On July 10th, 2017, Groupe Renault and Sanef, a world-leading motorway operator, belonging to Abertis group, announced cooperation to further develop communications between autonomous vehicles and road infrastructure, and testing on toll barrier crossing and work zone approach. The partnership contributes to the main objectives for autonomous vehicles to increase road safety and to reach zero fatality, and with the “eyes off/hands off” experience to give time back to travellers.
“Maximizing safety for drivers, passengers and others with autonomous cars requires several stakeholders in both government and the private sector working together, each bringing unique expertise.” said Mathieu Lips, leading that innovation program. “Our goal is to work with Sanef to develop advances in safety and the right solutions to bring as soon as possible to customers the most comfortable travel in autonomous drive without interruption.”
As part of an open ecosystem approach to innovation, the development of autonomous drive vehicles is led by Groupe Renault in collaboration with the best expertise. The companies are working together to shape the car of tomorrow by integrating the infrastructures, using fthe connectivity from car to car and to infrastructure (V2X) developed in the framework of the European SCOOP project. This experimentation, taking place in France, with Renault Autonomous prototypes represents a first step, with the aim to extend cooperation to other countries.
”We are convinced that autonomous vehicles need premium infrastructures to be developed. That’s the reason why Groupe Renault and Sanef Group are working together on this worldwide innovation. Our goals in terms of road safety and road tech are converging”, said Edouard Fischer, chief technology officer at Sanef Group.
An operation as simple as crossing a toll barrier or a road works zone, represents a major challenge for autonomous cars to provide continuous travel in eyes-off/hands-off mode. A challenge that Groupe Renault and Sanef are well on their way to solving in order to build a comfortable and easy driving experience.
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