Krunal Panchal
Biography
Krunal Panchal is a technology professional with over 14 years of experience in software engineering, product development, and artificial intelligence. He works as a Senior Product Owner at T-Mobile, leading teams that build AI-based and privacy-focused products. Krunal holds two master?s degrees - one in Computer Science and another in Information Systems Engineering - along with a Nano-degree in Self-Driving Car Engineering from Udacity and an MIT certificate in No-Code AI and Machine Learning. His research interests include self-driving systems, generative AI, and responsible use of technology. He has published papers, filed patents, and mentored students in India.
Research Interest
Abstract
Inside the Mind of a Self-Driving Car: Engineering Intelligence on Wheels:
Self-driving cars are built to move safely without human help by combining cameras, sensors, and intelligent computer programs. These systems allow the car to see the road, understand what is happening, and make the right decisions in real time.
This paper explains how a self-driving car works from start to finish. It begins with computer vision and deep learning, which help the car detect lane lines, recognize traffic signs, follow driving behavior, and track nearby vehicles. It then describes sensor fusion and localization, where data from cameras, radar, and LiDAR are combined using filters such as the Kalman filter to find the car?s exact position, even when GPS is weak. The paper also covers control methods like PID controllers that keep the car stable and smooth while steering and braking. Finally, it discusses path planning, system integration, and functional safety, which allow all modules to work together to plan safe routes and handle unexpected conditions.
The goal of this paper is to give readers a clear understanding of how perception, planning, and control come together to form the ' intelligence' inside a self-driving car. It also highlights the current challenges, such as weather conditions and complex traffic, and looks ahead to the future of safe and reliable autonomous driving.
