Autonomous driving in winter: MOIA takes the endurance test
Snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures pose challenges even for experienced drivers. So how well can autonomous vehicles cope with winter conditions? At MOIA, we are testing the ID. Buzz AD in Oslo to answer this question. These findings will help to prepare the technology for widespread use in Europe and North America.
Winter test for autonomous driving: How the ID. Buzz AD masters snow and ice
MOIA has already collected numerous test kilometers in cities such as Austin (Texas, USA), Munich and Hamburg. Now, a new challenge has been added: winter road conditions. Snow, slippery roads and poor visibility not only affect the vehicles' sensors, but also their driving strategies. The tests in Oslo are helping to further develop the technology so that autonomous vehicles can drive safely and reliably even in difficult conditions.
These tests will focus on:
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The performance of the sensors in snow and poor visibility.
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Interaction with snow-covered traffic signs and road markings.
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The general driving dynamics at low temperatures.
The tests are carried out with safety drivers on board.
“Winter road conditions with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius are the ultimate endurance test for autonomous vehicles. For the widespread use of the technology, it is crucial that autonomous vehicles not only function under optimal conditions, but also remain reliable in winter weather conditions,” says Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen ADMT. “The tests in Oslo provide us with valuable data for the further development of our software and hardware and are an important step in scaling up the technology.”
Autonomous driving in winter: ID. Buzz AD put to the test in ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures
MOIA is planning to transfer autonomous mobility services to regular operations in accordance with SAE Level 4. The tests in Oslo are therefore a crucial step in preparing the system for real-world challenges.
“Users of mobility services expect comfortable, reliable and safe transportation – regardless of the time of year and weather conditions. This also applies in the autonomous age,” says Sascha Meyer, CEO of MOIA. “To ensure that people in large parts of the world can reliably experience our fully autonomous vehicles, we are winterizing the technology. The ability to drive safely in extreme weather conditions is a fundamental prerequisite for the long-term commercial success of our offering in Europe and North America.”
Together with Holon, an experienced operator of autonomous vehicle fleets, MOIA is ensuring that the ID. Buzz AD is tested under real conditions in Oslo. The knowledge gained will feed directly into further development of the autonomous systems.
