Volunteer Opportunity: 2013 ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge
Overview
The Human Powered Vehicle Challenge is an annual design competition put together by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It challenges technology students to design, fabricate, and race vehicles that are powered only through human energy. There are three separate HPVC’s every year that take place in East US, West US, and in Latin America. This year Ferris State University will be hosting the East HPVC on our campus, which will take place from April 26th through April 28th. Over thirty teams from around the Eastern US are expected to attend, as well as a few teams from outside the US.
Events
- Friday April 26th: Friday will consist of team check-ins and safety inspections. ASME has a very strict set of rules in place for rider safety in the event of a collision or rollover.
- Saturday, April 27th: Events on Saturday will include a drag race in the morning and an innovation showcase in the afternoon. The drag races are separated into men’s women’s races. Qualifying races will determine the top 16 vehicles, which who will then compete in another series of races. This event will be taking place at the Robenhood airport. The innovation event is where teams showcase their unique aspects of their vehicle for judging. For example, the Ferris State team used a vehicle last year that utilized a linear drive system. Riders would use a leg press motion to accelerate the vehicle instead of the rotational motion used in conventional bicycles and human powered vehicles.
- Sunday, April 28th: The last day of the competition features an endurance race and an awards banquet. The endurance race lasts for 2.5 hours and features obstacles and challenges such as speed bumps, stop signs, and hairpin turns. This race will be taking place at on the streets that loop around the main campus.
Volunteer Information
Volunteer responsibilities will primarily involve helping setup the courses, guiding people to the appropriate check-in and event areas, and keeping people out of restricted areas. Additionally help will be needed with taking down the course once the events are completed. Contact Tyler Prim primt1990 AT gmail.com or the Honors office to sign up for volunteer opportunities.