powertrain engineering
D E C EMB E R 2 0 1 8 2 1
With a global network of experts and facilities, these services, methodologies
and test environments are easily accessible by our customers, wherever
they are. This ensures that, with our help, they can deliver products to their
own high standards, and that end-user perceptions of safety, driveability and
reliability are consistent with those that are synonymous with their brand.
THE ROAD TO HUMAN ACCEPTANCE OF ADAS
The AVL approach to ADAS system testing begins on the road, and we
currently have six ADAS trials in operation around the world. These are in
Graz, Regensberg, Coventry, Detroit and Shanghai, and they are collecting
huge amounts of real world driving data. While the road tests are supplemented
by proving ground and simulated test processes, it is the unpredictable
element of chance offered by testing on the road that results in the type
of valuable data that accelerates ADAS and AD development. And, perhaps
most importantly, it gives us the experience to add meaning to the data.
Being able to apply meaning in this
way has enabled us to develop new
technologies that can objectively
assess what it means for the human
drivers who experience ADAS maneuvers
such as cut-in and cut out,
or assisted cruise control approach
to low-speed vehicles in front.
This human-centric approach to
testing has led us to automate the
evaluation of human perceptions of
safety and comfort, and optimize
them for the ultimate ADAS experience.
These automated technologies
speed up the process of analyzing
test data so test engineers aren’t required
to carry out these tasks manually.
Additionally these automated
processes can also be applied to testing
carried out in combination with
simulations in the virtual lab.
Ultimately, employing this kind of
automated evaluation – including of
human-centric values – enables faster
than real-time scenario testing.
And when conducted on high performance computers can bring even more
value by conducting parallel calculations.
This powerful and dynamic approach to AD test evaluation is built on
decades of experience testing and validating in a variety of environments,
and accelerates our rapid learning and progress in this field. Eventually it
will provide us with the stepping stones for the next level of automation.
And while the first steps beyond level 3 may be some years away, the work
that AVL is carrying out now will be fundamental in defining these new
technologies.
“At level 4 the car must be able to drive completely safely and its systems
must be robust enough to continue operating even if they or the vehicle
components fail,” explains Ramschak. “There will be a redundant algorithm
that can take over if the first one fails, so that the human driver can
stay out of it. That’s the future, and step-by-step we are building it today.”
» ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
HAVE BECOME IMPORTANT
BUYING ARGUMENTS
FOR CUSTOMERS. «
ERICH RAMSCHAK • Senior Product Manager
ADAS & Autonomous Driving at AVL