Ceit fosters the development of perception algorithms as part of the European iEXODDUS project to expand autonomous driving

Autonomous vehicle technology promises to revolutionise mobility, yet a major challenge remains: Operational Design Domains (ODDs). These domains define the specific conditions under which an autonomous system can operate safely. Currently, scenarios such as roadworks, unmarked roads and adverse weather conditions still limit their deployment.

To overcome these barriers, iEXODDUS (Infrastructure for the Extension of ODDs) has been launched as a European Union-funded initiative. The consortium, led by Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, brings together 14 leading organisations, including Ceit.

Gipuzkoa: a strategic enclave for Europe

One of the key aspects of iEXODDUS is its validation in real-world environments, where Gipuzkoa plays a central role. Its road network is of particular interest to the European Commission, as it connects Spain and France and supports a high volume of heavy goods traffic. Through the Gipuzkoa Living Lab, the project will leverage existing infrastructure on the AP-8 and AP-1 motorways, further enhanced through significant investment in new technologies.

This advanced infrastructure will include the deployment of new sensors, high-definition cameras and positioning beacons to improve validation processes and the simulation of cooperative manoeuvres. The entire system will operate using 5G connectivity, enabling continuous communication and real-time incident management both in open environments and inside tunnels. Once completed, this setup will provide an optimal scenario for autonomous driving and enable real-time safety messaging to conventional vehicles.

Ceit’s role: intelligence and simulation

Within the consortium, Ceit plays a key role in enhancing the robustness of decision-making systems. The technology centre leads the design and optimisation of data fusion algorithms, integrating state-of-the-art sensors to ensure vehicles can autonomously detect and respond to unexpected situations. In addition, Ceit develops simulation and modelling tools to analyse system behaviour in complex environments prior to physical deployment. Ceit also leads WP6 on demonstrations.

Beyond Spain, iEXODDUS technologies will be tested on roads in Austria, Germany and Turkey, with the aim of harmonising regulatory and technical frameworks across Europe.