A new set of test tracks to perform complex CAV and ADAS testing and validation programs is now available at IDIADA’s proving ground in l’Albornar, Spain, with the company claiming the site is now Europe’s most comprehensive for connected and automated vehicle development.
The new facilities, which complement the existing ones, consist of a comprehensive set of realistic scenarios reproducing urban, interurban and highway environments with the added advantage of allowing a seamless transition between the driving scenarios when performing complex CAV and ADAS testing and validation programs.
In addition, the tracks are complemented by a private 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G cellular network, making IDIADA a unique, controlled environment capable of reproducing worldwide network configuration and conditions to develop and validate connected vehicle solutions.
“With the construction of these test tracks, designed by IDIADA’s track design and maintenance team, IDIADA becomes a reference facility for the development of autonomous vehicles,” said Xavier Cabús, the head of the proving ground. “In the same facility, it will be possible to continue developing conventional vehicles and, at the same time, vehicles that incorporate new technologies where the figure of the driver is becoming less relevant. The coexistence on the same test track of vehicles with different levels of automation and connectivity will also be a test to evaluate how this reality can be exported to public roads.”
Andres Aparicio, senior manager, ADAS & CAV, added, “The new tracks are designed to meet the requirements for testing and validating autonomous vehicles. Until now, test tracks have been designed with very specific characteristics: asphalt qualities, adhesion, planimetry and run-offs that allow the performance of vehicles to be evaluated at the limit in complete safety. Now, the challenge is different. It is no longer a question of testing vehicles at the limit, but of ensuring that autonomous vehicles are safe in real traffic situations. For this reason, the new tracks reproduce urban and interurban environments, including lanes with many combinations of lines, motorway entrances and exits, bridges, roundabouts, car parks, a wide variety of signage, etc. The definition of all these elements is the result of discussions with more than 50 vehicle manufacturers, system suppliers and research centers around the world. All the activity in these new facilities is aimed at developing and validating autonomous vehicles in a safe environment before taking them out on the open road.”
