Fog you can cut with a knife, torrential rain, a violent storm, day and night… In this strange tunnel recently inaugurated in Puy-de-Dôme, unusual things happen. Located in Clermont-Ferrand, the Pavin platform (Auvergne platform for intelligent vehicles) – an acronym in homage to the nearby volcanic lake – is a unique site in Europe. It allows you to scientifically reconstruct extreme weather conditions with the aim of evaluating the sensors of autonomous vehicles: radar, pedestrian and obstacle detectors, driving cameras, etc.
In this full-scale laboratory, managed by the Cerema Intelligent Transport Systems team in collaboration with the University of Clermont Auvergne (UCA), future driving assistance tools are tested in heavy rain or heavy fog.
“This new version is in the shape of a tunnel 50 m long, 7 m wide and 5.4 m high, which allows for dynamic testing. It is specifically designed and equipped with various equipment: rain and fog generator, advanced weather sensors, reference vision sensors. Rainfall of up to 200 mm of water per hour can be simulated. It thus allows manufacturers and equipment manufacturers to test all types of on-board driver assistance equipment in adverse weather conditions,” explains Frédéric Bernardin, head of the Intelligent Transport Systems research group at Cerema.
Renault Valéo, Daimler, Bosch and others
Intended for both research and industrialists, the Pavin “Météo Extrême” platform welcomes numerous equipment and car manufacturers who come to test their latest innovations at the foot of the volcanoes. Valéo, Bosch, Daimler and Renault, to name just a few, know this site like no other. «We have felt that for several years there has been a real need on the part of producers», assures Cerema, who works for two thirds in public research.
In a few days, trials will begin for new customers with maximum confidentiality. At least initially. What is tested here sooner or later ends up in our vehicles. It’s a question of patience.
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Time.news Exclusive Interview: Exploring the Pavin Platform for Intelligent Vehicles
Editor (E): Good day! We are thrilled to have Dr. Alice Martin, a leading expert in autonomous vehicle technology and a key collaborator at the Pavin platform, join us today. Welcome, Dr. Martin!
Dr. Alice Martin (A): Thank you! It’s great to be here and to share insights about this groundbreaking facility.
E: Let’s dive right in! The Pavin platform is described as a unique site in Europe. What makes it so special compared to other testing facilities?
A: The Pavin platform is one-of-a-kind because it can simulate extreme weather conditions in a controlled environment. Most testing sites can only replicate ideal scenarios. Here in Clermont-Ferrand, we can recreate conditions like dense fog or torrential rain, which are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of autonomous vehicle sensors under real-world stresses.
E: That sounds both fascinating and crucial for the development of these technologies. Can you elaborate on the types of sensors being tested at Pavin?
A: Absolutely! We’re testing a wide range of sensors, including radar systems, pedestrian and obstacle detection devices, and various driving cameras. Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on these technologies to navigate safely, so it’s essential to evaluate their performance under challenging conditions like heavy rain or fog.
E: What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered in simulating these extreme weather scenarios?
A: One of the primary challenges is ensuring that the simulation accurately reflects real-world conditions. For instance, creating fog that mimics the density and behavior of natural fog is complex. We use innovative technology and carefully calibrated instruments to produce conditions that would be encountered in actual driving scenarios.
E: It sounds like a lot of teamwork is involved in this endeavor. Can you tell us about the collaboration between Cerema and the University of Clermont Auvergne?
A: The collaboration is vital. Cerema provides expertise in intelligent transport systems, while the University contributes cutting-edge research and technological insights. Together, we create a platform that not only tests existing technologies but also fosters innovation in the field of autonomous vehicles. This synergy enhances the quality and depth of our research.
E: The Pavin platform is named after the nearby volcanic lake. Is there a particular reason for this choice?
A: Yes, the name reflects our commitment to the region and its unique geographic characteristics. The volcanic activity in the area symbolizes innovation and transformation, much like the advancements we seek to achieve in vehicular technology. It also raises awareness about the natural elements we need to consider when designing autonomous systems.
E: With such groundbreaking work being done, what are the future implications for autonomous vehicle technology?
A: The results from our testing will significantly advance the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. By ensuring these systems can operate effectively in adverse weather conditions, we’re taking a critical step toward widespread acceptance and integration of autonomous vehicles in everyday life. Ultimately, it could lead to safer roads and reduced accidents caused by poor visibility or bad weather.
E: That’s a promising outlook! To wrap up, what excites you most about the work being done at the Pavin platform?
A: I’m excited about the potential to revolutionize how we think about transportation. The Pavin platform represents not just a technological advancement but also a paradigm shift towards safer and smarter mobility solutions. We’re at the forefront of something transformative, and being part of that is incredibly fulfilling.
E: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Martin! It has been a pleasure learning about the innovative work at the Pavin platform.
A: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this technology evolves and impacts the future of transportation.
