Navigating the Future: Autonomy Beyond Intelligent Vehicles
The world is moving rapidly towards technological advancements in the automotive industry, particularly with the advent of autonomous driving. In a recent discussion with Professor Christian Arbinger, we delved deep into the intricacies and challenges faced by the industry as it navigates this technological evolution.
The Need for Operational Intelligence
Why is it not enough to merely have intelligent vehicles? According to Professor Arbinger and the host Torsten Kriening, the answer lies in the limitations of relying solely on in-vehicle intelligence. Just like aviation, which doesn’t solely depend on in-plane sensors but incorporates airport-based systems to ensure safe operations, the automotive industry needs a similar infrastructure to boost automation levels. Blind spots and operational safety are distinct challenges that require an external infrastructural support to ensure seamless autonomous driving experiences.
Misplaced Reliance on Existing Systems
While many in the space sector assume that satellite navigation and mobile networks are sufficient for autonomous driving, Professor Arbinger warns that this assumption is perilous, particularly for safety-critical applications. Dual-use applications, both civil and military, demand a “better safe than sorry” approach, which existing GNSS and network systems fail to provide due to their lack of service guarantees and liability issues. The need for an operational safety layer is paramount to overcome these limitations.
Infrastructure and Independence: The European Context
The industry’s heavy reliance on GPS systems highlights the urgency for Europe to develop its systems, underpinning the need for independence. Professor Arbinger emphasizes that the European automotive industry and other sectors can no longer be tethered to US, Chinese, or Russian systems. This independence is critical not only for civilian applications but also for military readiness. Developing European satellite navigation systems like the LEO PNT could be a transformative step for both safety and economic reasons.
Navigating Global Markets
The conversation also touched upon the feasibility of these advancements on a global scale. If a manufacturers, like BMW, release autonomous cars with European systems, will they work globally? The answer is yes. Global Satellite Navigation Systems ensure that these cars would operate worldwide, potentially reducing European manufacturers’ dependency on US-made GNSS receivers.
Commercial Viability and Future Directions
The discussion concluded with a deep dive into LEO PNT and its potential to fit into the broader roadmap for autonomy. Unlike the existing free services, safety-critical services should be commercial, profiting from enhanced service reliability and reduced dependency on costly correction data. With strong advocacy and financial support, Europe can make strides in establishing a commercial GNSS infrastructure, marking a critical transformation point for the industry.
Towards a User-Centric Space Economy
Finally, Professor Arbinger stresses the need for a significant shift towards a user-centric space economy. Moving beyond tech-driven models to prioritizing the needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will streamline the industry’s efforts in integrating space services with automotive technology. This transformation is expected to support automated logistics and enhance military convoy capabilities, underscoring the versatility and necessity of GNSS in various sectors. In conclusion, the future of autonomy lies beyond just artificial intelligence. It’s about creating infrastructure with integrity, fostering interdependence across sectors, and investing in global systems that propel both civilian and military applications forward. The journey forward is not just about embracing new technologies but about reshaping entire industries to build safer, more reliable futures.
