ATLAS keeps vehicles on track
After the initial hype surrounding autonomous vehicles, interest in the topic has slowed down recently. However, there is a lot happening right now, especially in the realm of highly automated trucks. Emmeram Klotz, an expert at TÜV SÜD, is involved in a fascinating research project on the autonomous future of logistics.
The national research and development initiative ATLAS-L4 aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using driverless trucks for transportation between logistics hubs on designated roads and highways. The name is an acronym in German for “Automatisierter Transport zwischen Logistikzentren auf Schnellstraßen im Level 4” (“Automated Transport between Logistics Centers on Expressways at Level 4”).
To ensure repeatable testing, the vehicles are extensively equipped with driving and pedal robots, as well as advanced positioning technology.
The benefits of autonomous trucks are clear: from enhanced road safety and sustainability due to improved responses and optimized driving techniques, to addressing the acute shortage of truck drivers. However, it is critical that all relevant systems operate reliably in practice, regardless of weather, traffic conditions, or visibility.
Manufacturer MAN, along with several suppliers, has implemented a comprehensive testing program as part of this initiative, and TÜV SÜD has also been brought on board as a partner. The company brings extensive experience in the type approval for highly automated vehicles. In both simulations and actual physical tests, the objective is to assign a range of tasks to the autonomous pilot trucks and repeat them many times under different environmental conditions. In the video, Emmeram Klotz and his colleagues take you to a test site near Munich.
»Autonomous driving is going to be a big topic in the future, and one that will affect everyone. That’s why it has to be safe – and why it feels great to be involved in this area.«
Emmeram Klotz
Head of Testing and Validation, Business Unit Automotive
