Exploring Cutting-Edge Vehicle Technology
Iowa State University's Digital Ag Innovation Lab Offers Innovative Bootcamp
At the intersection of agriculture, engineering, and technology, Iowa State University's Digital Ag
Innovation Lab is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at immersing students in the
systems that will drive vehicles in the future. The Vehicle Technology Bootcamp, developed in
collaboration with industry giants like John Deere, is empowering undergraduate and graduate
students with hands-on experience in the sophisticated software and hardware integrated into
modern agricultural vehicles.
The bootcamp is led by John Potter, Senior Engineering Manager at the Digital Ag Innovation
Lab and has evolved into a pivotal learning platform for students eager to explore the dynamic
world of vehicle technology.
Empowering Future Innovators
The Vehicle Technology Bootcamp operates in cohorts, with two groups convening during both
fall and spring semesters. According to Potter, the program's primary aim is to introduce
students to the intricacies of vehicle technology, bridging the gap between classroom theory
and real-world applications.
"Most students have very little insight into the nature of the technology,” Potter says. “Many of
our participants are surprised at the range of interesting and challenging problems presented to
those who are designing and manufacturing the vehicles of tomorrow."
Throughout the bootcamp, students are educated on a diverse array of topics, including
sensors, actuators, computer networks, and the integration of software within vehicles such as
tractors and other agricultural machinery. This exposure is designed to reshape students'
perspectives and potentially influence their academic and professional trajectories.
"We are looking to give participants a real-world look at some of the technologies that are out
there,” Potter says. “Ideally, this exposure may influence how they plan the rest of their time at
Iowa State or their summer internships. The hope is that it will inspire some of them to pursue
careers in vehicle technology.”
The program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds, encompassing fields such
as engineering, computer science, mathematics, and computer security. Potter emphasizes that
while many participants are freshmen and sophomores, the bootcamp is open to all, including
graduate students seeking to pivot towards digital agriculture—a testament to the program's
broad appeal and potential impact.
Industry Collaboration and Curriculum Evolution
The genesis of the bootcamp can be traced back to initiatives like John Deere's Cyber Tractor
Challenge, which inspired a localized program catering exclusively to Iowa State students. Potter
says the program continues to evolve, but at its core involves sessions led by industry speakers
and lab experiences that include working on cutting-edge agricultural vehicles.
Specifically, the curriculum encompasses vehicle network technology, offering insights into CAN
(Controller Area Network) systems ubiquitous across modern vehicles. The highlight, however,
lies in the lab sessions, where students interact with state-of-the-art equipment, including a
brand-new tractor worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"They get to plug it into the network, observe communications, and learn how to interact with
the vehicle's systems," Potter says. “It is impossible to simulate an experience like that. They are
seeing the technology function in the real world.”
The Future of Vehicle Technology Education
As the bootcamp matures, Potter envisions further enhancements, including leveraging a new
facility within the Research Park—a strategic move aimed at facilitating more extensive hands-
on experiences. The recent experimentation with Saturday events held at the BioCentury
Research Farm underscores a commitment to offering students immersive experiences beyond
traditional classroom settings.
To date, more than 50 students have completed the bootcamp across multiple cohorts, each
leaving with a deeper understanding of vehicle technology and its applications in modern
agriculture. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the
value of industry engagement and hands-on learning.
Feedback from participants shows that the Vehicle Technology Bootcamp is meeting its vision of
creating a synergy between academic institutions and industry partners that has the power to
light a spark in the next generation of innovators.
“Through programs like this, Iowa State University is equipping students with technical skills
while broadening their horizons and inspiring new career pathways within the rapidly evolving
landscape of agricultural technology,” Potter says. "It's about showing students the potential of
their careers beyond what they might have imagined.