Sensor Testing in Adverse Visibility Conditions

Research Project, 2020 – 2022

Purpose and goal: The project aims to increase AstaZero´s ability in sensor testing in challenging weather conditions with a focus on spray and to follow international developments regarding sensor testing in different weather conditions. The main focus is to create a test environment at AZ by analyzing water spray from tires on wet roads and from existing spray rig and studying the significance of different variables. At the end of the project, AZ will have its own user-friendly spray rig for repeatable testing of vehicle sensors and model validation for spray models ready to be used by different actors. Expected results and effects: The project aims to result in expertise, test methodology, and a facility for statically and dynamically testing sensor performance in difficult weather/visibility conditions. This tool will enable a far more accessible method of testing as it´s no longer as dependent on having the right weather when conducting tests. Through this project sensor- and vehicle manufacturers will get a valuable tool for testing and validation of sensors for autonomous vehicles in adverse visibility conditions, something that is critical to develop autonomous vehicles of higher levels in the future.
Approach and implementation: The project is divided into eight work packages with the main focus on competence increase regarding behavior in and significance of various parameters in spray. The spray rig that AZ manages from Veoneer will be updated and a working group together with OEMs will ensure that areas of use are met. Although the main focus is spray generation, a work package will focus on following the development of rain, fog, and snow generation through the network which is established by test centers active in the area. Other test centers will also be visited for benchmarking and discussion.