MARTY

Introduction
MARTY is the Dynamic Design Lab's autonomous electric drifting DeLorean. It has been extensively modified to serve as a flexible testbed for control algorithms at and beyond the limits of handling.
The stock engine has been replaced by a 400HP/740V Renovo electric drivetrain that powers the rear wheels. A bespoke electric power steering system allows for computer control of the front steering angle. MARTY is also equipped with a Brembo brake-by-wire system that can control the brake pressure on each wheel independently. A dual-antenna GPS/inertial navigation sensor fusion system is used to measure the position, velocity, and angle of the vehicle.
While the DeLorean is a cultural and design icon, it was never regarded, even in its time, as a particularly capable vehicle. To conduct these experiments, we had to dramatically improve the dynamic performance, tunability, mechanical robustness, and safety of the vehicle. We completely overhauled the suspension, steering, and interior with a combination of custom-designed and off-the-shelf components.
We would like to thank The Stanford Revs Program, Stanford CARS, Bridgestone, Brembo, Renovo, and Paccar for their generous support of MARTY's development and continued operation.
Major Features
MARTY is a continuously evolving active test bed. This page describes MARTY as specifically manifest in the PhD thesis Automated Vehicle Control Beyond the Stability Limits.

Electric Drivetrain and Steering Actuation
MARTY is equipped with a powerful and responsive electric drivetrain. The 400HP of available system power allows access to a wide range of drifting conditions: fully-autonomous tests have been conducted at speeds of up to 60km/h at 40 degrees of sideslip.
The steering angle is actuated through a bespoke electric power assist system. MARTY can steer lock-to-lock through it's full range of +/- 38 degrees in under a second, enabling rapid drifting transitions.

Measurement and Compute
In order to know where it is, and how fast it is moving, MARTY uses an off-the-shelf GPS/internal navigation sensor fusion system. Two antennas, one on each side of the roof, allow for accurate measurement of the angle of the car body which is critical for drifting.
Hundreds of times a second, in response to these measured changes in the vehicle's position and angle, onboard computers then calculate the steering and throttle adjustments required to keep the car drifting on the path.
Contributors
From 2012 to 2019, MARTY was built and continuously improved by a passionate and dedicated team from the Dynamic Design Lab and beyond. This project was overseen and guided by Prof. Chris Gerdes.
MARTY was primarily developed by a team of Stanford students, which varied in size over the 7 years:
- Jon Goh, PhD, 2012-2019
- Tushar Goel, PhD Candidate, 2015-Current
- Shannon McClintock, Undergraduate/Masters, 2012-2015
- Arni Lehto, Masters, 2013
- Wyles Vance, Masters, 2013
- Phill Giliver, Undergraduate, 2013 and 2016
- Michael Carter, Undergraduate/Masters, 2015-2016
- Joe Sunde, Undergraduate/Masters, 2016-2017
Working on this testbed, from mechanical design and fabrication to electronics integration, has been an invaluable practical learning experience for all of us. We would like to thank the Stanford Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) program for sponsoring Shannon, Phill, Michael, and Joe's first summer on the project.
The electric drivetrain installation was a cooperation between Stanford and Renovo. Since then, Renovo has continued to support the MARTY project by lending their time and invaluable experience. Aaron Sellars, Matt Brunner, Jason Stinson, Chris Heiser, Nick Hori, Mike Vogel, Conor Sullivan, Elmar Grom, Ivan Pandev, Savion Ragster, and Owen Davis were an indispensable part of the team.
The development process was greatly assisted by experienced industry partners. This includes Terence Wei from Bridgestone, and Beniamin Szewczyk, Marco Pagni, Valerio Galizzi, and Alessandro Rossi from Brembo. MARTY was realized with the generous support of the Revs Program at Stanford, the Stanford Center for Automotive Research (CARS), Renovo, Bridgestone, Brembo, and PACCAR.
In particular, MARTY would not have been possible without the experience and guidance of Aaron Sellars. Aaron, you were an incredible colleague, friend, and mentor, with a zest for life and adventure matched only by your kindness and patience. You will be sorely missed by all.

Tushar Goel, Prof. Chris Gerdes, and Jonathan Goh during a Thunderhill test trip, 2018.

Phil Giliver and Joe Sunde in the process of modifying the fiberglass bodywork in the frunk, in 2016.

Aaron Sellars with MARTY and AT&T Park for the Bay Area Science Festival, in 2016.