ETAVEP - Enablers for Testing Autonomous Vehicles at Existing Proving grounds

Purpose and goal

Research what technologies, and level of technological performance, is required to be able to replace the safety functions a test driver performs when testing autonomous vehicles that either lack driver seats or controls on existing test tracks. Through a series of studies and the development of a proof-of-concept, ETAVEP has shown, it is possible to replace the safety functions performed by a test driver when testing autonomous vehicles. The project has also established guidelines, guides, methods and checklists that enable implementation.

Expected results and effects

As a result of ETAVEP, it has not only demonstrated the possibility of substituting the safety functions performed by a test driver when testing autonomous vehicles when there is no driver´s seat or driver´s controls but also generated several guidelines, frameworks, methods and checklists that enable a future safe implementation. The knowledge built during the project will be used to gradually implement the implementation. The project has also strengthened the foundation for future research in the field.

Planned approach and implementation

The project had a systematic approach to achieve the goal, that was defined as a layer-based framework. The first step was to understand the proving ground system and evaluate similar systems in other environments. Subsequently, layers were defined in the framework, all which required a solution to demonstrate the possibility of replacing the safety functions performed by a test driver. Finally, the solutions were integrated into a complete proof-of-concept. Knowledge and technology developed during the project creates a strong foundation for implementation and future research.