Optimal Sensor Placement for Autonomous Formula Student Vehicles: A Field-of-View Analysis of Dual LIDAR and Stereo Camera Configurations

The optimal configuration of perception systems in autonomous vehicles is essential for accurate environmental sensing, precise navigation, and overall operational safety. In Formula Student Driverless (FSD) vehicles, sensor placement is particularly challenging due to the compact design constraints and the highly dynamic nature of the racing environment. This study investigates the positioning and configuration of two LIDAR sensors and a stereo camera on an FSD race car, focusing on field-of-view coverage, sensing redundancy, and sensor fusion potential. To achieve a comprehensive evaluation, measurements are conducted exclusively in a simulation environment, where field-of-view maps are generated, detection ranges are analyzed, and perception reliability is assessed under various conditions. The results provide insights into the optimal sensor arrangement that minimizes blind spots, maximizes sensing accuracy, and enhances the efficiency of the autonomous vehicle’s perception architecture.