Self-Driving Cars on Interactive Dynamic Tracks: An Exhibition at Phänomena 2026

Autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, utilize sensors, cameras, radars, and artificial intelligence to navigate and operate without human intervention. They promise to transform travel by enhancing safety, reducing traffic congestion, and improving mobility for those unable to drive. As this technology evolves, it is set to reshape industries, urban planning, and society at large.

To study these technologies in a controlled setting, researchers use simulators, as well as small-scale vehicles. These scaled-down models incorporate similar sensors, processing systems, and algorithms of full-sized vehicles, allowing for experimentation with various scenarios in a safe, manageable, and cost-effective manner. This method not only aids in technology refinement but also serves as an educational tool, making complex autonomous systems more accessible and understandable.

The Software Institute at Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), specifically with the work of the Testing AUtomated (TAU) research group led by Prof. Paolo Tonella, is a pioneer in small-scale self-driving car research, focusing on testing and validation of autonomous systems, with over 10 peer-reviewed publications at prestigious venues. The group has organized two editions of #FormulaUSI, an AI-based 1:16 scale car racing competition that serves as an educational platform to share research findings and stimulate innovative solutions through competitive and collaborative engagement.

Building on our expertise, we propose an interactive exhibition for Phänomena 2026 in Dietikon. This exhibit features self-driving small-scale cars navigating on dynamic tracks projected onto the floor by an overhead beamer. Visitors will engage with autonomous technology through real-time track modifications, simulating various driving conditions like sun, snow, and rain, and artificially introduced obstacles.

Our exhibition also features a control center where visitors can observe real-time sensor data and see through the eyes of a self-driving car while our researchers explain the data and answer questions.

The exhibition is complemented by guided tours, workshops, and round-tables to foster dialogue between scientists and the public. Guided tours will be tailored for different age groups, regardless of sex or gender, from children to adolescents to adults. Workshops will allow visitors to train a self-driving car and observe its behavior, and round-tables with experts in the field will discuss the benefits and challenges of autonomous driving.

Curated by the Scenography Team of Phänomena, the staging of the exhibition will be designed for optimal engagement and maximum accessibility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. The exhibit promises to be a dynamic addition to Phänomena 2026, combining projections, user interactions, and self-driving small-scale cars to both entertain and discuss about the future of transportation.