Automotive testing technologies supplier, AB Dynamics, has launched ClearTrack, an update to its fully integrated object detection system for driverless robot-controlled vehicle testing. ClearTrack is designed to enable automotive manufacturers to scale-up their driverless durability, misuse, and mileage accumulation testing operations by automating their obstacle detection and avoidance tests.
This automation can improve the efficiency of test programmes, and also provides an extra layer of protection for test vehicles assets by helping to prevent impacts with obstacles on the track, such as animals or large debris.
“Using robots to remove the driver from repetitive and often arduous testing has a host of benefits, not just for personnel, but also improving the cost and efficiency of testing,” explained Jonathan Barry, senior embedded and control software engineer at AB Dynamics. “ClearTrack amplifies these benefits. Our fully integrated active object detection system helps protect valuable prototypes from damage and can enable more vehicles to operate simultaneously on the same track.”
ClearTrack is designed to work with AB Dynamics’ driverless solutions, with a high-resolution, solid-state, ultra-long-range (500m) LiDAR sensor designed specifically for autonomous applications. As well as the perception sensor, the system includes an in-house-developed perception ECU and roof-mounting system that connects to the driverless vehicle’s controller unit and is managed through the AB Dynamics Robot Controller software interface.
AB Dynamics developed ClearTrack with its sister company, ABD Solutions. ABD Solutions develops retrofittable autonomy for the industrial sector, including a human form detection and alert system that improves site safety around construction vehicles.
The detection system calculates the size, shape, position and direction of obstacles in real-time and performs an immediate abort stop to prevent an impact if an obstacle presents a collision risk. ClearTrack can be finely tuned to filter-out obstacles that do not pose a risk of damage to the vehicle, such as low lying or sparse foliage. Configurable settings allow the user to control the sensitivity of the system depending on its operational environment, including object height filters for test areas that include tunnels or bridges.
ClearTrack is designed for fast and simple deployment and AB Dynamics says it is compatible with almost any vehicle. The system is capable of test speeds up to 130km/h (81mph), which is a key requirement for many OEMs. The system is also built to withstand the demands of durability testing, including rough and uneven terrain. Its motion compensation technology corrects the smearing of LiDAR points when the vehicle is moving, ensuring consistent performance, even in high-vibration environments.
“By providing an additional layer of information and enhanced situational awareness, an operator’s workload is significantly reduced,” added Jonathan Barry. “As a result, they can comfortably and safely monitor and control more vehicles.”
AB Dynamics’ driverless testing solution uses sophisticated robots, software, telemetry and controllers to accurately control a vehicle’s speed and direction. Under normal driving conditions the solution typically enables vehicles to follow a predetermined path to within 2cm, speed to within 0.5 km/h, and steering angle to within 0.5 degrees. This automated approach ensures repeatable, consistent, accurate testing while eliminating driver fatigue and variability from the process.
