We present living lab methodology as a pedagogical approach to artificial intelligence (AI) based autonomous systems. Our platform can also consider a significant number of test scenarios for the autonomous driver during the early verification of the autonomous driving controllers. The implementation of an AI-based autonomous driving model is also considered in our place-based learning environment. For the neural network model, we adopt PointNet++ and improve its design to process the lidar point cloud data in order to perform the autonomous steering control tasks. The proposed living lab project, as a pedagogical approach for student-centered learning under the framework of place-based education, provides an opportunity for computer science, CS+[X] — where [X] may range from autonomous systems to robotics and intelligent systems, engineering students to actively participate in the co-creation of knowledge and innovation in real-life contexts, thus leading to an enhanced understanding of complex engineering problems and development of required skills for innovative solutions.