Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - May 2018

Overview

This issue of "Autonomous Vehicle Engineering," published in May 2018, delves into the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the technologies aimed at enhancing safety, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The magazine addresses critical challenges and innovations in the field, reflecting on the implications of increased autonomy in vehicles.

Key Highlights:

1. Detecting Pedestrians: The issue opens with a focus on the rising pedestrian deaths worldwide, prompting the need for advanced machine-vision technologies. These innovations aim to improve the detection and identification of vulnerable road users, ensuring their safety in the presence of larger vehicles. The cover feature emphasizes the ongoing challenge for AV engineers to accurately recognize and protect these individuals.

2. Safety Technologies: As the safety of vulnerable road users becomes a priority, new technologies are being developed to enhance the capabilities of AVs. The magazine discusses various approaches, including improved sensor systems and machine learning algorithms, which are crucial for real-time decision-making in complex driving environments.

3. Legal Liability in Autonomous Driving: With the increase in autonomy-related accidents, the issue explores the shifting landscape of legal liability. It suggests that as AV technology matures, liability may increasingly fall on manufacturers and software developers rather than individual drivers. This shift could have significant implications for insurance models and regulatory frameworks.

4. Challenges of Environmental Conditions: The magazine highlights the difficulties posed by adverse weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and snow, on the performance of optical sensors used in AVs. Engineers are urged to understand how these conditions affect the functionality of cameras and thermal sensors, which are vital for safe navigation.

5. Innovative Control Architectures: The issue discusses the emergence of new concepts and strategies for control architectures in AVs. As the boundaries of autonomous driving expand, there is a growing need for flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to various driving scenarios and environments.

6. Transforming Vehicle Interiors: As humans take a backseat in driving, the interiors of autonomous vehicles are expected to undergo radical transformations. The magazine speculates on how AVs will prioritize passenger comfort and entertainment, creating a more enjoyable travel experience.

7. Unique Challenges: An intriguing article addresses the unexpected challenges posed by car washes for vehicles equipped with automated-driving sensors. The cleansing process can interfere with sensor functionality, highlighting the need for robust designs that can withstand such environments.

8. Simulation and Testing: The issue features Nvidia's new cloud-based simulation system, which aims to deliver millions of virtual road test miles. This innovative approach to testing AVs allows for extensive scenario analysis without the risks associated with real-world testing, thereby accelerating the development process.

9. Next-Generation Microelectronics: The magazine also covers advancements in semiconductor technology, specifically the fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) technology. This innovation is crucial for meeting the performance specifications required for automated vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling faster and more efficient data processing.

10. Data Transmission Innovations: Another highlight is the development of new technology that allows for the simultaneous transmission of Gigabit data and power through the same wires. This advancement is essential for the data-intensive nature of automated vehicles, which rely on high-speed communication for various functions.

In summary, this issue of "Autonomous Vehicle Engineering" provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of autonomous vehicle technology, emphasizing the importance of safety for vulnerable road users and the innovative solutions being developed to address these challenges. It reflects on the legal, technical, and societal implications of increasing vehicle autonomy, offering insights into the future of transportation and the ongoing evolution of automotive engineering. The magazine serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the advancements shaping the future of mobility.