Project Partners
Competence Spectrum
Successful achievement of the project goal is only possible through interdisciplinary cooperation between leading partners from research and industry in the field of automated and connected driving. In particular, the UNICARagil project, in which many of the project partners were already involved, has provided extensive preliminary work such as prototypically implemented concepts and constructed hardware prototypes.
To expand this preliminary work and ultimately to be able to transfer it into industrial application, the consortium was expanded to include mainly companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the automotive industry. These project partners bring numerous additional skills to the project, particularly from industrial practice.
The project consortium, led by the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) at RWTH Aachen University as the consortium coordinator, includes project partners from research with 17 chairs at nine universities and from industry with three SMEs and nine companies. In addition, several associated partners have joined the project.
Universities
RWTH Aachen University
Executive entities:
Institute for Automotive Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lutz Eckstein
The Institute for Automotive Engineering researches the entire vehicle, including its systems and their interactions, and connected and automated driving. The focus is on a comprehensive toolchain for conception, simulation, realization and validation, ranging from driving simulators to test tracks.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the development of methods and tools for future mobility systems and the overall architecture and system integration are being coordinated. The focus is on the Universal Automotive Bus (UAB), the digital twin and collective functionalities.
The aim is to illustrate the findings regarding the inclusion and needs of people with disabilities in a joint demonstration as part of the “Inclusive Personal Mobility” use case, thus enabling mobility for all.
In addition, insights from the digital twin are incorporated into novel functions for the active safety of vulnerable road users. In a joint demonstration, the methods are illustrated in the use case “digital guardian angel” to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, for example pedestrians or cyclists.
Chair of Embedded Software (Computer Science 11)
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Kowalewski
The Chair of Embedded Software (Computer Science 11) conducts research in the areas of embedded software, model-based development, medical technology and formal methods for software verification. The focus of this project is the service-oriented software architecture (Automotive Service-oriented Software Architecture = ASOA) developed as part of UNICARagil.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the further development of ASOA and the associated development tools. The goal is to improve resource allocation in distributed systems, to extend ASOA beyond the system boundaries of vehicles, and to improve the diagnostic capability of service-oriented software systems.
Chair and Institute of Flight System Dynamics
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Moormann
The Institute of Flight System Dynamics conducts research into the design and automation of unmanned aerial vehicles, including those with horizontal and vertical flight capability. Current research topics include camera-based situation awareness in emergency scenarios, as well as the development of flight control and flight guidance systems with a view to the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems into airspace, including outside the pilot’s visual range.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on developing methods for integrating flying sensors into cloud services to provide real-time data for a digital live twin. The goal is to seamlessly integrate flying sensors into ground-based digital platforms.
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernhard Rumpe
The Chair of Software Engineering conducts research on methods and tools for model-based software and system development, particularly around automotive software and systems engineering. One of the main focuses is on the agile and generative development of digital twins.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the development of a diagnostic-oriented digital twin. The aim is to test methods of model-based software development and the use of domain-specific languages in development.
Technical University of Braunschweig
Executive entities:
Institute of Control Engineering
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Maurer
The Institute of Control Engineering conducts research on automated driving with a focus on safety. A particular focus is on structuring safety activities in the concept phase, including hazard analysis, risk assessment and modelling of architecture views.
In autotech.agil, work is being done to develop system-wide safety concepts for automated vehicles. This includes hazard analysis, risk assessment and self-awareness of vehicles, which enables them to independently assess their capabilities and to react accordingly to operations if necessary. The goal is to use these concepts as a reference for future automation systems to improve safety in highly automated vehicle systems.
Institute of Computer and Network Engineering
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rolf Ernst
The Institute of Computer and Network Engineering conducts research on embedded systems, with a focus on reliability, security and real-time capability, particularly in automotive electronics and aerospace. One focus is SL-LET, which describes the efficiency and predictability of services in networked systems as a concept.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the adaptation and further development of these modeling concepts for networked systems, in particular for combining AUTOSAR Classic and AUTOSAR Adaptive. The goal is to improve concepts that enable efficiency and predictability of services in networked systems.
Technical University of Darmstadt
Executive entities:
Institute of Automotive Engineering
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steven Peters
The Institute of Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt conducts research in the field of assistance systems and automated driving with a focus on safety and energy-efficient environment perception, particularly for trucks and scalable public transport solutions. In addition, the department sees itself as a pioneer of concepts for premium vehicles that retain their value in the long term and are based on software-defined vehicles.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on automated driving functions at low speeds, a modular validation process, and the validation of AI algorithms and their energy-efficient use on neuromorphic hardware. The goal is to create safer and more efficient functions for future vehicle architectures.
Work Group Physical and Satellite Geodesy
Head: Dr. Stefan Leinen
The research of the Work Group Physical and Satellite Geodesy at the Technical University of Darmstadt focuses on the use of GNSS and inertial measurement technology for high-precision navigation applications. The research includes modeling, sensor data fusion, system integration and quality assessment.
In autotech.agil, work is being done to extend localization by closing the “GNSS gap” in urban environments with additional sensors and technologies, and to develop a self-assessing localization function. The aim is to automatically select the optimal sensor combination and to pass on high-quality data to subsequent functions.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Executive entities:
Institute of Measurement and Control Systems
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Stiller
The Institute of Measurement and Control Systems focuses its research on autonomous driving, covering all parts of the software stack from sensor technology to trajectory planning.
In autotech.agil, the institute is therefore involved in several areas, with the main objective being to increase the reliability and robustness of autonomous driving functions. In the area of perception, research is being conducted into how camera-based environment perception and visual localization can succeed even under difficult visibility conditions (e.g. twilight, night, fog, rain). Furthermore, necessary but previously unknown risk metrics are being developed for behavior generation and planning. In close cooperation with the other project partners, the institute is also working on the integration of object perception and behavior planning into digital twins of the real world, which, for example, enables a safe and comprehensible cooperative/distributed behavioral decision.
Institute for Materials Handling and Logistics Systems
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Furmans
The Institute for Materials Handling and Logistics Systems conducts research on robots that independently learn logistics tasks, both autonomously and through human interaction. Another focus is the optimization of production and logistics systems, in particular material flow, storage and distribution systems. In addition, work is being done on autonomous mobile agents that can operate flexibly in dynamic and urban environments. The research also includes the development of sustainable, energy-efficient mechatronic systems and components for intralogistics.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the definition of communication interfaces that share standardized pose information. The aim is to illustrate the findings in handling technology and image processing in a joint demonstration based on the application of “efficient goods transport” to highlight the sustainable transport of critical goods such as medication. In addition, solution methods and strategies are being researched in a simulation model for the management of heterogeneous delivery robot fleets in urban environments.
Technical University of Munich
Taking action:
Institute of Automotive Technology
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Lienkamp
The Institute of Automotive Technology researches and develops algorithms and methods for automated vehicles. In addition to the implementation of automated modules in environment perception, planning and control, a particular focus is on teleoperation. This is used to support automated vehicles in situations in which no solution can be found for the current situation, by a human operator from a distance. Among other things, research is being conducted into how the human operator can support the on-board automation as safely and efficiently as possible. This will create safe and reliable mobility systems with automated vehicles.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on setting up a control center for the secure coordination of subordinate control rooms that teleoperate the vehicles. Through sovereign instructions, traffic with automated vehicles can be efficiently designed even in critical scenarios, such as the delivery of an important medication, by means of traffic control. In addition, the project is researching shared decision-making and shared control methods that enable the human operator to support automation at different decision-making levels.
Chair of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Embedded Systems
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Alois Knoll
The Chair of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Embedded Systems has its own research focus in the field of artificial intelligence for autonomous systems. A central research topic is the creation of data sets, the development of AI models, and the use of simulation technologies to generate new traffic scenarios.
In autotech.agil, work is being done to expand the process for generating a digital real-time twin of traffic using roadside infrastructure sensors. The aim is also to develop new tools that support the software development process with AI and manage software complexity.
University of Stuttgart
Executive entities:
Institute of Automotive Engineering
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Christian Reuss
The Stuttgart Institute of Automotive Engineering conducts research in the fields of electrics/electronics, electromobility, automation, networking, software and simulation. In addition, research activities are carried out in the field of driving dynamics and aerodynamics as well as alternative fuels and hydrogen.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on real-time monitoring, software resilience and the self-allocation of services. The aim is to research software tools for the efficient design and implementation of mechatronic and energy architectures for the service-oriented software architecture (Automotive Service-oriented Software Architecture = ASOA) developed in UNICARagil.
Institute of Robust Power Semiconductor Systems
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ingmar Kallfass
The Institute of Robust Power Semiconductor Systems specializes in power electronics and high-frequency electronics, with a focus on the use of powerful semiconductor technologies in electric mobility. The focus is on increasing the power density and reliability of power modules through higher integration density, condition monitoring and the use of machine learning for virtual prototyping and the digital twin.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on predictive adjustable power electronics with a digital component twin and intelligent management system for the powertrain. The goal is to use real-time condition data and cloud-based services to optimize the power electronic system for lifespan, efficiency and maintenance intervals with the help of AI algorithms.
Ulm University
Executive entities:
Institute of Measurement, Control and Microtechnology
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dietmayer
The Institute of Measurement, Control and Microtechnology conducts research on driver assistance systems and automated driving with a focus on recording the driving environment, understanding situations and generating behavior, both in the vehicle and in a connected infrastructure.
In autotech.agil, research is being conducted into situation-dependent environment perception and its integration into robust planning and control systems for automated driving. The aim is to integrate networked functions, such as infrastructure environment models and cooperative planning procedures, as well as to develop a modular and service-oriented overall system architecture.
University of Passau
Executive entities:
Head: Prof. Dr. Stefan Katzenbeisser
The Chair of Computer Engineering focuses on the development of innovative security solutions for IT infrastructures, in particular hardware-based security, critical infrastructures and data protection. The main areas of focus are improving the security of critical infrastructures, security solutions for automated vehicles and new hardware trust anchors and attestation methods.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on a human-security interface and the secure connection of external vehicle services. The aim is to develop an interface that helps software developers to make data flows secure and to create an efficient exchange of cryptographic keys using a standardized public key infrastructure.
Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg
Executive entities:
Head: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Knut Graichen
The Chair of Automatic Control specializes in the modeling, control and optimization of dynamic systems, in particular nonlinear and networked systems. The focus is on embedded and stochastic model-predictive controls, which are used in mechatronics, robotics and the automotive industry.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on probabilistic model-predictive control for vehicle trajectory planning. The goal is to enable safe and reliable automated driving in unsafe dynamic environments. In this context, among other things, overcoming challenges arising from the use of AI systems is of particular importance.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME)
iMAR Navigation GmbH develops location, management and control systems for the automotive, aviation and shipping industries, among others. In the automotive sector, the focus is on work in the field of driving dynamics analysis and automated driving technologies.
In autotech.agil, precise positioning and navigation systems are being developed through the integration of INS, GNSS and optical sensors, specifically for automated driving. The aim is to develop highly precise and reliable solutions for automated driving and other applications. Extensive experience in sensor technology, sensor data fusion and embedded computing is being incorporated to further optimize the technology and adapt it for use in demanding environments.
INCYDE industrial cyber defense GmbH
INCYDE industrial cyber defense GmbH specializes in security for automotive, rail, and industrial systems and offers comprehensive services ranging from security analyses and systems engineering to pentesting.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on an extensible public key infrastructure architecture for automotive applications and research is being conducted into how security solutions that protect data privacy should be designed for the electric mobility infrastructure to create secure and scalable solutions.
Thinking Cars GmbH is a start-up company associated with RWTH Aachen University, Ulm University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. It was established as part of the UNICARagil predecessor project.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the qualification and development of service-oriented software components, such as those that emerged from UNICARagil. The aim is to establish a marketplace for the neutral evaluation and qualification of open-source software components in the context of automated and connected driving.
Companies
DSA Daten- und Systemtechnik GmbH
DSA Daten- und Systemtechnik GmbH specializes in modular software and hardware solutions for automotive electronics that cover the entire vehicle life cycle. In addition, the company develops customized testing and diagnostic solutions for high-voltage energy storage systems to ensure quality standards and optimize production processes.
In autotech.agil, DSA’s experts are researching a solution for the diagnosis of service-oriented vehicle architectures and the updating of software components. The insights gained here are incorporated into the standardization of the ASAM SOVD interface.
IPG Automotive GmbH is a leading provider of simulation solutions for vehicle development and specializes in virtual test driving. The software and hardware products support the entire development process, from the concept phase to release, and enable the development and validation of new systems in the virtual complete vehicle.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the development of digital twins and homologation processes. The goal is to test software and functions for automated mobility in this way.
The Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. With Mercedes-Benz AG, the vehicle manufacturer is one of the largest suppliers of high-end passenger cars and premium vans. The company’s founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in 1886. As a pioneer in automotive engineering, Mercedes-Benz is motivated and committed to making the future of mobility safe and sustainable. The company relies on innovative and green technologies as well as safe and high-quality vehicles that fascinate and inspire.
In autotech.agil, a future-oriented zone architecture for vehicles is developed by extending existing LET technologies from the AUTOSAR standard to SL-LET. This enables flexible and deterministic software architectures. The goal is to improve the vehicle architecture and to position autotech.agil as a technology pioneer.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. Its business activities are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The company is a leader in the development of automated driving technology, including smart sensors, powerful vehicle computers and actuators, as well as advanced driver assistance functions.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the further development of robust and stochastic control methods for trajectory planning and control of autonomous vehicles. The goal is to develop a comprehensive control concept that considers the entire chain of effects of an autonomous vehicle’s control system, from sensors to actuators. These developments will serve as the basis for the release of future highly automated and autonomous vehicles.
Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH, a subsidiary of the Valeo Group, is a leading supplier of driver assistance systems with a focus on autonomous driving.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the optimization of perception algorithms for sensor clusters based on neuromorphic technologies. The goal is to develop autonomous vehicles that are not only safer, but above all more energy-efficient and responsive.
Vector Informatik GmbH, a leading partner to the automotive industry, develops electronics and embedded systems worldwide.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the integration of system-level LET into automotive tools and software stacks. To this end, use cases for coupling signal-oriented (AUTOSAR Classic) and service-oriented (AUTOSAR Adaptive) platforms are being developed and implemented as prototypes. The aim is to transfer the results into industrial development practice.
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence GmbH; ehemals VIRES Simulationstechnologie GmbH
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence GmbH offers measurement technology, manufacturing software tools and simulation solutions for various industries, including automotive, aerospace and agriculture. Since August 2023, VIRES Simulationstechnologie GmbH has been rebranded/merged with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence GmbH.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the further development and standardization of simulation solutions. The aim is to promote open standards and create an efficient development environment.
Vitesco Technologies GmbH (part of Schaeffler AG from 01.10.2024) is a leading developer of drive technologies for sustainable mobility, specializing in solutions for electric, hybrid and combustion vehicles.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the further development of control units and the conversion to a service-oriented architecture within AUTOSAR Adaptive. The goal is to contribute to the standardization and further development of these technologies.
ZF is a global technology company. The company supplies highly developed products and systems for the mobility of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. With a comprehensive product range, ZF primarily supplies automobile manufacturers, mobility providers and newly emerging companies in the field of transportation and mobility ZF electrifies vehicles of all kinds and its products help to reduce emissions, protect the climate and make mobility safer. In addition to the automotive sectors of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, ZF serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, shipping, rail technology and test systems.
In autotech.agil, work is being done on the development and standardization of the service-oriented software architecture (Automotive Service-oriented Software Architecture = ASOA) that originated in UNICARagil. The goal is to create reusable functions using new methods and tools, as well as to ensure modular service-oriented functions using the experience gained from the development of control units and E/E architecture.
Associated Partners
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG has its headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The sports car manufacturer is one of the most valuable luxury brands in the world. The company sees itself as a pioneer of sustainable mobility. Sporty and modern. And financially robust. The strong corporate culture is based on passion, pioneering spirit, sportsmanship and family cohesion.
In autotech.agil, boundary conditions and requirements are considered from the perspective of an OEM. The goal is to ensure that developments meet the specific needs and standards of the automotive industry.
Aktion Mensch e.V. is committed to a barrier-free society in which diversity is embraced.
In autotech.agil, the needs of people with disabilities are considered when developing new, automated and connected mobility services. The aim is to integrate inclusion from the outset and to ensure at an early stage that future mobility solutions are barrier-free and accessible to all.
NMS New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH
NMS New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH coordinates the city’s “Digital Mobility” strategy and develops projects for a sustainable mobility transition and new mobility solutions.
In autotech.agil, the development and operation of integrated control centers for automated vehicles within intelligent infrastructures is considered. The aim is to improve technical supervision, integrate relevant data streams and enable safe interventions in the transport system to support the mobility transition in Hamburg
Executing entity: Department of Economy, Science, Digital City and Europe
The Department of Economy, Science, Digital City and Europe of the City of Aachen actively promotes local smart city technologies such as autonomous driving in urban areas and has made supporting these developments a central focus.
In autotech.agil, the involvement of the public and licensing issues regarding the operation of vehicle prototypes and test fields in the Aachen city area are supported. The aim is to strengthen Aachen as a science location and to implement future-oriented technological innovations in the city.
In autotech.agil, the perspective of infrastructure operators and the expectations of the population are considered. The aim is to incorporate these findings into future developments of urban spaces that are worth living in.
Maxion Wheels Holding GmbH is a leading manufacturer of vehicle wheels for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, buses, trucks and trailers.
In autotech.agil, the use of a wheel sensor as an innovative electronic component is being considered. The aim is to use this as an example of how to apply the universal hardware interface UAB and the service-oriented software architecture (Automotive Service-oriented Software Architecture = ASOA) developed in UNICARagil.
