Autonomous or semiautonomous vehicles have to cope with traffic scenarios such as overtaking or the need for evasive action with absolute reliability. That involves the vehicle working as a total system. This undergoes end-of-line testing – i.e. after the assembly process – in just the same way as the individual components required for autonomous driving, such as sensors and cameras. Dürr has developed its new generation of test stands to handle these extensive tests.
“Automakers are expanding the production of semiautonomous and autonomous vehicles. In Dürr’s patented technologies, we ensure precise, reproducible processes in end-of-line testing. In doing so, we are supporting our customers on the road to a new mobility age,” declares Ralf W. Dieter, Dürr AG’s CEO.
x-around is a flexible test stand for setting and calibrating cameras and radar, laser and other sensors. These are required in ever greater numbers to enable the vehicle to identify traffic situations and react to them. Typical traffic scenes can be played on monitors in x-around, for example a pedestrian crossing the street. The vehicle’s systems must be able to respond appropriately to such scenes. A lightproof booth enclosing the entire test stand ensures constant, reproducible test conditions.
The multi-function x-road curve test stand performs classic tasks such as testing brakes, transmissions and ABS systems. Modifying the front axle of a classic roll test stand enabled driverless tests to be performed for the first time. Using laser measurement technology, x-road curve now determines the steering angle and adjusts this by means of tiltable roll units. As a result, the vehicle remains centrally positioned on the test stand even at high speeds, without a driver having to correct the steering.
In the next phase, x-road curve can be connected to a virtual-reality environment. In this, the vehicle is subjected to typical traffic scenarios requiring steering movements. This enables the manufacturer to dynamically test whether the car and its component systems detect, for instance, an obstacle or a vehicle in front and brake or take evasive action in timely fashion.
