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Next Level Autonomous Vehicle Testing
Robot-Driven Vehicles Allow Safe Testing of Developmental ADAS Technology
Testing high speed collision anticipation and avoidance is simply too dangerous for human drivers, yet the need for this is now. The solution is robot drivers to be used during the dangerous testing phases, and ASI is leading the way.
Host Vehicle
The host vehicle contains the systems and sensors to be tested. The test maneuver places the host vehicle on a path with other robot driven vehicles.
Target Vehicles
A swarm of target vehicles, each equipped with ASI’s automation technology, follow a pre-planned path to create the test scenario. Accuracy and repeatability of tests is greatly increased. The choreographed maneuvers navigate the swarm of target vehicles around the host vehicle in predefined sequences that stress and validate the driver assist systems in development.
Proving Ground Management Solution
Test Your Vehicles, Not Your Drivers
The principle reason why so many proving grounds like General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Hyundai) have chosen to work with ASI is safety-based.
Drivers frequently get injured, and safety protocols on proving grounds limit the amount of time drivers can spend on tracks. But when you put a robot in the vehicle that can drive 24/7, you increase safety, productivity, and repeatability all while cutting your test times in half.
From first entry into the proving ground industry, ASI’s technology has been leveraged most for durability and misuse tests on consumer sedans.
The rugged build and off-road potential of SUVs make them a key focus for durability testers and a key candidate for robotic testing programs.
From consumer to commercial grade trucks, ASI’s proving ground automation technology has been used to automate various truck models.
Heavily entrenched in European markets and gaining steam in the U.S., commercial vans have recently been a focus for robotic durability testing.
Cut Your Test Times In Half
When tested in proving grounds, ASI robotic kits have been able to complete a series of tests in about half the time that it would take a human driver to complete those same tests. With robotic drivers, there is no need for regulated brakes or switching drivers out.
“…our only objective was to create a solution that allows for this type of intense off-road testing that could take our vehicles to the most extreme limits of their engineering while ensuring the safety of all involved.”
Dave Payne
Manager of Vehicle Development Operations
Ford Motor Company
Robotic Durability & Misuse Testing
Leverage Robotic Hardware and Software for Durability and Misuse Test Events.
Nav is a system of electro-mechanical components that convert a test vehicle from manual to robotic control. Testers can quickly install or remove Nav with few, if any, modifications to the vehicle itself.
Experience Mobius, the world’s most advanced command & control software system for proving ground automation. Testers can create and execute detailed testing events that coordinate multiple unmanned and manned vehicles in the same location or at various locations around a proving ground. Choreograph vehicle interactions, monitor vehicle health, gather test data, and execute accurate, repeatable test events from one software system.
Automated Safety Rider for Autonomous Vehicles
Integration
Seamlessly integrating into OEM driverless system.
Controlled Handoff
Dynamic vehicle control hand off from ASI to OEM for prescribed OEM scenario testing. ASI retakes control to end the test or begin the next.
Safety
When safety criteria are crossed, ASI technology can take control to bring the vehicle to a safe state.
How It Works
Each unmanned test vehicle is equipped with a series of hardware and software components that permit a user to toggle between manual and robotic control. Once installed, a remote operator has control over the critical vehicle functions of ignition, transmission, steering, braking, and acceleration. The automotive vehicle kit is designed for fast installation and removal and is durable enough to withstand testing across many test vehicles.
Sensors
Sensors collect environmental info and relay it to the onboard VCU to give awareness to the automation system. Compatible with the Mobileye® camera system.
Control Unit
ASI’s patented VCU computer is the brain in the vehicle. It Communicates with the sensors and controls the vehicle. It also relays info between the vehicle, server, and Mobius.
Actuators
Universal actuators are placed in the vehicle to communicate with the VCU so that vehicle operations can be controlled safely and accurately. In by-wire vehicles no actuators are needed, as the VCU integrates with vehicle controls directly.
Advanced Path Planning
Use advanced path-generating algorithms in Mobius to generate complex testing events with full control over all vehicle functions. Create accurate, repeatable scenarios involving sharp turns, quick acceleration or braking, and other critical test variables. Proving ground test engineers can use Mobius to create vehicle events at specific locations on the path and gather data for event analysis
01
Path Builder
Creates a drivable path that can be customized to match testing needs and course routes.
02
Event Planning
Execute actions at a specific point in a path. Functions include: acceleration, deceleration, stop, wait, lane change, variable force braking, roll over, and more…
03
Vehicle Tasking
Vehicles can be tasked to run routes as many times as needed. No need to switch drivers out due to hazardous road conditions, fatigue, and driver breaks.
Robotic Automation Benefits
Variability Between Human Drivers Vs. Asi's High Precision Robotic Kit
This data was taken from real proving ground durability tests and highlight the variability between human drivers and the variability between ASI robot drivers. Four vehicles of the same model were subject to a standard durability test cycle. Two of the vehicles were driven by two different drivers. The other two vehicles were driven by two different ASI robot drivers. Each vehicle was fitted with an accelerometer measuring force in a single axis. The charts below plot the measurements made on the four trials at that same point.
Value
Enjoy greater productivity and economies of scale as single operators can control multiple unmanned vehicles. A robotic automation kit costs much less than trained durability drivers operating the same vehicle.
Accuracy
The Frequency Response and Histogram charts at left highlight the reduced variability between robot drivers when compared to similar data from human drivers. Robot drivers allow for much more consistent application of your drive cycles to your prototype vehicles.
Repeatability
Tests being repeated more consistently by robotic drivers mean the integrity of that data increases due less variability in the results.
Productivity
In results from proving grounds that were conducting tests performed by ASI robotic kits, they were able to complete a series of tests in about half the time that it would take human drivers to complete that same series of tests. With robotic drivers, there is no need for regulated brakes or switching drivers out.
Safety & Stamina
The ASI automation kit is rugged enough to withstand any harsh durability test, and repeat it over and over again without any need to stop. A robotic automated durability test vehicle can run for as long as its fuel tank will allow. Robotic drivers can be used in tests that are not suitable for humans.
Global Customers & Partners
ASI Automotive has over 20 years of experience in autonomous vehicle testing and has worked and partnered with several companies including Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Bridgestone, Stellantis, General Motors, Goodyear, Volvo Trucks, Case New Holland, The U.S. Department of Defense and more. Contact us today and find out why big brands like these, have trusted ASI to take their automotive testing to the next level.
