Reviewed by Lexie CornerJul 8 2024
Calyo, Benedex Robotics, and Cranfield University have collaborated to increase the safety of self-driving vehicles.
The new alliance, which is part of Calyo’s DRIVEN BY SOUND project, will create a functional safety sensing platform based on 3D ultrasound that can operate efficiently in even the most severe environmental situations.
The new technology enables autonomous automobiles to sense their surroundings in 3D and real-time. It enhances existing sensing and safety detection systems by adding an extra layer of safety and dependability.
Tier 1 companies, automobile manufacturers, and start-up mobility initiatives will benefit from the platform's dependable and functional safety module. It acts as a critical redundancy mechanism, allowing vehicles to make minimal risk maneuvers (MRMs) and safely stop in the case of a fault or extreme road conditions.
Our partnership is delivering a robust, redundant sensing platform based on 3D ultrasound for automotive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. The technology will be applicable across vehicle platforms, including off-road industrial applications.
Mihai Caleap, Chief Executive Officer, Calyo
Snir Benedek, CEO of Benedex Robotics, stated, “By integrating this additional layer of functional safety we are introducing innovation, which is transformative in the industry, while cost-effective and easy to implement, establishing the foundation for accessible safe and secure autonomous mobility.”
The collaboration combines Calyo's 3D ultrasound sensor technology, Calyo PulseTM, Benedex’s safety platform expertise, and Cranfield University's experience integrating and testing autonomous road automobiles. The final product will have a critical redundancy mechanism for improved safety in self-driving automobiles.
Safety has to be top of the agenda for autonomous vehicle development, and this exciting project will inform a robust solution to deal with extreme environmental conditions, one of the biggest technical challenges to the widespread availability of self-driving vehicles.
Marco Cecotti, Lecturer, Driving Automation, Cranfield University
The project is planned to be completed in the first half of 2025, culminating in the display of a vehicle prototype equipped with this technology at Cranfield University’s MUEAVI testing facility.