Visit to the school for self-driving cars
In the American federal state of Michigan a development centre for self-driving cars was created through the backdrop city Mcity.
Dummies are also used in Mcity, the American development centre for self-driving cars. (Photo: ZF)
In Mcity three renowned universities are simultaneously developing solutions with which self-driving cars will be made ready for road traffic. Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University have set up a development centre and a special test site for this purpose.
Since automated vehicles may only be tested on public highways in four American federal states, the researchers’ development centre was established in Ann Arbor close to Detroit, Michigan. Covering an area of 13 hectares, the site cost an impressive $10 million. Cars have been driving there since summer 2015.
A self-driving car must fulfil five criteria on the test site. Safety and driving comfort in the automated vehicles are first optimised. A driver is still required in this initial test phase. In stages three, four and five sensors, control units and the vehicle are connected in such a way that the driver no longer has to steer the vehicle. The self-driving car must then prove its worth in simulated road traffic. For example, pedestrians are represented by dummies who naturally must not be injured.
Dr. Peter Sweatman, the Founding Director of Mcity, told the automotive component supplier ZF Friedrichshafen: “For the purpose of validation, sensors need short distances with the same driving behaviour; test characteristics can therefore be placed close behind each other along the route.” By driving the sensors along this test section hundreds of times, the development time is reduced and the learning processes are speeded up.
The development centre for self-driving cars also deals with the legal aspects of autonomous driving, liability questions and possible hacker attacks on the vehicle data.
Read more: Tesla’s CEO: In 15 years autonomous driving will be standard
Tire Technology: Running out of Air
The electric drive is challenging automotive certainties. Obviously, electric cars currently still run on round tires filled with air. But it’s becoming apparent that electric cars will need new footwear. And that they might even manage entirely without air. We asked DEKRA tire experts about the newest tire trends.
Tuning – What is Possible?
For many car tuners, off-the-shelf car models are just the raw material they use to execute their technological and artistic visions. To do so, the accessories market offers a cornucopia of possibilities with spoilers, chassis, rims, and steering wheels. We asked DEKRA expert Carsten Debler what tuners must consider today.
Automated Driving: Between Wish and Reality
Behind the scenes, car manufacturers and suppliers are hard at work on algorithms for fully automated driving functions. However, only elaborate test programs can clarify how vehicles will behave when using said functions. The experts at the Lausitzring racetrack’s DEKRA Technology Center know all about the latest developments. We asked about the current state of the technology.
