What’s Happening
Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. is breaking new ground with the development of a cutting-edge autonomous driving technology. This innovation is designed to enable vehicles to safely and smoothly navigate and overtake other vehicles on narrow roads, among other scenarios. The advanced technology uses 3D sensing results to perceive the vehicle’s surrounding environment. Significantly, Hitachi Astemo is focusing on using new stereo cameras that offer improved cost benefits to gather this 3D sensing data, aiming to boost the firm’s cost competitiveness.
Why It Matters
Autonomous driving technology is rapidly gaining traction as a solution to pressing social issues such as traffic congestion and providing transportation for individuals with special needs, including the elderly and the disabled. A successful deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads necessitates the ability to anticipate the complexities and risks associated with pedestrian behavior and other moving objects, while also circumventing sudden dangers. Moreover, it requires planning a safe and smooth driving trajectory using 3D sensing information, a challenge that becomes more complex when non-autonomous vehicles are also present.
Key Points
Until now, Astemo’s technology has primarily focused on preventing collisions through predicting the behavior changes of pedestrians and other road users. This technology enables safe and natural deceleration during autonomous driving on general roads. The company has also pioneered a hazard prediction and avoidance system that drives in a manner akin to a human driver, predicting high-risk areas and adjusting speed and trajectory accordingly.
The latest development from Hitachi Astemo integrates 3D information from LiDAR sensors, recognizes the three-dimensional driving environment around the vehicle, understands the intended movement from detected free spaces, predicts the behavior of oncoming vehicles, and performs route prediction. This technology will thus enable smooth passing automated driving in narrow roads by coordinating with oncoming vehicles.
The company is also collaborating with a newly launched high-precision, versatile stereo camera, which can detect pedestrians and bicycles with high accuracy and measure distances by combining long-range detection with a wide viewing angle.
Bottom Line
This cutting-edge autonomous driving technology using cooperative behavior in narrow roads and the new stereo camera will be introduced at the “Automotive Engineering Exposition 2023 Yokohama” (booth number: 148) taking place at Pacifico Yokohama starting May 23rd.
Hitachi Astemo continues its commitment to technological innovation and strengthening its business portfolio, which includes Powertrain & Safety Systems, Chassis, Motorcycle, Software, and Aftermarket businesses. With an eye on sustainable growth through “green,” “digital,” and “innovation” pillars, the company aims to contribute to a better global environment by developing xEV systems and highly efficient internal combustion engine systems that reduce emissions. Furthermore, through advanced mobility solutions such as autonomous driving systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and advanced chassis systems, Hitachi Astemo strives to enhance corporate value for its customers and help realize a sustainable society.
