European GNSS Set to Drive the Driverless Car

A relatively new phenomenon, autonomous and connected vehicles are the way of the future. As this industry grows, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) says GNSS-enabled vehicles will help make life simpler and safer for drivers.

Automated vehicles are becoming a reality, with promises of safer and more efficient roads. Drivers often struggle with maintaining a smooth speed, and usually do not maintain the appropriate distance between vehicles. Computer control optimises traffic flow and energy efficiency, and also helps prevent accidents due to speed or distance.  In addition, autonomous vehicles could open greater transportation options for people with disabilities, and could allow drivers to work, sleep, read – or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

GNSS plays a large role in providing accurate information for automated vehicles. In fact, Galileo is set to provide an even stronger service as it will be more resistant to multipath interference in urban canyons and will provide an authenticated signal allowing receivers to detect spoofing attacks. Galileo’s important role in automated vehicles was well-demonstrated at the European GNSS Village, part of the ITS World Congress 2015. 

         Also Read: European GNSS Brings Added Value to ITS

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is already taking advantage of GNSS to increase the flexibility and resilience of autonomous vehicles in the city environment as GNSS signals are currently used as a complement to LIDAR-based navigation systems in a trial project in Greenwich. If the trial is successful, it will increase potential applications for autonomous vehicles within the city environment and accelerate the uptake by the operators of business and leisure services, as well as increase the relevance of autonomous vehicles as part of the transport system for citizens.

Also using GNSS, Capturas is a vehicle connectivity platform from OTC Engineering addressed to the present and future of connected mobility. The solution takes the maximum benefit of the ICT integration inside vehicles and generates data for companies that rely on vehicles and mobility for business, such as fleet operators or renting companies. Operation times and costs can be reduced with better data, and productivity can increase.

The New Normal

As cities and companies see the benefits of autonomous and connected vehicles, they will become the norm. Major vehicle manufacturers are already delivering autonomous cars, and with connected services for drivers like weather reports and accident or traffic warnings, it is easy to see the appeal.

As autonomous vehicles enter the market, GNSS technologies such as EGNOS and Galileo are ready to deliver precise and trustable localisation, enhancing the safety and comfort of passengers.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).