Home > Home > Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Active safety and automated driving are new technology domains and thus, there is a great need of research and development. Not only for the vehicles themselves but also for the surrounding environment such as communication over cellular networks to and from clouds, road infrastructure such as signs and road markings as well as weather and its effects on sensors in vehicles, just to mention a few.

The conditions under which an automated vehicle is designed to operate is called Operational Design Domain, ODD. The research at AstaZero focuses on making repeatable and realistic testing of various aspects of the Operational Design Domain possible. Other focus areas are test efficiency, test control and safety systems for use when conducting tests of vehicles featuring automation and active safety. Generally, the research projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners, academia, governmental organizations, institutes and NGOs such as Euro NCAP.

The research and innovation systems and competencies at AstaZero are applicable to traditional road vehicles such as cars and trucks and their systems, but new vehicle types such as pods, drones and automated industrial vehicles also need the new research capabilities at AstaZero.

Finally, AstaZero is also used as a site for research of the topics mentioned, sometimes without the participation of AstaZero. In these cases, the whole AstaZero test tracks, competencies and services are available to the researchers. Below are some examples of research and development use of AstaZero in research projects and by customers.

Automated Vehicles

Automated vehicles are being developed at AstaZero and multiple research projects dealing with various aspects of automation have been completed. Examples of research project topics include human factors such as reaction to sudden events when being driven by an automated car, testing various systems for distraction detection. Competence and systems within test safety and scenario control are other research topics. These also apply to the test chain, where identical test scenarios can be tested in different environments such as the AWITAR EMC chamber at RISE and AstaZero.

Connectivity

There are multiple cellular and RSDC (Roadside Based Connectivity) networks at AstaZero for research and development use. Research projects with topics such as edge computing, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, augmented reality, and test control are continuously being carried out. For research and development purposes, the connectivity networks can function both as a resource to make experiments possible, but also as the focus of the research itself.

Active Safety

There is still a great need for new scenarios and test possibilities for active safety systems AstaZero is participating in test method design, rating protocol research and development as well as test target standardization. Naturally, AstaZero is also widely used for research and development of novel sensor technologies and active safety functions.

Operational Design Domains

AstaZero conducts research into various topics related to Operational Design Domain such as infrastructure design and support as well as water sprays for sensor research and development.

The Safe, Sustainable Transport system

Special Test Equipment and Targets

In cases where no suitable equipment for special test cases can be found on the market, AstaZero can participate in research and development of such systems. Examples are low-cost, limited performance target carriers for use in cost-sensitive research projects.

Simulation Models and Digital Twins

AstaZero leads and participates in creating models, digital twins and HD maps of the proving ground for use in simulation-based research projects. For commercial use, a set of in-house developed models are also available. The models are also compatible with the test bed chain.

Flexible Target Carrier

The Flexible Target Carrier serves as a versatile platform designed to transport target objects, including VRU dummies. It is specifically designed for use in various scenarios, such as hardware and software testing, and offers an open interface for seamless integration and compatibility.

Spray Rigg

Spray is the dispersion of liquid droplets in the air. AstaZero specializes in tests and analysing spray characteristics. The size of these droplets can range from around 150µm to over 2mm, with some smaller ones measuring under 90µm. The number of droplets emitted varies based on factors such as vehicle speed and water film thickness. We have designed a versatile tool that can be easily installed and used on trailers, offering mobility and plug-and-play functionality. Our tool allows for precise regulation and control of spray characteristics. Using a checkerboard target, we calibrate, detect, and measure the intensity and contrast of the spray. The data collected can be conveniently exported to Excel for further analysis and evaluation.

Human factors such as distractions or tiredness are the main reason behind most traffic accidents. Modern cars therefore have more and more electric controls, including warnings that alert the driver to the risk of an accident situation. Advanced systems that detect whether the driver is dozing off, stressed or under the influence of alcohol are under development. When developing these systems, one must take into account that people react differently to a specific situation, and extensive research and testing is therefore necessary to develop reliable systems.

New function systems built on a vehicle’s capacity to detect potential threats and make the correct decisions are being developed. Extensive tests of their different functions are therefore required.
To be able to test and develop these systems requires advanced dummies and true-to-life environments, as otherwise the smart systems will not experience the threats as real.