Smart Wheels for Golf Buggies

Concourse Golf set out to transform traditional push golf buggies into intelligent, self-powered systems by developing a pair of retrofit Smart Wheels that could be fitted to existing golf buggies.

The objective was to combine the portability and convenience of lightweight push buggies with the performance of premium electric golf carts, delivering an affordable solution that automatically follows a straight path across varying terrain.

Genesys was engaged after the original design encountered significant steering and tracking issues. Drawing on extensive experience in embedded systems, motion sensing and control algorithms, Genesys redesigned key elements of the electronics and software to create a reliable, production-ready solution.

The Challenge

The original system was unable to maintain accurate straight-line tracking over uneven golf course terrain.

To achieve a premium user experience, the Smart Wheels needed to:

Maintain straight-line travel across slopes and undulating terrain.
Independently control each drive wheel.
Provide smooth remote control operation over long distances.
Deliver reliable wireless communication between both wheels.
Maximise battery life while maintaining high motor performance.
Be suitable for scalable manufacturing and production testing.

The Solution

Genesys redesigned the electronics architecture and embedded software to improve vehicle control, reliability and manufacturability.

Using high-precision inertial sensing, the system continuously measures changes in terrain and automatically compensates for drift by independently controlling the speed of each wheel.

Additional hardware and Bluetooth communication between the wheels enabled improved remote-control range while providing the data required for advanced steering algorithms.

The completed system delivers:

Accurate straight-line tracking.
Remote control operation up to 50 metres.
Seven forward speeds and reverse.
Zero-turn manoeuvring.
Dynamic downhill braking.
Automatic incline speed compensation.
Up to 27 holes of operation on a single charge.

Genesys Engineering Contribution

Genesys took ownership of the project after the initial development encountered performance limitations and redesigned critical hardware and software components.

Our engineering contribution included:

Redesigning the electronics architecture.
Developing embedded motor control software.
Implementing inertial navigation algorithms using accelerometers and gyroscopes.
Adding Bluetooth communication between both wheels.
Developing wheel synchronisation and steering control algorithms.
Improving remote-control performance.
Designing additional PCB assemblies to support the new architecture.
Developing production programming tools and manufacturing test procedures.
Supporting manufacturing transfer and production readiness.

The redesigned Smart Wheel platform successfully achieved reliable straight-line tracking across challenging golf course terrain while maintaining the lightweight convenience of traditional push buggies.

By combining intelligent motion control, embedded software and robust electronics design, Genesys helped transform an early-stage concept into a manufacturable consumer product capable of delivering a premium golfing experience.

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