Individual class becomes HAD system competence
At the level of environment recognition, Continental supplies the various radar and lidar sensors, cameras and connectivity technologies for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-in-frastructure (V2X) communication. Continental also provides the intelligence that uses the acquired data to create a model of the respective environment. The model is a main prerequisite for automated driving, because it enables the truck to orient itself in its environment: it recognizes objects, defines lanes, complies with valid rules and uses connectivity to contribute additional information that lies outside the range of vision of the sensors. The Hanoverbased technology company is also responsible for human-machine interaction, which enables communication between the driver and the truck.
Tested and pre-validated components
At the driving planning and decision making level, Continental supplies the basic functions used in the passenger car market, including the high-performance control unit for automated driving functions. The driving dynamics of commercial vehicles are considerably more complex than those of passenger cars, due to the wide variety of different vehicle types. Knorr-Bremse’s Truck Motion Controller based on the new brake system control (GSBC) brings this know-how to the new partnership. In addition, Knorr-Bremse has in-depth knowledge of the factors that have a great influence on driving characteristics: the tractor/trailer combination, vehicle length, the number of axles, combinations of one or more units, load distribution, the height of the center of gravity, torsionally soft frames, etc. Knorr-Bremse also has expertise on all the relevant components at the actuation level, i.e. the conversion of the driving decision into actual control processes in the vehicle. These include above all the steering and the braking system, but also the control of individual components in the powertrain.
Highly automated driving with intelligent redundancy concept
In addition to the development of automation functions, the intelligent redundancy concept is also decisive for the success of highly automated driving. If the automatic system takes over control, it must be designed to prevent the vehicle getting out of control, even if the electronic subsystems fail – and the simple doubling of critical components is not economically viable. The redundancy concept for steering developed by Knorr-Bremse demonstrates how the failure of an active steering system can be offset without installing duplicates of the relevant components. Only when the total system – including the redundant structure – operates as intended can the driver concern himself with other tasks while on the road. This best-in-class performance is combined with cost efficiency.
Contribution to greater safety and efficiency
With their cooperation in highly automated driving, both companies are also making a significant contribution to much more efficient driving, through platooning, for example, which can save up to 15 percent fuel and reduce vehicle emissions accordingly. The automation of individual driving functions such as lane changes, driving on the construction site and emergency braking will ensure that commercial vehicles are safer in the future.