abhedya - The Robotics Team of SAE: The most versatile domain in the club, Abhedya participates in national and international competitions hosted by IITs, NITs, and other prestigious institutions. The team competes in events like Maze Solver, Robowars, RC Racing, and Robo Soccer while also developing research-focused projects, including robotic arms and self-balancing bots.

3. Team Vayuveer - The Aerospace Team of SAE: This domain focuses on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, working on projects like RC planes, rescue drones, anti-drone systems, and water rockets, contributing to innovations in the field.

4. Team Alpha One - The Software Team of SAE: Dedicated to software innovation, Alpha One engages in website development, database systems, and AI-driven projects. The team regularly participates in hackathons, achieving consistent victories and adding to the club's success in software development.

Together, these four domains exemplify SAE UIET’s commitment to technological advancement and excellence.

Founding and Early Years (2007-2010)

Team NH1 - The First BAJA Team

SAE UIET was founded in 2007 by a team of enthusiastic engineers including Mr. Rana Singh Balgir, Mr. Rupak Banerjee, Mr. Harpreet Singh and their dynamic team. Initially, the chapter included students from Electrical, Electronics, and Mechanical branches. Over the years, the society expanded to include IT and CSE students, building a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to automotive engineering. In 2009, the first UIET Baja Team, named "NH1," was established, marking the beginning of the university’s participation in national-level Baja SAE events. Following this, in 2010, Team Pirates continued the tradition of creative design and engineering for Baja SAE, setting a strong foundation for future teams to enhance and innovate.

Team Pirates - SAE UIET 2nd BAJA Team

The Efficycle Legacy Begins (2010-2013)

SAE UIET PU claimed victory at IIT Bombay's competition

In 2010, SAE UIET introduced the concept of Efficycle to SAE India, hosting the first-ever Efficycle event at the university. This pioneering step established UIET as a central force in promoting sustainable and efficient engineering practices through the annual Efficycle competition. The chapter’s first Efficycle team, "Team Mental Hawks," represented UIET’s dedication to eco-friendly vehicle design, which attracted growing attention and participation from other institutions. By 2013, Efficycle had expanded to include 129 teams from across India, further solidifying UIET’s position in the event’s organization and as a role model in innovative engineering.

A Glimpse of Efficycle conducted at UIET in 2012

SAE India launched the AWIM (A World in Motion) Program in collaboration with SAE UIET PU

Early Awards and Achievements (2012-2016)

Team Chargeurs Phoenix - BAJA 2012 (Best Cost Award)

Team Chargeurs Phoenix Journey BAJA 2012

SAE UIET’s teams soon began achieving national recognition. In 2012, the Baja team "Chargeurs Phoenix" received the Best Cost Award, with notable performances such as their 7.5-second time in the 38-degree gradient test. During this period, UIET also claimed victory at IIT Bombay’s Robowars competition, winning at the TechFest and demonstrating their prowess in robotics and automation. The chapter’s influence continued to grow, and in 2013, SAE India launched the AWIM (A World In Motion) Program in collaboration with SAE UIET, aiming to bridge academic and industry experiences for students. Efficycle 2016 saw UIET’s team rank highly, with their lightweight and efficient tricycle design garnering particular praise from judges and participants alike.

Expansion and New Ventures (2016-2019)

Between 2016 and 2019, SAE UIET expanded its participation across various national and international competitions, establishing a robust presence in engineering innovation. During this period, teams Stormbreaker and Sabertooth represented UIET in Baja SAE, Go-Kart, and Formula SAE events, continuously improving vehicle durability, suspension, and overall design. In 2016, following the success of Efficycle, SAE UIET launched the EffiCars initiative, further broadening its exploration into sustainable engineering. EffiCars gained significant attention, with a dedicated Instagram page created to showcase its development, design updates, and event highlights. EffiCars quickly became a popular addition to SAE UIET’s project portfolio, reflecting the chapter’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions and innovation in vehicle design. Efficycle 2019 saw continued success, with UIET's team achieving a top position thanks to a tricycle design praised for its innovative use of materials and energy efficiency. Additionally, in 2019, a team from UIET earned first place at the Smart India Hackathon - Hardware Edition at IIT Hyderabad, showcasing their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. SAE UIET also debuted in the SAE Aero Design Challenge, marking its expansion into aeronautical engineering and demonstrating the chapter's growing interdisciplinary expertise.

Adaptation During the Pandemic (2020-2021)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SAE UIET shifted its focus to virtual engagements while maintaining an active presence in competitive events. Team B-Ron Motorsports represented UIET in the National Electric Kart Championship (NEKC) 2020, and secured 1st position with being victorious in various domains: virtual round, design report, business plan, endurance. In the same year,Team Immortus Racing participated enthusiastically in the Auto India Racing Championship (AIRC), producing outstanding results and earning noteworthy rankings.

B-RON Motorsports team working on fabricating their eKart.

Team B-RON Motorsports winners at NEKC 2020

A team member proudly posing with the eKart and the trophies.

Team Immortus Racing Kart at AIRC 2020

Team Immortus Racing at AIRC 2020

As in-person events paused, SAE UIET organized online workshops on electric vehicles, hybrid technologies, and data analytics, ensuring continuous learning and skill-building for students. In 2021, where teams submitted CAD models and simulations, demonstrating their adaptability and resilience in challenging times.

Resurgence and Recognition (2022-2023)

With the resumption of in-person activities in 2022, SAE UIET renewed its commitment to innovation. The IC Go-Kart team advanced to the dynamic rounds with a vehicle featuring an upgraded suspension system and improved engine tuning. The chapter also resumed on-ground workshops, industry visits, and guest lectures focusing on electric mobility and autonomous technologies. SAE UIET’s efforts culminated in 2023 when the team achieved All India Rank 2 at the Aerothon 2023, outperforming other prestigious institutions and underscoring UIET’s status as a top-tier engineering chapter. In October 2023, SAE UIET PU collaborating with Techfest, IIT Bombay organized a seminar. The guest of honor for this seminar was Mr Shubham Gupta (Alumnus of IIT-B and an industry expert). He represented “Vigyantram” technology (a company backed by Techfest IIT-B). The guest of honor took a session on Gripper Bot and Line Follower Bot and also guided the students on its industrial application. The speaker shared a thorough knowledge about robotics in which he explained the use of Arduino to make Line Follower Bot and Gripper Bot and how students can also make such complicated bots. The speaker also explained the use and importance of Arduino for robotics. The speaker concluded the session on a high note by showcasing a demo of the working of such bots and motivating the students to contribute in this industry and innovate. This seminar saw an overwhelming participation from a diverse pool of participants.

In January 2024, SAE finalized its constitution, which was drafted by Akshit Kain and Vinayak Sharma, along with their team. The constitution outlines the club's functioning across four tiers. At the base level is the General Committee, comprising all club members. The next level is the Committee of Members, recognizing those who have actively contributed and demonstrated dedication. Above this is the Executive Board, elected through fair election trials. At the top is the Advisory Board, consisting of former Executive members and senior members who provide valuable guidance and advice. Alumni Committee was also introduced to foster greater ties between the past and the current members.

Notable Programs and Ongoing Projects (2023-2024)

The 2023-2024 tenure was a period of remarkable progress for SAE UIET PU, guided by Prof. Shankar Sehgal and led by Student Chairperson Akshit Kain and Student Vice-Chair Parth Bansal. Emerging stronger after the challenges of the global pandemic, the club showcased its resilience and dedication to technical excellence through active participation in competitions and the achievement of significant milestones.

Robowar Competition at Technex'24, IIT BHU: In March 2024, Team Rann Yodha, the robotics team of SAE UIET PU, participated enthusiastically in the Robowar tournament at IIT BHU's techfest, Technex' 24. While the team did not secure a position, their performance was commendable, providing valuable insights and motivating the team for future endeavors.

Team at Technoxian 8.0, Noida

Technoxian 2024 - World Robotics Championship, Noida: The club's participation in Technoxian 2024, held in Noida in August, was a notable milestone. Teams competed in five domains: Maze Solver, RC Plane, Robowar, RC Car, and Water Rocket. Team Maze Solver qualified for the quarter-finals but faced challenges due to last-minute rule changes, which impacted their final standing. Team Robowar and Team Water Rocket also delivered commendable performances, advancing to the first round. These experiences strengthened the teams' confidence for future challenges.

Robowar at Infotsav 2024, IIIT Gwalior: October 2024 saw a major achievement as Team Abhedya, the Robotics Team, secured 3rd place in the Robowar challenge at Infotsav, the techfest of IIIT Gwalior. The team’s robust 8 kg combat bot outshone others, notably defeating NIT Allahabad’s 21 kg bot.

Team Abhedya Secured 3rd in Circuit Scramble Competition at CU's Techinvent

Circuit Scramble at Tech Invent 2024, Chandigarh University: Another remarkable accomplishment in October was the 3rd place finish by a Abhedya Robotics Team in the Circuit Scramble competition at CU's Tech Invent 2024. These consecutive wins showcased the teams’ dedication, technical acumen, and readiness to tackle challenges. These achievements reflect SAE UIET PU's unwavering commitment to fostering a technological culture among its members and the wider student community, inspiring further participation and success in future competitions.

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2023, New Delhi: In February 2024, SAE UIET PU organized a visit to the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 in New Delhi. This dynamic platform introduced members to advancements in sustainable and smart mobility solutions, including electric vehicles, hybrid technology, autonomous driving, and connected mobility. Engaging with experts, startups, and industry leaders enriched members' understanding of modern automotive engineering, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge in the field.

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Workshop: From July 29 to August 9, 2024, the club hosted a 10-day online workshop on 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, conducted by UIET alumnus Mr. Yash Gopal Mittal, a Prime Minister Research Fellow and PhD scholar at IIT Bombay. This workshop, open to all, attracted diverse participants from institutions like NITs, IITs, and IIITs. It equipped attendees with essential knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for advancements in manufacturing technology.

The Organising committee for PU Internal Hackathon

PU Internal Hackathon SIH 2024: The PU Internal Hackathon 2024, held on September 9, was a thrilling event highlighting the creative and problem-solving skills of students. With 60 teams proposing 79 innovative ideas, the hackathon served as a stepping stone for participants gearing up for the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024. This event underscored the importance of innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges.

Tricity College Fests:

Winners of Robosoccer and RC Racing

The robotics team excelled at various Tricity college fests, securing:

• 1st place in RoboSoccer and 2nd place in RC Racing at CCET.

Winners of Aquajet Competition

• 1st place in the vertical category and 2nd place in the horizontal category of Aqua Jet (water rocket) at PECfest.

Looking Ahead

SAE UIET PU remains committed to organizing impactful events, fostering technical innovation, and supporting members in excelling at future competitions. These endeavors aim to propel the organization to new heights while contributing to its rich legacy.