Predictive Threat Assessment for Enhanced Stability of Multi-Unit Heavy Vehicles

Purpose and goal

The objective of this research project is to improve the effectiveness of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Multi-Unit Heavy Vehicles (MHVs), by providing them with tools that enable earlier, more effective, and less intrusive interventions than existing ADAS. A predictive threat assessment framework will be developed for MHVs such that the vehicle motion can be predicted, considering imperfections of the vehicle model, road characteristics (environment), and estimates of the driver’s intention.

Expected effects and result

A threat assessment methodology will be developed for multi-unit heavy vehicles (MHVs) such that vehicle stability events can be detected in the near future (up to 1-3 seconds). The precision and robustness of the threat assessment framework will be assessed in selected critical driving scenarios for MHVs, through a combination of simulation and full-scale in-vehicle testing. In particular, the reliability of the threat assessment methods will be assessed, so that the potential product benefits and added business value can be assessed.

Planned approach and implementation

The project will be lead by Volvo Technology AB. Chalmers University of Technology will contribute with academic supervision and senior research. The project is planned to last for 3 years, starting 2023-11-01, and is made up of 5 work packages: 1. Project management 2. Benchmark scenarios and requirements definition 3. Motion prediction method development 4. Threat assessment framework design 5. Test, validation, and demonstration