EvolvAD
Autonomous cars are now becoming reality with some circulating cities such as San Francisco and Wuhan, but a problem is the technology has not evolved yet to be usable on backroads. The use of various signs and signals allows autonomous vehicles to fluidly go through cities with ease, but when those useful signals are taken away new innovations must be made. EvolvAD powered by Nissan and funded by the UK government hopes to make that dream a reality. This would allow for more commercially available vehicles that are supply chain ready.
Improvements in Technology
The new car is built off of Nissan’s 100% electric LEAF car and is equipped with the new AD (Autonomous Driving) technology. Nissan along with Connected Places Catapult, Humanising Autonomy, SBD Automotive, and TRL are working to technically support the supply chain in the UK for mass production of these self-driving cars. A large improvement comes from the use of CCTV cameras as well as other similar video references that allow for improved situational awareness of current events happening in most areas. These cameras allow the vehicles to see around the corners of 16,000 miles of the UK public roads enabling redirection, accident protection, and the avoidance of dangerous situations.
Testing
One of the focuses of EvolvAD was to take the city drivers to the backroads as the LEAF takes on the winding countryside at speeds of 60mph with sparse signs or directional inputs from other cameras. Nissan has just recently tested these vehicles on country roads detailed in a video posted by CNN seen here:
The vehicle successfully completed this test which allows it to be utilized in most use cases for everyday drivers.
Roles played in EvolvAD’s Creation
The vehicle uses sensors, laser technology and cameras in order to see all angles at any given moment, allowing for quick reaction times, and unlike an advanced driver no blind spots or delays. Furthermore, Nissan introduced an advanced chassis control system that enhances braking and steering allowing for a safer and smoother experience. Each of the partners in making the vehicle have played their crucial role as follows:
- Nissan: Lead partner and leading the development of the connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) that have been trialed during the project
- Connected Places Catapult: Applying advanced machine-learning techniques to generate high-definition maps from aerial imagery.
- Humanising Autonomy: UK supplier with advanced vulnerable road user (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists) perception and behavior estimation capability
- SBD Automotive: On Board Cyber security and advanced safety case
- TRL: Further developing vehicle system validation processes utilizing infrastructure on the Smart Mobility Living Lab (SMLL) testbed
Nissan plans to take their findings from the years of research at EvolvAD and offer an autonomous vehicle mobility service by 2027 in Japan. These are not only interesting inventions but could help the disabled get out into the world again. If cars were in the future equipped with wheelchair ramps and other guides for the blind and disabled, this could be a great option for them being able to get around. Furthermore, the cost of running these as an electric car would be minimal meaning that cheap country wide transportation could be available to all people.
Essentially Evolve AD could lead to a dramatic decrease in the amount of accidents in cities and rural areas, allowing people to feel safe outside their homes and in their vehicles. While autonomous vehicles may not be for everyone, they will help society move forward and assist those who need/want that assistance.