For over a decade, automotive test engineers have used GNSS/IMU sensors as reference systems in testing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and development projects.
The benefit of GNSS/IMU sensors is they can provide a complete reference data set (position, orientation and motion) in real-time.
OxTS’ range of automotive INS products are used by engineers to validate ADAS sensors and systems to Euro NCAP standards – we deliver centimetre-level position accuracy and vehicle orientation data in 3D to provide a reliable stream of position and dynamics reference data sets.
The RT-Range S is a multiple-target ADAS measurement system used by AstaZero and many other automotive test facilities globally.
Earlier this year we took to the City-area on the AstaZero test track to demonstrate our systems for validation of ADAS sensors in junction scenarios. Our objective was to successfully demonstrate:
- Multi-vehicle position accuracy of 2 cm in real-time
- Range-to-target vehicle calculation in real-time
- Time to collision with acceleration
- Target visibility measurements as vehicles emerge from behind obstructions at junctions.
Ford Transit equipped with AB Dynamics robots and the OxTS RT3000 GNSS/INS
To showcase the potential of autonomous vehicles to viewers, Guy took the Transit van to Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire and watched in amazement as the AB Dynamics robot navigated around the track, before later being pushed to its limits. Behind the scenes, our RT3000 inertial navigation system, which is capable of one-centimetre position accuracy, was using TerraStar SBAS corrections to achieve decimetre accuracy as time and access restrictions prevented the use of a local base-station. Vehicle measurements were then fed to the AB Dynamics system at 100 Hz via Ethernet, and because the RT system blends both GNSS and inertial measurements, output was reliably maintained even when operating around Silverstone’s buildings and grandstands.
“The RT worked brilliantly”, said AB Dynamics’ Commercial Manager, Jeremy Ash. “Taking part in Channel 4’s Rise of the Robots season has been a fantastic way to showcase the level of advancement in autonomous technology. It was great to work with Guy to develop his self-driving Transit and show him what driving robots are capable of.”
OxTS RT3000 GNSS/INS shown mounted inside the autonomous Ford Transit
The AB Dynamics robots used in the project are used by the world’s 25 largest vehicle manufacturers. Our inertial navigation systems are also used worldwide by many leading vehicle manufacturers and have a proven history of easy integration with AB Dynamics robots. To find out more about our automotive products, including the RT3000, please contact us.
Guy Martin vs the Robot Car is available on catch-up until the 26th December on Channel 4’s website. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/guy-martin-vs-the-robot-car
All screenshot images © Channel 4
