Bringing Senior Projects to the Front Line of Mass Production: Freetech and SJTU Complete Their 2026 Summer University–Industry Collaboration Program

Freetech and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Pujiang Global College recently completed their joint 2026 summer senior project program. This round of collaboration brought student projects directly into real-world intelligent driving assistance development. One project focused on production applications, connecting cloud and vehicle data pipelines for the City NOA functions of Freetech’s ADC25 domain controller. The other explored emerging AI technologies for object detection using the FVR60 millimeter-wave radar. By giving university students access to actual R&D work on its core production products, Freetech continues to strengthen collaboration across industry, academia, and research.

Deploying algorithms in production vehicles, enabling efficient data exchange between the cloud and vehicles, and ensuring reliable sensor detection of objects in complex road environments all require close integration between technical research and real-world industry applications.

Continuous algorithm iteration for City NOA relies not only on in-vehicle computing but also on stable, efficient data connections between the cloud and vehicles. Focusing on data interface design, data connectivity, and closed-loop workflows, the project team established a connected cloud–vehicle data pipeline. This enables real-world data generated by production vehicles to flow more efficiently into the R&D feedback loop, supporting driving scenario data collection, problem diagnosis, and algorithm iteration. The project went beyond proof of concept, giving SJTU students direct exposure to real-world engineering for the mass production of advanced intelligent driving assistance systems.

The second project focused on Freetech’s FVR60 millimeter-wave radar, exploring the application of next-generation AI technologies to radar object detection. Object detection directly affects a system’s ability to identify obstacles and interpret complex road environments. Through research on this real-world product, the team combined advanced AI methods with the engineering requirements of automotive sensors, providing a practical example of how AI technologies can be integrated into automotive-grade product development.

The partnership has been continuing to deepen: the first joint senior projects concluded last December; Freetech joined the “SJTU Pujiang · Innovating the Future” university–industry alliance this April; and the latest round of senior projects has now been completed. These successive initiatives are bringing industry and education into closer collaboration.

Hesheng Wang, Dean of SJTU Pujiang Global College and a renowned professor of robotics, expressed his sincere appreciation for Freetech’s continued support for student projects. He noted that AI, a technology reshaping productivity across industries, is a required subject for students at the college. Through the collaborative projects provided by Freetech and the dedicated guidance of its industry mentors, students gained valuable hands-on experience with a lasting impact on their academic and professional development. He expressed his hope to further expand cooperation with Freetech through joint research in intelligent driving, robotics, and related fields, translating academic achievements into mass-produced products.

Dr. Junqiang Shen, Chief Scientist of Freetech, praised the students’ strong technical foundations and rigorous approach throughout the projects. He noted that the products involved in both projects have entered mass production and gained market recognition. Freetech will continue to provide universities with industry projects and practical resources, helping young talent understand the automotive industry’s requirements for safety, reliability, and engineering efficiency through real-world work. These efforts will help cultivate a new generation of talents for China’s intelligent vehicle industry, combining a forward-looking technological perspective with practical engineering expertise.