The future of mobility involves algorithms that fuse different sensing technologies to enable intelligent vehicles to become increasingly automated on roads and highways. SwRI is a leading provider of algorithms and component technologies for automated driving for both commercial and military vehicles.
Technology Offerings
Localization Solutions
Localization enables automated vehicles to maintain roadway position. GPS, a type of localization, lacks accuracy needed for precision driving, and signals can be affected by tunnels, skyscrapers, and other obstacles. SwRI’s Ranger system overcomes these challenges with a ground-facing camera, lighting, and algorithms to provide reliable localization in a variety of conditions. Ranger uses maps based on roadway features such as cracks and composite to provide precision up to 2 cm without GPS.
Precision Following
Human drivers react to traffic through our visual and physical senses. Unmanned vehicles utilize a variety of technologies, including vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, to maintain safe distances. Since 2009, we have developed V2V technologies that enable precision following in unmanned vehicle convoys. Our Ranger solution enables over-the-horizon platoon capability and operation where GPS is degraded. SwRI’s supports V2V testing tools and procedures through the OmniAir Consortium.
Low-Speed Automated Shuttle
Low-speed shuttles are ubiquitous, from golf courses to amusement parks tours. Our Ranger system is ideal for low-speed shuttle automation in campus settings on roadways and cart paths. Ranger provides a localization solution with algorithms and maps of ground surfaces to maintain travel on a given route. Ranger is helping advance low-speed shuttle automation in conjunction with our perception technologies, which detect dynamic objects such cyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Automated Trailer Spotting
Trailer spotters move freight at distribution centers and container terminals. These operations are well-suited for automation. We combine reverse autonomy with precision localization to enable automated parking of tractor trailers at shipping docks. Our technology can be integrated into OEM platforms, and we can parameterize trailer dimensions and brake performance to increase accuracy and safety.
Testing & Standards
Texas Automated Vehicle Proving Ground
Through this U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) designation, SwRI collaborates with Texas universities and municipalities to provide a full-service test track and supporting research and testing for automotive manufacturers, technology integrators, and policymakers.
Connected Vehicle Affiliated Testbed
As a Connected Vehicle Affiliated Test Bed through the USDOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, we support public and private sector research, testing and demonstrations of innovative, next-generation intelligent transportation technologies.
Standards Development
- 5.9-GHz OmniAir DSRC standards conformance test methods
- P1609.2-4 IEEE DSRC standards conformance test methods
- International Standards Organization (ISO) Forward Vehicle Collision Mitigation System (FVCMS) and Bicyclist Detection and Collision Mitigation System (BDCMS)