THE TEAM

We are the Formula Student team from Instituto Superior Técnico.

FST13

Our latest prototype

FST LISBOA

We are the Formula Student team from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon.

Since 2001 we've been constantly reviewing and refining what we do to deliver the very best output and respond to the demands of an ever changing motorsport industry.

Our goal is to design, build, test and compete with an electric prototype with autonomous capabilities each year.

TEAM HISTORY

A group of less than 10 students started a Students' Association so that they could apply the theoretical knowledge they were getting in classes. In 2001, Formula Student was presented to them and they knew they wanted to be a part of it. By then, they only had one broken engine.
Nowadays, 23 years and 13 prototypes later, FST Lisboa has taken part in tens of Formula Student Competitions and is constantly pushing the limits, to get the best out of their prototypes.

Our Departments

At FST Lisboa the division into departments is one of the most effective strategies to ensure that all resources—technical, human, and logistical—are used to their full potential.

The team is structured into 9 departments, each focused on a critical aspect of the car or the project as a whole—from mechanical systems and electronics to aerodynamics and management. This structure allows for deep specialization, smoother collaboration, and faster problem-solving.

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

The Autonomous Systems department is responsible for the development of the autonomous system that integrates the team's driverless vehicles. This mostly includes software development in ROS/C++ covering everything from the vehicle's perception to its autonomous control.

AERODYNAMICS

The Aerodynamics department is responsible for the design and integration of all aerodynamic components. Its design is improved resorting to CFD simulations that are capable of predicting the flow around the car.

CHASSIS

The Chassis department is responsible for the chassis design, pilot interface, safety structures, integration of all on-board systems and both brake systems (manual and autonomous). It is also responsible for manufacturing and for predicting the stresses that the car will endure.

DRIVER INTERFACE

The Driver Interface department is responsible for essentially all of the systems that are in direct contact with our drivers these being the steering, ergonomics and braking systems. The department also develops the autonomous braking and steering mechanical components.

ELECTRONICS

The Electronics department is responsible for all low voltage components in the car and software development. It is responsible for the PCB design, safety systems, hardware simulation, data acquisition and sensor implementation. The software developed is low level.

OPERATIONS

The Operations department handles the non-technical aspects of the team, including logistics, marketing, sponsorships, and financial management. They ensure the team has the resources needed to succeed.

POWERTRAIN

The Powertrain department is responsible for the battery energy storage and its distribution to the wheel. Furthermore, the Powertrain department includes the Cooling System, which interacts with the Aerodynamics department for the refrigeration of its components.

SUSPENSION

The Suspension department is responsible for essentially connecting the tyres to the monocoque. It develops the transmission, designs the steering components for manual and autonomous driving and all the control arms and parts that allow us to have precise dynamic control of the car. All this while ensuring not one single component will break.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS

The Vehicle Dynamics department is responsible for ensuring the car meets its objectives and requirements whilst overseeing overall vehicle performance. For that purpose we study and develop the suspension of the car as well as our own simulators and controllers capable of modelling the dynamic behaviour of the car whilst improving its performance and efficiency.

HOW WE WORK

Recruitment

The First Phase Recruitment begins in October.

Design

Creation of concepts for the new vehicle.

Manufacture

Machining of components of the new prototype and its assembly.

Testing

Testing is necessary for improving the newly made car.

Competitions

When we get to race with our new prototype.

FORMULA STUDENT

Formula Student is an international engineering competition where university teams design, build, and race single-seat formula-style cars.

It is one of the most prestigious motorsport competitions among students, as it challenges them to apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on environment, developing skills not only in engineering but also in equally important areas such as project management and teamwork.

The competition is divided into three categories: combustion, electric, and autonomous.

For the past four prototypes, we have participated in both the electric and driverless categories, having come a long way since the team was founded, when the prototype competed only in the combustion cup.

EVENTS

In order to participate in the competitions, the teams have to compete in both static and dynamic events. Static events include design, cost, and business presentations, where teams showcase the engineering and financial aspects of their project. Dynamic events test the car's performance in acceleration, skidpad, autocross, endurance, and efficiency.