Valeo and Safran today signed a partnership agreement to conduct research in driving aid and autonomous vehicles.
In launching this research program, which is dedicated to human-machine-environment interfaces and automation, the partners aim to pool their skills and expertise to speed the development of innovative products and create new markets.
This research and development alliance brings together two companies that are leaders in their respective technologies in different industries and distinct markets in the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors. It will give French industry a forefront position in assisted and self-driving/piloting solutions for automobiles, military vehicles and aircraft.
In its initial phase, the program will focus on four main research areas:
1) Driver attention monitoring, leveraging the latest image recognition technology.
2) 360° visibility, using advanced imaging technology to produce wrap-around views of vehicle surroundings.
These first two research projects could lead to the development of technological solutions by 2014.
3) Visibility in extreme weather to help drivers and pilots navigate in all types of weather conditions, particularly fog.
4) Vehicle robotization/dronization, to jointly develop certain technologies that will make land vehicles and aircraft more autonomous.
These last two joint projects are more long-term, with completion expected between 2014 and 2016.
The program is designed to involve research institutes and universities, as well as innovative SME
