New V2X Connectivity Helps Connected Highly Automated Driving Vehicle Prevent Accidents

At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Jan. 6-9, in Las Vegas, IAV and Microsoft will be demonstrating a connected highly automated driving (CHAD) vehicle capable of connecting with the Microsoft Azure cloud and Windows 10 to enable communication that helps prevent vehicle and pedestrian accidents and increases driving comfort and convenience.

This new, innovative vehicle-2-x communication (V2X) connectivity approach uses data from the vehicle's surroundings to improve smart service for convenience and enhance safety by anticipating and mitigating potential hazards.

The technological benefits of this approach will be demonstrated at CES based on the following example, a scenario that drove the development: A pedestrian with a wearable device is walking toward the road, concealed by a parked vehicle. The device is located by nearby intelligent roadside infrastructure that is connected to the Azure cloud. This IAV and Microsoft solution incorporates Azure IoT Suite, connected vehicle and infrastructure data, and Cortana Analytics for predictive hazard modelling. Cloud solutions of this nature can be used to transfer information from the surrounding environment, like traffic light sensors, into the connected vehicle to better predict safety procedures. The CHAD vehicle then receives a V2X warning that permits the safe, convenient adjustment of its driving dynamics in order to detect and avoid the hazard in plenty of time. "We see this cloud solution like an additional surroundings sensor,” said Udo Wehner, executive vice president of vehicle integrated functions at IAV.

New productivity features for highly automated vehicles

This collaboration between IAV, an engineering services firm and worldwide pioneer of highly automated driving, and Microsoft, a market leader for mobility and productivity solutions, is just the beginning of the partnership. In addition, the two companies intend to use Windows 10 Continuum to stream Windows 10 directly to the car’s dashboard. For instance, it could integrate data and services into the vehicle through devices the driver already uses on his notebook, tablet PC or smartphone, with apps like Skype for Business, Calendar and Groove Music. A sample of this also will be demonstrated by the companies at CES.

“It’s critical to develop mobility solutions that help keep everyone safe on the road – and in this case, by accurately and quickly relaying information about a vehicle’s surroundings to the driver,” said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of business development for Microsoft. “Partnering with IAV and collaborating on their concept vehicle gave us a reliable way to test and refine our unique platform, and we look forward to exploring together our next phases of this project.”

The increased convenience of technologies similar to those that IAV and Microsoft will be showcasing at CES, is brought about through the possibility of reacting promptly to the vehicles’ surroundings. V2X warnings can avoid emergency braking manoeuvres and reduce the risk of rear-impact crashes. It is the CHAD vehicle, closely connected with its surroundings and other road users, that gives the driver time to be productive while en route.

"We want to be the link between the players in the automotive industry, integrating the IT world into the vehicle," says Wehner. "At the interface between OEMs, suppliers and IT providers, IAV is capable of successfully putting these new functions into mass production."

IAV has several test vehicles demonstrating the current state of this future technology in Europe and in the United States. For example, they have already covered more than 43,000 miles (70,000 km) on the roads of this world, almost without any intervention from the driver. Its next development step consists of continually working to perfect V2X communication to seamlessly interconnect vehicles with each other and their surroundings.

“We have made great strides to date with our CHAD vehicle, and are thrilled to have recently had the opportunity to partner with Microsoft to develop this vital technology,” said Andy Ridgway, president of IAV Region Americas. “We are, and have always been, on the forefront of the future of mobility, and look forward to continuing our work toward a safer, more productive tomorrow.”

CES attendees interested in seeing the technology demonstrated in action, can participate in the ride and drive located at booth NP7 in the Gold Lot of the LVCC North Plaza. Both IAV and Microsoft executives will be on-site to explain the technology and assist in the demonstration.