Projects

Summary

The iExoddus project is an initiative focused on advancing autonomous vehicle technology and expanding the capabilities of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) for autonomous driving systems. As the automotive industry progresses toward a future of autonomous vehicles, this project aims to address current limitations and extend the boundaries of what autonomous vehicles can achieve.

Objectives

Expand the ODD framework The primary goal of iExoddus is to extend the current ODD framework, enabling automated vehicles to operate in more challenging scenarios. This includes construction zones, unmarked roads and adverse weather conditions, which currently pose significant obstacles for autonomous driving systems.

Improve perception and decision-making
The project aims to develop robust perception and decision-making algorithms. This will reduce the need for human intervention and facilitate better on-road integration of autonomous vehicles with human-driven vehicles.

Assess and classify risk probabilities
iExoddus will perform a thorough assessment of existing ODDs to identify limitations and areas for improvement. This analysis will lead to the creation of a framework to evaluate and categorize risk probabilities across various autonomous driving scenarios.

Enhance sensor technologies
A key focus area is improving sensor technologies and perception capabilities. The project will explore state-of-the-art data fusion methods to extend ODDs beyond their current limits, taking into account environmental factors such as weather conditions and road infrastructure.

Tackle harmonisation and legal issues
The project anticipates that autonomous vehicles will travel across Europe, which requires resolving legal and harmonisation issues. iExoddus will work on policy recommendations to facilitate this vision.

Collaborate with industry
By collaborating with industry stakeholders and aiming for real-world demonstrations, iExoddus seeks to develop an industry-tailored approach to autonomous driving systems with extended ODDs.

Improve protection, safety and sustainability
The project aligns with broader mobility sector objectives to increase safety and sustainability in transport by advancing digital technologies and navigation services.

Overcome challenges
iExoddus recognises the challenges in data collection, sensor technology development and establishing appropriate regulatory frameworks. The project aims to address these issues through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The iExoddus project represents a significant step forward in autonomous vehicle technology. By focusing on expanding ODDs, improving perception and decision-making capabilities, and addressing key challenges, the project aims to pave the way for safer, more reliable and widely deployable autonomous transport in Europe and beyond.