Automotive test solution supplier AB Dynamics has automated Euro NCAP’s new 2024 Assisted Driving tests through test groups in the latest version of its Robot Controller (RC) software, aiming to reduce the workload for OEMs and test houses.
Euro NCAP’s 2024 Assisted Driving Grading is designed to provide users with data on the performance of assisted driving systems to enable better-informed purchasing decisions.
“With its updated rating system, Euro NCAP is aiming to take the ambiguity out of the capability and performance of assisted driving technologies,” said Leo Evans, lead engineer at AB Dynamics. “Our solution takes the pain out of creating and performing these test scenarios to increase efficiency and maximize track time.”
For a better assessment of these systems, the latest protocol has introduced 40 new on-track tests requiring driving robots and ADAS targets.
The new scenarios introduced in Euro NCAP’s 2024 Assisted Driving protocol focus on how the systems interact with vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
The new test scenarios also include adaptive cruise control (AAC) car-to-motorcyclist, collision avoidance car-to-motorcyclist, car-to-bicyclist, car-to-pedestrian and the lane support system – lane change with overtaking vehicle test scenarios.
As a supplier of driving robots and ADAS platforms, AB Dynamics coordinates both the robot-controlled vehicle under test and the ADAS targets, for the setup and execution of multivehicle test scenarios to be automated through a single software ecosystem for Euro NCAP.
According to AB Dynamics, its suite of base scenarios allows test engineers to run the specific test scenarios dictated by the 2024 protocol or a range of iterations of the base scenario, varying aspects such as speed, distance and offset to test and develop the systems more thoroughly.
AB Dynamics’ Scenario Generator tool is designed to allow the trajectories, locations and speeds of all test objects to be preplanned. The tests can be previewed using the pre-play function to check for correct setup before running the scenario for real; post-test graphing software simplifies the analysis and reporting of data.
The tests are automatically reconfigured to account for different vehicle widths and lengths to control the collision points.
The software can also automatically run cross-checks to ensure the test is defined properly according to the specific requirements. This includes aspects such as data capture rate and vehicle reference points, which is important because incorrect specifications will result in invalid data and wasted track time.
“The 2024 update has introduced more challenging test scenarios to better assess the performance of assisted driving systems,” continued Evans. “For example, motorcyclists can be difficult for the systems to detect and classify correctly, particularly in close proximity to other vehicles. Completing a comprehensive and varied matrix of tests is the only way manufacturers can be confident their systems will not only pass the tests but also perform in the real world.”