TOKYO, October 24, 2023 – TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology, and TOKAI RIKA, an automotive-interior parts manufacturer affiliated with the Toyota Group, have jointly conducted a proof of concept (PoC) test on electronic mirrors for Level 4 AD vehicles. Held at GLP ALFALINK Sagamihara in Greater Tokyo, the test focused on the design, development, and evaluation of electronic mirrors in AD vehicles. The test featured a TIER IV AD vehicle equipped with compact electronic mirrors developed by TOKAI RIKA. The side mirror configuration used in the test effectively reduced the blind spots of the vehicle’s AD sensor.
A Level 4 AD vehicle equipped with electronic mirrors during a PoC test at GLP ALFALINK Sagamihara
View from the interior of the test vehicle
Rearview camera
Background
Side mirrors are required in AD vehicles for situations when a human driver is responsible for driving. However, conventional mirrors can obstruct the field of view of sensors on an AD vehicle and create “noise.” To address this issue, electronic side mirrors were configured in a way that reduced the blind spots of the AD sensors.
Role of each company
TIER IV: Development of Level 4 AD vehicles
TOKAI RIKA: Development of electronic mirrors and design of equipment
TIER IV leads the development of “Autoware*,” the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, and offers its own software platform and integrated development environment utilizing Autoware. As a pioneer in open-source AD technology, TIER IV has collaborated with numerous partners and conducted over 100 PoC tests in Japan and abroad, with a strong focus on tackling issues such as traffic accidents and labor shortages. TIER IV is actively developing AD technology for vehicles including electronic mini-buses, taxis and golf carts, aiming to make autonomous driving possible in various Operational Design Domains (ODDs) – situations in which an AD vehicle can operate, indicated by region, environment, weather, speed and other criteria.
TOKAI RIKA specializes in human interface, security and safety components that enhance the interaction between people and cars. TOKAI RIKA is committed to manufacturing car components that enhance society and deliver value for future generations.
Future Prospects
TIER IV and TOKAI RIKA are committed to developing equipment required for Level 4 AD vehicles, contributing to improvements in safety and functionality.
Reference
Sensor blind spots caused by side mirrors
*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.
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