HEADSTART

Harmonized European Solutions for Testing Automated Road Transport

The HEADSTART project is a European project to develop and define a harmonized validation methodology for Connected and Automated Driving (CAD) functions. There are several countries all over Europe by 17 partners involved, including Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands. To find a harmonized European solution for testing automated road transport, the HEADSTART project will define testing and validation procedures of CAD functions including its key enabling technologies (i. e. communications, cyber-security, positioning) by cross-linking of all test instances such as simulation, proving ground and real world field tests to validate safety and security performance according to the needs of key user groups (technology developers, consumer testing groups and type approval authorities).

HEADSTART brings together a large representation of stakeholders across the value chain leveraging the knowledge from European and national activities on CAD testing. The consortium and associated stakeholders will cluster the most relevant initiatives, develop the specific procedures and tools missing and harmonise the whole approach to reach a harmonised European solution for testing, validating and certifying automated road vehicles. This will be achieved through international cooperation with industry, academia and policy makers participating in dedicated working groups of a managed expert network during the whole project duration.

Concept

The concept of HEADSTART includes all aspects of validation of CAD functions in its overall methodology. However, most relevant for HEADSTART is the rollout of scenarios on proving grounds and into simulations, since projects like PEGASUS, MOOVE and many more are already focused on the creation of scenarios. The eight different aspects, Headstart tries to tackle are the following:

1. Integration of positioning, communications and cyber-security in CAD test scenarios
2. Comprehensive procedure for the allocation of test cases per testing platform
3. Selection criteria and specification for proving ground test scenarios taking into account criticality
4. Proving ground testing and evaluation
5. Correlation between simulation and proving ground results
6. Harmonized, open result compilation and sharing
7. Field trial test methodology description
8. Cyber-security principles and integration in the testing methodology

Five Test Centers are involved

There are test centers for proving ground testing involved, all over Europe, including Germany, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. These test centers are key to profound proving ground tests.

Aldenhoven Testing Center, Germany

Aldenhoven Testing Center, Germany

Aldenhoven Testing Center is a state-of-the art interdisciplinary testing center for mobility. Twelve track elements allow generating almost every real traffic situation. Research, development and validation of automobile systems and functions require a dedicated and closed test field to reach a level of maturity that allows using them on public roads.

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IDIADA, Spain

IDIADA, Spain

Applus+ IDIADA offers design, testing, engineering, and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide. Our reputation is founded on the expertise of an international team of more than 2,450 engineers and technical experts, our first class facilities, our client focus and a constant drive towards innovation. An international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries ensures that customers receive a fast and personalised service.

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DITCM, Netherlands

DITCM, Netherlands

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Lelystad, Netherlands

Lelystad, Netherlands

The RDW Testcentre is an independent test laboratory for vehicle technology that offers a unique combination of services and products under one roof. State-of-the-art tests can be conducted at the Testcentre. The Testcentre meets strict requirements, and tests can be conducted here in accordance with a wide range of regulations. The RDW Testcentre is located 15 kilometres south-east of Lelystad, close to Lelystad Airport.

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AstaZero, Sweden

AstaZero, Sweden

AstaZero is the world’s first full-scale independent test environment for future road safety. The facility is unique in that the different traffic environments make it possible to test advanced safety systems and their functions for all kinds of traffic and traffic situations. This enables research, development and certification of future road safety systems, and functions as an international arena open for vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, legislators, universities and colleges from throughout the world. The name is a combination of ASTA Active Safety Test Area and Zero, which refers to the Swedish Parliament’s vision for road safety with zero dead and seriously injured in traffic.

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