Sensor technology plays a crucial role for cars that drive autonomously. Empa has set up an environment for testing sensor technology in different environmental conditions. In the "Automated Driving Sensor Test Vehicle" project, an Empa research group is conducting investigations in collaboration with the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control Engineering at ETH.

Authorities around the world are preparing to approve field tests with self-driving vehicles on public roads, including Switzerland. For this purpose, requirements have to be specified and data collection, as well as data processing methods, have to be developed in order to analyze field tests in the context of accompanying research.

The "Automated Driving Sensor Test Vehicle" project is part of the digitization initiative of the Swiss Competence Center for Energy Research in the Field of Mobility (SCCER Mobility), co-funded by Innosuisse, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and business partners.

While Empa is investigating commercially available or product-related sensors in practical use, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) is analyzing the same sensors in a laboratory environment. The next generation of sensors is also the subject of research. This part of the project is carried out by the Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control Engineering at ETH Zurich.