Quantifying Sensor Surface Contamination for Safe Vehicle Automation

Purpose and goal:

The primary aim of this research project is to quantify how sensor surface contamination affects the sensor signal performance of exterior vehicle sensors. Specific objectives are: - Controlled Experimentation in Diverse Environments - Evaluating Different Sensors - Advancing Shift-Left Testing - Understanding Sensor Signal Performance Consequences

- Enhancing Safety and Reliability of ADAS and AD Expected results and effects:

Overall, this project aims to significantly enhance the functionality and reliability of AD and ADAS systems across a wider range of environmental conditions, leading to safer, more inclusive, and sustainable road transport. Specific effects are: - Improved Vehicle Perception in Varying Weather - Foundation for Designing more Robust Systems

- Better Understanding Current Perception Systems - More Sustainable Sensor Cleaning Solutions - Reduced Environmental Impact from Accidents: - Increased Vehicle Utilization - Advancement in Scientific Research Approach and implementation: The structure is four work packages:

WP1 (Q1 2024 - Q1 2025): focuses on studying sensor degradation from contaminants in anechoic chambers, integrating the findings with Volvo Cars findings.

WP2 (Q2 2024 - Q4 2024): aims to measure surface contamination in wind tunnels, developing dynamic measurement strategies. WP3 (Q1 2025 - Q3 2025): tests sensors in wind tunnels, preparing for LiDAR integration. WP4 (Q1, Q3 2024, Q4 2025): involves real-time vehicle tests for sensor performance in adverse weather.