Virtual lab could cut AV test time from years to months

Autonomous driving systems must go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe enough to mix with the public. The challenge today is that this takes a long time, and can become complicated when numerous players across the value chain need access to the same data.

AV developers around the world are performing on-road tests with physical prototypes, but also virtual tests through simulation software. As things stand, this simply takes too long, and costs far too much money. Automotive software specialist Elektrobit believes the existing test and validation process is ‘broken’. If AV developers wish to launch vehicles within the next decade, the validation process needs an overhaul.