Partners: Horiba Mira Limited (Lead), Coventry University, Connected Places Catapult, Polestar Automotive UK Limited, IPG Automotive Limited. 

Simulation is widely recognised as a key enabler to increase the speed and reduce the cost of the validation and verification (V&V) of automated driving systems. However, to provide assurance of safety, it is vital that simulation is combined with other forms of testing within a multi-pillar test programme. Multi-pillar testing constituting simulation, controlled and public road environments.

CERTUS (Latin for assured) will reduce the time to market of automated driving systems and the cost of development through driving efficiency into V&V programmes. The project targets reducing the timescale of a full V&V programme of an automated driving system or feature by up to 40%. The toolchains developed, and associated intellectual property, will be created by UK companies, strengthening the supply chain, and drawing international business through the creation of an innovative and unique offering to the market.

HORIBA MIRA together with partners Polestar, IPG, Connected Places Catapult and Coventry University have collaborated to deliver:

• An intelligent scenario generation tool using search space optimisation, with KPIs including safety and consumer acceptability to offer an alternative method to a scenario database approach. This delivers the advantages of targeted V&V activity to a specific operational design domain (ODD).
• Integration of the scenario generation tool with simulation and mixed reality toolsets, enabling optimisation, efficiency and robustness of test programmes, combining vehicles under test with virtual actors.
• Integration of a Geographical Information System (GIS) tool which takes a known road network as an ODD and expands the use case to other roads within UK to maximise the number of areas of potential use and thus deployment potential.
• A validated tool chain with robust measurement of data flowing between tools ensuring integrity and reliability.
• Execution of a multi-pillar test programme across simulation, mixed reality and physical environment, assessing an automated driving system implemented by Polestar, with the tools and processes that have been developed.
• Feedback to CCAV, DfT, CAVPASS and key stakeholders on the method and validity to inform future developments of standards and regulation.

The project leverages HORIBA MIRA’s extensive experience in V&V, physical test facilities (ASSURED CAV), alongside IPG’s industry leading Carmaker (TM) simulation tool. Polestar will provide industry expertise, to ensure the developments cater for the needs of the global CAM industry. Connected Places Catapult will build upon previous development of a GIS tool, through quickly and robustly identifying additional compliant roads within the UK where the CAV can operate.