Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SUNRISE (Safety assUraNce fRamework for connected, automated mobIlity SystEms)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-02-29
Safety assurance of Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) technologies and systems is a crucial factor for their successful adoption in society, yet it remains a significant challenge. It is generally acknowledged that for higher levels of automation, the validation of these systems by real test-driving would be infeasible by conventional methods. Furthermore, certification initiatives worldwide struggle to define a harmonized approach to enable massive deployment of highly connected and automated vehicles.
The SUNRISE project develops and demonstrates a Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) for CCAM systems. The overall objective of the SUNRISE project is to accelerate the safe deployment of CCAM systems. The project aims to achieve this, by developing a European federated database framework, centralizing scenarios for testing of CCAM systems in a multitude of relevant test cases, based on a virtual harmonised simulation environment with standardised, open interfaces and quality-controlled data exchange. SUNRISE closely cooperates with other CCAM stakeholders, to align their needs and expectations as much as possible with the SAF developed in the SUNRISE project.
The SUNRISE project develops and demonstrates a Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) for CCAM systems. The overall objective of the SUNRISE project is to accelerate the safe deployment of CCAM systems. The project aims to achieve this, by developing a European federated database framework, centralizing scenarios for testing of CCAM systems in a multitude of relevant test cases, based on a virtual harmonised simulation environment with standardised, open interfaces and quality-controlled data exchange. SUNRISE closely cooperates with other CCAM stakeholders, to align their needs and expectations as much as possible with the SAF developed in the SUNRISE project.
In its first reporting period (from September 2022 to February 2024), SUNRISE benchmarked existing international safety assurance frameworks, to be used as the basis for a new CCAM Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) developed under SUNRISE. This SAF should fulfill the needs of all key stakeholders, to the highest possible extend. At the project's midterm (in February 2024), SUNRISE completed a draft version of this SAF. This draft SAF comprises five key parts, including the pillars of the multi-pillar approach of NATM (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/61 2021): [1] Scenario, [2] Execute, [3] Analyse, [4] In-Service Monitoring and Reporting, and [5] Audit.
The SUNRISE SAF consists of three main components: a [1] Method, a [2] Toolchain and a [3] Data Framework. Together with the completion of the draft SAF at the project's midterm, draft versions were finished of these main three components. These draft components are described hereafter, and represent the work completed during the first reporting period.
A draft METHOD has been established to support the SAF safety argumentation. To lay a solid foundation for this method, a benchmark has been performed on existing standardization efforts and initiatives related to scenario-based safety assessment. The creation of this draft method also included the definition of terms related to scenarios, methods for scenario selection, sub-space creation and dynamic allocation to test instances (including virtual, hybrid and physical test environments), and a variety of metrics and rating procedures.
A draft TOOLCHAIN has been defined, with a set of tools selected to be used for safety assessment of CCAM systems, including approaches for virtual, hybrid and physical testing. Its modular structure allows for easy exchange of individual subsystems. The main subsystems include [1] a test case manager, [2] an environment simulator, [3] a traffic agent simulator, [4] a connectivity simulator, [5] a system under test simulator, and [6] a subsystem for simulation model validation.
A draft DATA FRAMEWORK has been designed, enabling online access, connection and harmonization of external and distributed Scenario Databases (SCDBs). This framework is devised to allow its users to perform: [1] query-based extraction of all safety relevant scenarios from a wide variety of connected external databases, [2] allocation of selected scenarios to a variety of test environments, and [3] reception of the test results.
The SUNRISE SAF consists of three main components: a [1] Method, a [2] Toolchain and a [3] Data Framework. Together with the completion of the draft SAF at the project's midterm, draft versions were finished of these main three components. These draft components are described hereafter, and represent the work completed during the first reporting period.
A draft METHOD has been established to support the SAF safety argumentation. To lay a solid foundation for this method, a benchmark has been performed on existing standardization efforts and initiatives related to scenario-based safety assessment. The creation of this draft method also included the definition of terms related to scenarios, methods for scenario selection, sub-space creation and dynamic allocation to test instances (including virtual, hybrid and physical test environments), and a variety of metrics and rating procedures.
A draft TOOLCHAIN has been defined, with a set of tools selected to be used for safety assessment of CCAM systems, including approaches for virtual, hybrid and physical testing. Its modular structure allows for easy exchange of individual subsystems. The main subsystems include [1] a test case manager, [2] an environment simulator, [3] a traffic agent simulator, [4] a connectivity simulator, [5] a system under test simulator, and [6] a subsystem for simulation model validation.
A draft DATA FRAMEWORK has been designed, enabling online access, connection and harmonization of external and distributed Scenario Databases (SCDBs). This framework is devised to allow its users to perform: [1] query-based extraction of all safety relevant scenarios from a wide variety of connected external databases, [2] allocation of selected scenarios to a variety of test environments, and [3] reception of the test results.
In its first reporting period (September 2022 - February 2024), SUNRISE advanced beyond state-of-the-art in several key areas:
1. Comprehensive stakeholder analysis (deliverable D2.1): In-depth analysis of safety assessment frameworks, identifying gaps from multiple perspectives.
2. Harmonized methodology (deliverable D3.1): Integrates best practices for CCAM safety validation, addressing fragmented approaches.
3. Data Framework requirements (deliverable D5.1): Defines requirements for a harmonized data framework, addressing the current lack of interoperability.
4. Federated scenario database (Work Package 6): Novel approach integrating existing initiatives while preserving ownership rights.
5. Alignment and building-upon emerging standards and frameworks.
By addressing these aspects, SUNRISE provides a more comprehensive, harmonized, and future-proof approach to CCAM safety assessment than existing state-of-the-art solutions.
1. Comprehensive stakeholder analysis (deliverable D2.1): In-depth analysis of safety assessment frameworks, identifying gaps from multiple perspectives.
2. Harmonized methodology (deliverable D3.1): Integrates best practices for CCAM safety validation, addressing fragmented approaches.
3. Data Framework requirements (deliverable D5.1): Defines requirements for a harmonized data framework, addressing the current lack of interoperability.
4. Federated scenario database (Work Package 6): Novel approach integrating existing initiatives while preserving ownership rights.
5. Alignment and building-upon emerging standards and frameworks.
By addressing these aspects, SUNRISE provides a more comprehensive, harmonized, and future-proof approach to CCAM safety assessment than existing state-of-the-art solutions.