Autonomous driving cars and transportation systems can roll along the roads without the intervention of human drivers. Self-driving mobiles offer the opportunity for lower greenhouse gas emissions, more comfortable driving and fewer traffic accidents. However, much research and development is still needed. For this purpose, the state of Baden-Württemberg has set up the Autonomous Driving Test Field between Karlsruhe and Heilbronn. The innBW institute FZI Research Center for Information Technology is leading this project. The first research results of the project partners involved are now available. They were presented in Karlsruhe on November 12, 2021. The event also marks the conclusion of the scientific set-up of the test field. Companies and institutes can use the test field to test future-oriented technologies and services related to connected and automated driving in everyday road traffic.
The test field, which is funded by the Ministry of Transport of Baden-Württemberg, is a joint project of the research institutions Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fraunhofer IOSB, Heilbronn University, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Die HKA) and the FZI Research Center for Information Technology. The municipalities of Karlsruhe, Bruchsal and Heilbronn are also involved. The test field operator is the Karlsruher Verkehrsverbund (KVV).
"The Baden-Württemberg test field for autonomous and connected driving brings together innovative power and expertise from business and science. Sustainable mobility concepts are being developed and tested together with local authorities and the state government. This is an important step in developing climate-friendly transportation solutions, moving toward a digital society and improving mobility. Last but not least, it is also about securing the competitiveness of Baden-Württemberg companies in the global competition of the future," explains Minister of Transport Winfried Hermann.
About the FZI
The FZI Research Center for Information Technology, with headquarters in Karlsruhe and a branch office in Berlin, is a non-profit institution for information technology application research and technology transfer. It brings the latest scientific findings in information technology to companies and public institutions and qualifies young people for academic and business careers or the leap into self-employment. Supervised by professors from various faculties, the research groups at the FZI develop interdisciplinary concepts, software, hardware and system solutions for their clients and implement the solutions found as prototypes. The FZI House of Living Labs provides a unique research environment for application research. The FZI is an innovation partner of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).