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WINTER 2020
What the UK’s only 5G
network for transport
has discovered so far
By Connected Mobility
Virtual Testing of ADAS and AV Proven Turnkey Solutions for Accelerated System Development Industry leading solutions for scenario based testing of ADAS and AV Full suite of perception sensors to enable full-stack testing Comprehensive representation of vehicle systems physics Edmund House | Rugby Road | Leamington Spa | CV32 6EL | UK Telephone +44 1926 885900 Email sales@claytex.com www.claytex.com SOLUTIONS CONSULTANCY TRAINING
Editor’sview
COVID-19 and the after effects which will
reshape the future of mobility
THE PANDEMIC has changed the face of mobility now and will collaboration. One of the casualties of the pandemic has also
continue to do so when the crisis ends. The pandemic has swept been physical events and our very own TaaS Technology event,
the globe and in just a few months it effected lives, business, which was originally planned for July was postponed to October
health and wealth and has set off a worldwide economic slump. and now has been flipped to be a virtual event, taking place on
However, with every crisis there is also opportunity – the the 10th and 11th November. The 3rd annual Transportation-as-
opportunity which now exists is to accelerate towards a more a-Service (TaaS) Technology event will take place as a two-day
sustainable, resilient and human-centric urban mobility system. virtual event dedicated to covering the key topics of Autonomous,
This issue of TaaS Technology magazine includes features from Connected, Electric, Shared (ACES) mobility, the new emerging
Coventry University and their designs for a pandemic-proof business models disrupting the industry and the tools which
car of the future. The futuristic design is the brainchild of Paul will be required to make it a reality. The event is a high level b2b
Herriotts, Professor of Transport Design at the National Transport forum, a one stop shop covering all important topics and bringing
Design Centre (NTDC) and the in-house design team at Coventry the industry together digitally. The conference takes place on the
University. 10th and 11th November.
We also include a feature from Vooom who look discuss the fact 2020 is shaping up to be a decisive year in the disruption of
we are at a critical decision time – is it back to normal or MaaS? the mobility industry, accelerated by the COVID19 pandemic –
Cenex talk about Maximising the benefits of e-scooters in UK the way we transport people and goods is destined to change
cities. Local authorities in the UK must take an active role in forever. If you are involved in the industry, TaaS Technology is
e-scooter deployment and learn from previous cases across your must attend event, providing delegates with an invaluable
Europe to maximise the benefits and ensure a smooth integration and comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities
with today’s transport network. which lie ahead. The content will be delivered with a mix of
presentations and panel sessions focussing on audience
Horiba Mira discuss the UK approach to Automotive interaction. Unique networking is an important part of the event
Cybersecurity. As the transition towards connected and and is facilitated with a conference networking portal for the
autonomous vehicles (CAVs) gains pace, the issue of automotive virtual event, allowing you to connect with colleagues before the
cybersecurity has quickly risen up the ranks as a critical priority event and after the event – making business development easy.
for industry and the government alike. But with so many factors Registration is free of charge so join your industry peers to
to consider, including not just the development of the technology discuss all things CAVs and Future Mobility.
needed to offer real-time responsiveness to threats, but the https://taas.technology
correct implementation of standards, rules and best practice
guidelines, the journey towards a robust, unified approach to CAV We hope you enjoy this issue of TaaS Technology and look out
security is one which will hinge on innovation and cross-industry for the final issue of the year in December.
Editor / Publisher Design & Production Manager Directors Published by
Sukhi.Bhadal Mitch Gaynor Stephen Whitehurst – Chairman Angel Business Communications Ltd
+44 (0)2476 718 970 +44 (0)1923 690214 Sukhi Bhadal –CEO 6 Bow Court, Burnsall Road,
sukhi.bhadal@angelbc.com mitch.gaynor@angelbc.com Scott Adams – CTO Coventry, CV5 6SPUK
Editorial Assistant/Sales & Marketing Director of Logistics Circulation and Subscriptions Registered Office
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+44 (0) 2476 718 970 +44 (0)1923 690200 circ@angelbc.com (Coventry) UK
Monique.Batra@angelbc.com sharon.cowley@angelbc.com Registration Number: 1972952
TaaS Magazine is published six times a year on a controlled circulation basis. Non-qualifying individuals can subscribe at: £96.00/e110 (UK & Europe), $140 pa (USA). Cover price £5.50. All information herein
is believed to be correct at time of going to press. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any errors and omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every
effort has been made to obtain copyright permission for the material contained in this publication. Angel Business Communications Ltd will be happy to acknowledge any copyright oversights in a subsequent issue of
the publication. Angel Business Communications Ltd © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or part without the written consent of the publishers. The paper used within this
magazine is produced by chain of custody certified manufacturers, guaranteeing sustainable sourcing. Printed by: The Manson Group Ltd. ISSN (Print) 2397-124X (Online) 2397-2319. © 2020.
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Publishers Association
Member
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 3
contents WWW.TAAS.NEWS
WINTER 2020
ON THE COVER
42 What the UK’s only 5G network for transport
has discovered so far
More than 18 months on from its official opening,
Peter Stoker, Chief Engineer – Connected and
Autonomous Vehicle at Millbrook, lifts the lid on
the ground-breaking work taking place on its
AutoAir 5G test bed for transport
NEWS 18 By-wire integration and control for AV/ADAS
06 News from the industry and beyond research vehicles
Getting started in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry can
FEATURES seem daunting to most, especially when trying to determine
10 Boarding soon: Airships are making a how to actuate an entire vehicle’s control system
comeback
Airplanes need to be in forward motion to generate lift and 22 Autonomous vehicle accidents test human
stay in the air. Unfortunately, most of the fuel burned during trust
flight goes towards this purpose. Airships, on the other Humans have an issue with trust. While innate to our nature,
hand, have their envelope to provide lift and can use all trust is also something that must be earned over time, and
fuel to move forward, making them significantly more once lost it can take a long time to get it back, if at all
energy efficient
26 Not happy with your car? Just talk to it
14 Full speed ahead in a UK approach to Why car companies do not listen to ther customers
automotive cybersecurity
As the transition towards connected and autonomous 28 Coventry University researcher designs
ehicles (CAVs) gains pace, the issue of automotive pandemic-proof car of the future
cybersecurity has quickly risen up the ranks as a critical Say hello to the pandemic-proof car of the future as
priority for industry and the government alike imagined by Coventry University researchers
30 OX Delivering Opportunity: What is transport
poverty?
if you were to ask someone to define “transport” or
“poverty” you would receive a reasonably accurate answer.
But put the two terms together and you have something that
compounds some of the world’s biggest issues and yet
isn’t often referred to
32 Trojan Energy is pushing ahead with two
projects to tackle the challenge of on-street
EV charging
Cars are an essential part of our everyday lives, but those
running on fossil fuels cause carbon emissions that are bad
14 for the planet and air pollution that is bad for our health
4 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020
contents WWW.TAAS.NEWS
22 32
38 Smart LiDAR sensor for the medium-and- 50 What is the right platform strategy for
high-speed autonomous driving e-cars?
Currently, the conventional mechanical LiDAR system, The most important requirement for running an
limited by their big size, high cost, and short of capability electric car is electricity, and it’s also the biggest
in identifying obstacles from the point clouds, is barely able problem
to meet the safety requirements of commercial mass-
produced autonomous vehicles 52 Speed e-bumps on the road to
e-mobility
40 Carsharing - emphasis on the car Of late, much has been made in the media of the
The instant we began to practice social distancing, the way perceived deficiency in terms of the availability in
we consume transportation shifted. Can you remember public electric vehicle charge points in the UK
your last time ride sharing? And if it was recent, then the
answer is likely to be, “vividly.” Yet shared mobility has been 56 Maximising the benefits of e-scooters
experiencing a resurgence in UK cities
Local authorities in the UK must take an active role
46 The future of transportation is electric in e-scooter deployment and learn from previous
There is a global urgency for transportation of cases across Europe to maximise the benefits
people and goods to become sustainable and ensure a smooth integration with today’s
transport network
38 56
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 5
INDUSTRY NEWS
New Jaguar XF featuring connected car
capabilities launched
THE NEW JAGUAR XF Saloon and Working in conjunction with the latest providers for the strongest signal. A
XF Sportbrake featuring enhanced optional Head-up Display technology, series of advanced technologies
exteriors, an all-new interior new XF gives drivers all the information ensure the health and wellbeing of all
incorporating luxurious new materials, they need with least distraction. occupants. Optional on all models,
and seamlessly integrated, connected The intuitive new infotainment system Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior
and future-proof technologies has been features Apple CarPlay as standard air quality through Nanoe technology,
revealed. It showcases contemporary and allows customers to connect two which helps remove allergens and
British design and engineering at its phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. unpleasant odours. The system also
best. Android Auto is also available as features PM2.5 filtration, which captures
standard in the UK. Wireless device ultra-fine particles - including PM2.5
A next-generation, 2.0-litre four-cylinder charging with phone signal booster particulates - to improve occupant
Ingenium turbocharged diesel engine allows occupants to fast charge their health and wellbeing. \\The customer
featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle smartphone. The system also provides activates the system simply by pressing
(MHEV) technology and the latest clearer calls through the help of an the ‘Purify’ button. Jaguar’s ClearSight
2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol external aerial. Interior Rear View Mirror gives the
engine power the new Jaguar XF, driver an unobstructed view of the road
providing enhanced behind. Using a wide
efficiency with strong angle rear-facing camera,
performance. the optional system
The XF has an all- feeds images to a high-
new interior with definition screen within the
heightened luxury, frameless rear view mirror;
enhanced connectivity unhindered by tall rear
and greater serenity passengers, poor light or
and refinement. The rain on the rear screen.
new cockpit design is
bolder, more dynamic For enhanced
and with greater convenience, the optional
focus on the driver. second-generation
A new sporty centre wearable Activity Key can
console, faster in be used to lock, unlock
profile, sweeps up to the dashboard To enable almost instantaneous start- and start the vehicle without the need
incorporating an optional wireless up, Pivi Pro has a dedicated power for the conventional key fob to be
device charger with phone signal source, so is ready to use as soon present in the vehicle. The rechargeable
booster. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment as customers get behind the wheel. device incorporates a watch and
technology is accessed through the The collection of new convenience has a battery life of up to seven days
all-new 11.4-inch curved glass HD technologies includes Software-Over- between charges. For added security
touchscreen. Key benefits include The-Air (SOTA) capability, which and peace of mind, new XF customers
enhanced clarity, the screen being ensures the XF is always using the latest get a complimentary Secure Tracker
three times brighter and 48% larger software. The technology means that subscription as standard for the first
than the previous screen, and the owners don’t have to visit retailers to 12 months, or they can elect to enhance
simplified menu structures allow drivers receive software updates for the vehicle. their security further with optional
to access or view up to 90% of common Pivi Pro connectivity is provided by the Secure Tracker Pro now with new
tasks from the homescreen in two taps latest embedded dual-sim technology Guardian Mode which uses a timer to
or less. To help drivers access vital with two LTE modems enabling the provide when using the Secure app.
information quickly, new XF features system to carry out multiple functions It allows customers to identify times
a new 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver at the same time, such as streaming when the vehicle will be inactive,
Display with enhanced graphics and a media and downloading SOTA updates, for example through the night, and
configurable layout which can show full without compromising performance. receive alerts to their smartphone if
screen navigation mapping with turn- The advanced connectivity also ensures it is used during this window - giving
by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, minimal interruptions caused by coverage immediate warning of any unauthorised
contact list or infotainment details. blackspots as it roams across network movements.
6 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020
INDUSTRY NEWS
McLaren’s all-new high-performance
hybrid supercar enters final stages of testing
DUE TO LAUNCH in the first half of The High-Performance Hybrid lightweight hypercars and supercars.
2021, the all-new supercar will open a powertrain, which features an all-new “For us, light-weighting and high-
new era of electrification for McLaren V6 internal combustion engine, delivers performance hybrid technology
following the end of production of its astonishing levels of performance and go hand-in-hand to achieve better
Sports Series range. a uniquely intense driver experience, as performance as well as more efficient
well as providing medium-range EV-only vehicles,” explained Flewitt.
The all-new, supercar will be the first drive capability.
McLaren built on a new carbon fibre “Our expertise in lightweight composites
structure, christened McLaren Carbon “This all-new McLaren supercar is the and carbon fibre manufacturing,
Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). distillation of everything we have done combined with our experience in
Optimised for High-Performance Hybrid to date; all that we have learned and cutting-edge battery technologies and
powertrains and latest-generation driver achieved,” commented Mike Flewitt, high-performance hybrid propulsion
technologies, the architecture elevates CEO, McLaren Automotive. systems, makes us ideally placed
McLaren’s pioneering lightweight to deliver uncompromised levels of
chassis technologies to new heights, “This is a new kind of McLaren for a electrified high-performance driving
exploiting the company’s advantage new era, an extraordinary drivers’ car that until now have simply been
in super-lightweight engineering - a that offers blistering performance as unattainable.” The all-new hybrid
benefit that has its roots in the brand’s well as an all-electric range capable supercar will sit between the GT and
motorsport origins. of covering most urban journeys. We the 720S in the McLaren range and its
see this new McLaren as a true ‘next introduction will further strengthen the
Designed, developed and produced in generation’ supercar and cannot wait to company’s presence in the supercar
the UK at the £50 million ($64.44 million) show it to customers.” sector.
state-of-the-art McLaren Composites
Technology Centre (MCTC) in Sheffield McLaren’s all-new, ‘next-generation’ The Sports Series designation -
region, the all-new flexible structure supercar draws on all of the introduced in 2015 with the launch of
will underpin the next generation of technological expertise in designing, the 570S - ceases from the end of this
McLaren hybrid supercars coming to developing and building the world’s year with the limited-run, GT4-inspired
market over the coming years. most innovative and desirable, super- 620R the last model produced.
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 7
INDUSTRY NEWS
Hyundai delivers its first XCIENT fuel cell
trucks in Europe
THE DELIVERY of XCIENT Fuel Cell hit the US roads. Hyundai also is
marks the official entry of Hyundai’s working with various parties in China,
commercial vehicles in the European which aims to get 1 million hydrogen
market, a touchstone for the company’s vehicles on its roads by 2030 as the
expansion into the North American and country’s hydrogen industry is on a
Chinese commercial markets. sharp growth trend, creating massive
potential. Initially, Hyundai will focus on
“The delivery of XCIENT Fuel Cell starts China’s four major hydrogen hubs: Jin-
a new chapter not only for Hyundai’s jin-ji, Yangtze River Delta, Guangdong
hydrogen push, but also the global Province and Sichuan Province. It
community’s use of hydrogen as a is currently discussing cooperative
clean energy source,” said In Cheol initiatives such as a joint venture with cell trucks by 2025. Currently, Coop,
Lee, Executive Vice President and local partners. Migros, Traveco, Galliker Logistics,
Head of Commercial Vehicle Division Camion Transport, F. Murpf AG and G.
at Hyundai Motor. “Today’s delivery is Three fuel cell electric trucks are Leclerc Transport AG along with others
just a beginning as it opens endless scheduled for launch in China: a have placed orders for XCIENT Fuel
possibilities for clean mobility. With medium-duty truck in 2022, a heavy- Cell. They will be utilising the trucks
successful delivery of the first XCIENT duty truck in in a couple of years, and to haul everything from food to cars
Fuel Cell trucks, we proudly announce another heavy-duty truck strategically around Europe.
our plan to expand beyond Europe to designed for the China market. With
North America and China where we are these models, Hyundai’s goal is to To support the growing hydrogen
already making great progress.” achieve aggregate sales volume of ecosystem, Hyundai has a business
27,000 units by 2030. case for more than 100 hydrogen
Production capacity of the XCIENT fueling stations in Switzerland, which
Fuel Cell will reach 2,000 units per year A key to Hyundai’s global expansion is enough not only for commercial
by 2021 to support its expansion into of fuel cell trucks will be the successful vehicles, but also passenger fuel cell
Europe, the US and China as demand launch of XCIENT Fuel Cell in Europe. electric vehicles. Likewise, Hyundai
for clean mobility grows. The increase in The seven customers who received the plans to act as a sector coupler
capacity will be backed by a $1.3 billion first batch of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks in bringing various players to the
investment in addition to a previously will haul payloads of consumer goods hydrogen value chain as part of its
announced $6.4 billion stake in around Switzerland, emitting nothing efforts to bring value.
establishing a hydrogen ecosystem to but clean water. The operations will be
support creation of a hydrogen society. backed by a robust green hydrogen XCIENT is powered by a 190-kW
ecosystem. hydrogen fuel cell system with dual
In the US, Hyundai is collaborating 95-kW fuel cell stacks. Seven large
with logistics leaders to supply mass- In 2019, Hyundai Motor Company hydrogen tanks offer a combined
produced fuel cell heavy-duty trucks. formed Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility storage capacity of around 32.09 kg
Hyundai revealed the fuel cell-powered (HHM), a joint venture with Swiss of hydrogen. The driving range per
HDC-6 NEPTUNE Concept Class 8 company H2 Energy. HHM also is charge for XCIENT Fuel Cell is about
heavy-duty truck at the North American partnering with Hydrospider, a joint 400km, which was developed with an
Commercial Vehicle (NACV) Show in venture of H2 Energy, Alpiq and optimal balance between the specific
October 2019, hinting at what the future Linde. The customers will be leasing requirements from the potential
holds and Hyundai’s plans for it. To XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks from HHM commercial fleet customers and the
back this plan, Hyundai is partnering on a pay-per-use basis that does not charging infrastructure in Switzerland.
with companies to build a complete require an initial investment. Hyundai Refueling time for each truck takes
hydrogen value chain covering will take the success in Switzerland to approximately 8~20 minutes. Hyundai
everything from hydrogen production broader European markets as Hyundai has been devoting itself to further
and charging stations to service and establishes solutions and partner develop fuel cell technology and
maintenance. The North American networks in Germany, Norway, the establish the supply chain to realise
market will also get a 6×4 tractor Netherlands and Austria. As part of its a ‘Hydrogen Economy’ for a better
model. By 2030, Hyundai expects production expansion plan, Hyundai and cleaner future, an effort receiving
more than 12,000 fuel cell trucks to expects to supply 1,600 commercial fuel worldwide acclaim.
8 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020
INDUSTRY NEWS
SEAT begins construction of its battery
laboratory in Spain
SEAT has begun work on the future also feature a high-tech electronics lab national and international research
Test Center Energy (TCE), the new to design and manufacture prototypes projects and conducted more than
automotive battery lab that will be and build interfaces for the test systems. 2,000 test cases. This facility has two
located at the SEAT plant in climatic chambers and a test power of
Martorell. With an investment of more In addition, a workshop will be set 200kW.
than €7 million ($8.26 million), the new up that is specifically designed and
centre will develop and test various equipped to carry out tests on electrified The carmaker is currently undergoing
energy systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, with the capacity to work a transformation towards the
vehicles. With a testing capacity that simultaneously with up to six cars. This electrification of the company and its
can reach 1.3 MW simultaneously, this space will be used to conduct various brands. SEAT and CUPRA are going
facility will become a one-of-a-kind, tests related to the performance of to launch five new electric and plug-in
pioneering electric battery laboratory the energy system, functional safety hybrid models in 2020 and 2021,
in Spain. The construction of the TCE and integration of functions. To this which will be added to the electric
is included in the €5 billion ($5.9 billion) end, artificial vision systems will be version of the commercially available
investment plan recently announced by incorporated into the instrumentation. SEAT Mii.
the company.
According to SEAT Vice-President The Leon family will have plug-in
The future building, whose construction for R&D Werner Tietz, “We are very hybrid electric models under the SEAT
will be completed in April 2021, will excited to announce the launch of this and CUPRA brand, manufactured
have an area of around 1,500 square project. SEAT has been committed in Martorell; the SEAT Tarraco will
metres and include different test spaces to the electrification of the company have a PHEV version and the CUPRA
for the evaluation of cell modules for years and the construction of this Formentor, the first model designed
with lithium-ion technology, medium unique new Test Center Energy in Spain and developed for the CUPRA brand,
and high voltage batteries, as well as is a firm step in this direction. This new will also have plug-in hybrid electric
different chargers used in the entire battery lab will enable us to develop the variants, which will be manufactured in
range of electrified vehicles. energy systems of future hybrid and Martorell.
electric vehicles, thus contributing to the
There are also plans for several climatic creation of sustainable electromobility.” In addition, the CUPRA el-Born will join
chambers that will enable the batteries the SEAT Mii electric as the company’s
and modules to be tested under The new TCE will join the combined second all-electric vehicle. The new Test
extreme thermal conditions, simulating low, medium and high voltage battery Center Energy provides the company
the different environments a car may lab built by the company in 2010. Over with its own lab for testing the batteries
experience during its life cycle. It will the past decade, SEAT has carried out of the future.
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 9
TRANSPORTATION AIRSHIPS
Boarding soon:
Airships are making a comeback
Although we are once again starting to take space exploration more seriously, the
main improvements in our lives appear to come in the form of more addicting
social media algorithms, as so aptly explained in Netflix‘ latest documentary “The
Social Dilemma”. At the same time, political debate is preoccupied by questions of
social justice and discussions about breaking up dominant internet companies,
ignoring anything new and exciting.
BY NATALIE SAUBER, MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND FUTURE MOBILITY, ARCADIS
TO SAY THE PHYSICAL WORLD has become development in an area where one might least
stale is probably an understatement and as Marc expect it. After all, sometimes it is good to bring a
Andreessen rightly observed at the beginning of combination of science fiction and steampunk back
this year, “It’s time to build”. Unfortunately, we into our lives. Taking long-distance logistics as an
tend to optimise within know constraints and often example, the general assumption seems to be that a
take the status quotas a given. Saying that, this plane offers speed and is expensive, while shipping
article is meant to shine a spotlight on an exciting is very cheap but will take a long time. This works
10 WWW.TAAS.NEWS MONTH 2020TRANSPORTATION AIRSHIPS
reasonably well, as we can decide upon the trade-off Some of the current airship concepts range around
between speed and cost on a case-by-case basis. 1,000 tonnes cargo capacity, that is twice that of
For instance, urgent medical equipment might be the largest cargo planes. The main constraint are
more expensive but will arrive quickly by plane, but purely the size we can build and accommodate on
clothing is relatively cheap and will often spend the ground. Here it is important to understand that
many weeks on the waterways between Europe and larger airships would bring significant economic
Asia. advantages over smaller versions. Since airships
fly via displacing air by lighter gas, the lift must be
During a time when freight transport has become sufficient to carry both the airship and the cargo.
the largest single source of developed countries Assuming everything is proportional, the volume
greenhouse gas emissions (close to a whopping of the envelop increases with the length of the
10%) and realistic attempts to develop zero-carbon airship with the power of three, while loading weight
technology are in their infancy, it is becoming approximates the power of two. This means that
increasingly important to think about potential larger airships will be able to carry disproportionally
alternatives. more cargo and operate significantly cheaper than
their smaller variants.
Luckily, it now appears as though there is a new
option on the horizon, able to offer an interesting Despite the multitude of compelling arguments for
trade-off along the speed and cost axis, while at the use of airships, not everyone is optimistic. Some
the same time bringing significant environmental of the more comment arguments are voiced along
advantages. This combination could make the the following lines:
airship an important part of tomorrow’s logistics
framework.
While we are only used to seeing airships as
advertising vehicle for the likes of Goodyear
and MetLife, these giant vessels used to play
a significant historical role for transport
and within our aerial defence
efforts. Unfortunately, the gruesome
destruction of the Hindenburg in 1937
(whose hydrogen envelope caught fire
during a docking attempt) almost single-
handedly ended civilian airship travel and
most commercial applications. Given recent
technological improvements however, it is now
time to seriously consider the advantages today’s
designs could bring to the logistics industry. Airships
have higher drag
Airplanes need to be in forward motion to generate coefficients (which is
lift and stay in the air. Unfortunately, most of the fuel increasing with the square
burned during flight goes towards this purpose. of velocity), negating some of the fuel advantages.
Airships, on the other hand, have their envelope While this is true, the advantages are so substantial,
to provide lift and can use all fuel to move forward, that this is ultimately not a great concern and
making them significantly more energy efficient. speeds can be varied between ~50-150 km/h to
Airships themselves might be very big but need optimise costs, something that is not possible with
significantly less ground infrastructure to support planes to the same degree.
them. Due to their ability to take off vertically,
conventional runways are not required, resulting in Airships are more vulnerable to weather and more
significant cost savings, whilst also allowing more work is required to ensure they reach similar safety
direct point-to-point transport. In addition, airships standards to planes. While this is partially true, it is
are incredibly light and manoeuvrable, capable of also not surprising, the technology has now mostly
changing direction quickly without changing speed, been ignored for the last 80 years. At the time of
and even remaining stationary for extended periods the Hindenburg, planes were also considered
of time dangerous and current airship designs are vastly
superior to their earlier models.
MONTH 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 11TRANSPORTATION AIRSHIPS
There is a trade-off between helium (not flammable, clear why airships could offer such a compelling
but expensive and only available in limited proposition in the future. After having looked at the
quantities on Earth) and hydrogen (very cheap, economics of airships, the next question should
but flammable). Ultimately planes carry thousands turn to the potential market opportunity. After all
of litres of highly flammable liquid – this is just the investment only makes sense if companies
a question of safety development. In addition, could see a sufficiently large market in the future.
hydrogen burns up, while passengers and cargo are The latest number for world GDP stands at about
below, allowing for new safety features that would $81 trillion USD per year. Assuming over time each
not be possible with planes. country approximates the US’ 9% GDP share of
transportation and about 10% of global freight
On ground storage area is expensive. Airships migrates to airships, this would equate to a $720
require their own specially created hangers much billion revenue industry, before any future growth
bigger in size than your average airplane hangars. and a clear reason to pursue the development.
Luckily, this should be more than made up by the
fact that there is no need for expensive runways and At present there are several companies in the U.S.
plane infrastructure. and Europe trying to stage a comeback for airships,
across logistics and luxury travel. Luxury tourism is
The compelling arguments in favour of use the latest (and perhaps the most intriguing) attempt
for logistic purposes put airships in a class of to make airships a viable economic proposition.
technology, with nuclear power and space travel, A small UK-based company founded in 2007 has
all which are experiencing an unexpected, but very emerged as the front-runner in a race to bring
welcome, modern renaissance. environment-friendly versions of dirigible travel
back to the skies. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) with its
The Airlander will not be alone flagship the 92-metre Airlander 10 airship is selling
tickets for a day tour across the North Pole in 2023.
in the skies either. Earlier this year, Tickets started at $62,000 per two-person cabin;
they have now climbed to $79,000.
French airship company Flying
The Airlander will not be alone in the skies either.
Whales received $320 million in Earlier this year, French airship company Flying
Whales received $320 million in funding from the
funding from the government government of Quebec to build cargo-carrying
of Quebec to build cargo-carrying Zeppelins. The airships have been designed in
such a way that they are able to transport up to 60
Zeppelins metric tons of goods at altitudes of close to 3,000
meters through hard-to-reach areas with commercial
production to begin in 2025. Since the French
When comparing airships to other long-haul logistics airship is a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), it
options, it is important to look at the economics. will not require any extra infrastructure to operate,
Although an overly crude concept, it is possible to allowing it to serve more remote locations without
look at the cost and speed of transport on a per harming the environment.
tonne-km basis. Cargo planes can generally fly
above 800km/h, but costs – considering the age of Google co-founder Sergey Brin has also started
common cargo planes – are around $1. Ships on the an airship company. Brin’s humanitarian airship
other hand often travel at speeds of up to 20km/h, company LTA (lighter than air) is trying to reinvent
with costs that are lower by a factor of a hundred at airships for the 21st century to be used for
1c per tonne-km. humanitarian missions. At the same time, Skunk
Works, the innovation arm of defence giant
How does this compare to potential future airships? Lockheed Martin, is designing airships to carry
Given that we do not have experience to guide us, medical supplies to remote locations.
we can instead look at projects in development.
Going of work done by the blog ‚The Roadless If these airships can take off despite carrying a
Revolution‘, this would lead us to conclude that legacy of failed projects and distrust from the public
on a comparative basis, airships would likely in lieu of economic justifications that still seem more
cost between 6-10c per tonne-km and operate at wishful thinking than reality – it might just be the
between 50-150km/h. This should immediately make return of the zeppelin.
12 WWW.TAAS.NEWS MONTH 2020HARNESS ONE PLATFORM WITH ALL THE POWER Platform Equinix® enables you to bring together all the right places, partners and possibilities you need to fast-track your digital advantage The automotive industry is being disrupted by connected car technologies and seismic changes to existing business models, which require new digital strategies and IT architectures. Digital and connected services are driving new industry revenue growth, whilst consumer preference is being shaped by innovative digital and connected features as well as greater appetite for energy efficient, green and autonomous vehicles. These require not only that companies harness emerging technologies whilst fundamentally changing their mindset but also highlights the need to re-architect IT on a single global platform to enable more effective, real-time interactions, greater data privacy, and collaboration with supply chain partners, business ecosystems and customers. Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company, enabling digital leaders to harness a trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their success. Equinix enables today’s businesses to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate advantage. With Equinix, they can scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value. See us online at the TaaS Technology Conference, 10-11 November 2020 Equinix.co.uk © 2020 Equinix, Inc.
CYBERSECURITY CAVs
Full speed ahead in a UK
approach to automotive
cybersecurity
As the transition towards ResiCAV has played in helping define the roadmap
for automotive cybersecurity – including the urgent
connected and autonomous call for a national programme. It is well documented
vehicles (CAVs) gains pace, the that this modern age of the internet of things (iot), in
which almost every aspect of daily life is connected,
issue of automotive cybersecurity comes with a risk. Indeed, as more processes
has quickly risen up the ranks as become digital, and the physical and virtual worlds
merge to offer benefits that include optimised
a critical priority for industry and the
efficiencies and convenience, the downside is an
government alike. With so many factors to increase in opportunities for cyber-attacks.
consider, the real-time responsiveness to
Unsurprisingly then, with the UK government having
threats, but the correct implementation of asserted ambitions to be a global leader in CAV
standards, rules and best practice deployment and manufacturers continuing to make
major breakthroughs in developing next generation
guidelines, the journey towards a robust, vehicles, one pressing concern has quickly risen to
unified approach to CAV security is one the forefront – how will cybersecurity policy operate
in the penetrable future world of connected vehicles?
which will hinge on innovation and cross- The reality is that the collective government and
industry collaboration. industry response to this will be incredibly important
in terms of ensuring a safe and seamless transition
to CAV deployment. After all, the cyber threat facing
BY ANTHONY MARTIN, HEAD OF VEHICLE CAVs is potentially a very serious one. As with
most modern computer technologies, tomorrow’s
RESILIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AT HORIBA MIRA
14 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020CYBERSECURITY CAVs
connected vehicles will incorporate many different major, government-funded collaborative research
connection mechanisms to support the exchange and development (R&D) projects.
of data between vehicles, people and infrastructure.
This reliance on constant connectivity throughout Breaking new ground
the lifespan of the vehicle, exacerbates risk by A great example is ResiCAV; part of a programme
presenting multiple opportunities for a hacker to of seven collaborative projects bringing together
implement a successful attack. cross-sector industrial, academic and government
expertise from a range of key sectors in order to
The resulting consequences are far-reaching. ascertain how the mobility industry should respond
In addition to implications for users in terms to emerging cybersecurity threats.
of compromised privacy, fraudulent financial
transactions and loss of functionality, there are
serious safety risks in the potential for hackers to Supported by Zenzic and part-funded by the
cause major road accidents or congestion. Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
(CCAV) and Innovate UK, the ResiCAV project saw
Also aligned to this is the issue of public trust, as numerous leading research bodies and industry
consumers become increasingly wary of the threat giants, including HORIBA MIRA, come together in a
of cyber-crime. Two in five (43%) have admitted three-month study designed to explore the feasibility
they’d stop associating with businesses that suffer of creating a UK Cybersecurity ‘Centre of Excellence’
data breaches.1 Thus, failure to achieve sufficient to address emerging cybersecurity threats across
public trust in the safe and secure operation of CAVs the mobility eco-system.
and the associated infrastructure could affect the
huge socioeconomic benefits afforded by the future The resulting progressive research has not only
mobility vision. successfully demonstrated the commercial viability
of the creation of a UK Road Transport Centre of
The good news is that amid growing concern around Excellence for Cybersecurity Resilience (CYB-R) –
current automotive cybersecurity threats, recent but asserted its very pressing need.
years have seen the industry and government break
major new ground in understanding the role of future As part of the project, HORIBA MIRA took the
automotive cybersecurity, driven by a number of lead role in formulating the vision for the Centre.
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 15CYBERSECURITY CAVs
For us, this vision involves bringing together the UK participation in relevant international standards
very best UK expertise to create an ecosystem of and regulatory activity, including informing future
specialist services to include research, engineering, government policy on cybersecurity for CAV and the
test, simulation and certification in road transport wider mobility ecosystem.
cybersecurity and resilient mobility, along with a
closely-related education and training initiative. As cybersecurity is a constantly evolving problem
Hereby, the aim is to leverage existing capabilities that tracks the developments in technology, it is
to rapidly place the UK at the forefront of developing imperative that CYB-R is closely integrated with
and providing cybersecurity solutions for the global a collaborative R&D environment with funding
mobility revolution. streams for the development and validation of future
cybersecurity resilience methodologies.
In terms of achieving this progressive vision, our
detailed report in this remit sets out a roadmap of six Finally, updates to UK criminal legislation that
equally important recommendations that help set the make better provision for ethical and responsible
direction for future policy. cybersecurity research activities, will be essential to
enable the lawful operation of all CYB-R engineering
and research facilities to full effect.
Of course, this multi-faceted future vision is
an incredibly complex one that HORIBA MIRA
was proud to lead, but the end result would be
a world-leading, truly one-of-its-kind Centre of
Excellence which would accelerate development
of cybersecurity capabilities for CAVs and their
infrastructure and will attract investment, build
international reputation and develop UK intellectual
capital – on a world stage.
A driving force
While many other government-funded initiatives
have made solid automotive cybersecurity related
recommendations, ResiCAV has uniquely proposed
guidelines for protective operational monitoring
technologies and services.
As a result of the extensive insights revealed during
the work, recommendations set out by HORIBA
First, it identifies the importance of bringing together MIRA have not only put forward a compelling case
a full range of world-class facilities, based on a for the urgent delivery of a UK Centre of Excellence
linked cybersecurity testbed ecosystem (CLUST-R) – but have also outlined the practical approach to its
that will integrate newly defined and existing UK delivery.
testbeds. This must be supported by a broad
range of relevant skills and capabilities in terms of Amid the escalating speed of CAV development,
different CAV and mobility technologies and their which continues to see more connected vehicles
cybersecurity aspects. In an industry susceptible on the road, it becomes increasingly important that
to an escalating skills gap, we believe this will rely the UK leads the way in its according cybersecurity
heavily on attracting new talent and honing the next capabilities. Indeed, it may be a complex and vast
generation through dedicated learning, progression task, but it is a fundamental one which, starting with
and development. the development of a national Centre of Excellence,
will see the UK establish itself as the driving force
Equally important, we recommend that the CYB-R behind automotive cybersecurity in the global race
Centre must also act as the focus for a national towards future mobility.
capability to ensure the cybersecurity resilience
of the UK’s associated V2X infrastructure, as well To read the full ResiCAV report, visit:
as providing an associated CYB-R Certification www.horiba-mira.com/Vehicle-Resilience/automotive-
Centre. Aligned to this, the facility must also lead cybersecurity/resicav-cyb-r
16 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 20202020: ACCELERATING TO A NEW FUTURE IN MOBILITY
A VIRTUAL EVENT
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www.taas.technology
#taasmaniaBI-WIRING AV/ADAS
By-wire integration and control
for AV/ADAS research vehicles
Getting started in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry can seem
daunting to most, especially when trying to determine how to
actuate an entire vehicle’s control system. In order to successfully
perform important functions for autonomous driving, there are
many considerations for a product development and engineering
team to consider.
FIRST OF ALL, what does by-wire control of vehicles system. However, the by-wire system is needed to
for research and development (R&D) really mean? allow that development to take place.
It is the acceleration, braking, steering, and shifting
control of the vehicle. Being able to control those That being said, one of the most significant
electronically is necessary to do development on decisions a developer must make is to either
autonomous vehicles. Second, why is this needed engineer their own Drive-by-Wire (DBW) system or
and why is this being discussed? Currently, most install a plug-and-play kit, such as the Dataspeed By-
R&D for autonomous vehicles is done at the Wire Kit. Several factors must be considered prior to
functional level. What is being developed is the any development to assess against the capabilities,
software for the autonomous driving, not the by-wire the budget, the resources, and the risk for the
18 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020BI-WIRING AV/ADAS
project. Project teams should consider the actuation,
communication architecture, electronic hardware, Passenger vehicle steering
software, power, reliability, and safety.
actuation can be done one
The actuation
The core of any by-wire system is the actuation that
of two ways: by adding an
converts the driver’s commands from electronic
signals to motion. Actuators are integrated with
external motor to the steering
automotive controls to help optimize the vehicles’
performance. Their presence is key to prevent
and a controller to allow
human interaction to be necessary for driving.
Dozens of sensors will be essential to obtain
electrical signals to control
information from the surroundings. It will be sensors the steering, or to utilize the
that will activate the various actuators, which in
turn, will generate the order to activate the final electric power steering that is
component. Essentially, the same conversion from
signals into motion need to be done for the steering, already built into
acceleration, braking and the shifting for a by-wire
system to work. the vehicle. If utilizing the
Passenger vehicle steering actuation can be done electric power steering,
one of two ways: by adding an external motor to
the steering and a controller to allow electrical which many vehicles are now
signals to control the steering, or to utilize the
electric power steering that is already built into the
equipped with, difficulties
vehicle. If utilizing the electric power steering, which
many vehicles are now equipped with, difficulties
may include communication
may include communication with the motor as well
as potential safety issues. The power steering on
with the motor as well as
a vehicle has the capability to overpower human
input, which needs to be taken into consideration
potential safety issues
in order to prevent a bad signal being sent, causing
unexpected vehicle motion. that has a brake-by-wire system built into it. The
brake-by-wire production system is typically found
Acceleration is fairly straight-forward since almost on hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. These
all vehicles now having an acceleration sensor, or a have full response time equal to the capabilities of
pedal sensor, that sends a message to the engine a human emergency brake stop. Like steering, the
controller which in turn controls the acceleration of shifting actuation can be done by adding an external
the engine. Braking, like steering, can also be done component to allow electrical signals to control
in a few different ways. You can place a motor and the shifting or you can utilize emerging electronic
an outside device on the pedal or somewhere on shifters. However, there have been safety issues
the braking apply system, or for a safer option, you identified with production vehicles implementing the
can utilize the motors and the electric braking that is shift by-wire systems, which have led to recalls. The
already built into the vehicle. major hazards associated with this type of system is
the vehicle not achieving a park state and the vehicle
Typically, all U.S. vehicles have electronic stability moving in the wrong direction.
control, which can be utilized for applying brakes
on request. However, the drawback is the stability In summary, it is desirable for the actuation element
control not being sized to rapidly stop the entire to utilize what is already in the vehicle. This is due to
vehicle. Conversely, it is sized for stopping or the convenience of being able to take advantage of
controlling one or two wheels at a time. Therefore, any existing safety measures, as well as the reliability
the trade-off is you will receive a lower response time that has been designed and built into those devices.
for applying the brakes and a bit of motor noise,
because it is not a continuous running system. The Communication architecture
second option with the built-in braking, which is The second consideration is the communication
certainly the best option, is to start with a vehicle architecture of the vehicle. If you are utilizing
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 19BI-WIRING AV/ADAS
house or selecting an off-the-shelf DBW kit, ensuring
the electronic hardware is functioning correctly is
crucial.
If the vehicle will be utilized on public roads, the
safety concept will often drive the design of your
processor – meaning the safety plan and safety
measures that need to be put in place are often
engrained at the controller level. Additionally, you
must determine if those safety requirements are
within the current electronics or if they need to be
added components.
Software
By-wire software considerations include
communication interfaces, the basic low-level motion
controls, and the designed-in safety measure setting.
Speed and steering control methods are required for
the basic low-level control. Speed control methods
include maintaining a speed without too much
oscillation. Steering, or yaw control, methods involve
these actuators that are built into the vehicle, how how you are controlling the yaw, either through
do you communicate with them? How do you angle or for steering torque.
send signals? How do you control them? How do
you avoid disrupting other systems that are also Safety measures also need to be developed within
communicating and causing faults? the software of the by-wire system. In fact, this is
where most of the safety elements exist for this type
To utilize these actuators, you really have to get into of a vehicle control. New safety measures such as
the communications architecture, which are the driver over-ride settings, control signal limits, and
protocols of the vehicle. You need an understanding vehicle speed dependencies, need to reside in the
of the Computer Area Network (CAN). There are by-wire system software.
often multiple CANs communicating with different
devices on the vehicles. Power
Power management and power distribution are
It is important to be familiar with the embedded often two of the most overlooked challenges when
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) on developing a by-wire equipped vehicle. Today, AVs
the vehicle so that you are not deactivating any are typically developed on a retrofitted production
key safety features as you are changing command vehicle, which are designed with a traditional
levels. Production command protocols and logic 12V system. An AV needs an array of specialized
need to be understood and addressed in order to sensors to see the world, including cameras, radars,
keep all operational systems functional as well as and lidars. Additionally, the vehicle then needs to
prevent any faults that may occur. Communication process the data by way of advanced computing
can be one of the biggest hurdles in developing a systems.
DBW system, as it takes knowledge that is often
available only through the original OEM or the Tier Each of these AV components consume electrical
1 supplier who created that particular subsystem. power. While individual sensors might not pose a
In brief, knowledge of the vehicle communication significant load on the electrical system, the power
systems is required to pass control signals consumed by an array of sensors and the by-wire
successfully and safely for actuation. system can be substantial. Without sufficient and
Electronic hardware reliable power, self-driving vehicles could experience
The electronic hardware are the controllers that are hardware faults – potentially causing substantial
needed for communication throughout the vehicle. risk to both the vehicle and the world in which it is
Essentially, the electronics are used to process the driving. To ensure the AV remains functional and
low-level motion controls, the safety monitoring, and dependable, it is imperative to verify there is ample
the over-ride that are built into the system. Whether power supply for the by-wire system components, as
the by-wire vehicle conversion is being done in- well as the sensors and other hardware.
20 WWW.TAAS.NEWS WINTER 2020BI-WIRING AV/ADAS
Reliability functional safety features out-of-the-box. With any
Often overlooked, the reliability of a base system DBW platform, it is important to refer to regional laws
for an R&D project is critical to the success of any and regulations that may specify required safety
active safety or AV development. There are a handful measures and procedures for autonomous vehicles.
of important questions that should raise concerns:
Will the development work every day once it is built? To conclude, engineering teams should consider
When/if it does not work, which is hopefully a rare seven factors when deciding between engineering
occurrence, is it easy to diagnose and repair? Are an in-house DBW system or implementing an
there resources available to complete the repair? already available DBW kit, such as the Dataspeed
The cost in downtime can add up rapidly for AV/ By-Wire Kit. These considerations include the
ADAS development. Consequently, when the vehicle actuation, communication architecture, electronic
is the primary development platform and issues hardware, software, power, reliability, and safety.
arise, all progress is halted until it is fixed. Moreover, the capabilities, the budget, the
resources, and the risks associated with engineering
Safety a custom drive-by-wire system is something that
Last, but certainly not least, is safety. What are should deliberated from the very start.
the safety concerns when executing a by-wire
conversion on a vehicle? It should be noted that Dataspeed’s By-Wire Kit provides a unique and
having engineered a new product, the by-wire compatible research and development platform
equipped vehicle, generates several classes of for AV technologies. It allows for seamless control
hazards which need to be addressed. over a vehicle’s throttle, brake, steering and shifting
to enable testing for AV applications. It features
In order to address these hazards, there are many full electronic control with little modification to the
different processes and guidelines to follow, but it vehicle, and without adding any actuators, ensuring
can be broken down into four basic steps, starting all production-level safety features remain intact and
with conducting a hazard analysis. The team needs fully functioning. By utilizing the Dataspeed By-Wire
to assess what harmful events can happen or be Kit, a development team can reallocate time to focus
caused by this new device. Next, perform a safety on sensor and algorithm development instead of the
analysis of the system to see how those hazards resources and risks as associated with engineering
could be caused by this design and how often they a custom system.Dataspeed Inc., provides complete
may occur. Subsequently, safety measures need autonomous research and development vehicle
to be added to mitigate these risks and to lower integrations that allow engineers to get up and
the chance of them happening. Lastly, those safety running quickly on their algorithm, sensor, or data
measures need to be verified that they work as research. Dataspeed’s industrial grade by-wire
intended. solutions form the foundation of these platforms with
expert software and hardware engineers with their
The reality is that the primary safety measure driverless car projects, including sensor developers,
for nearly all on road AVs is the safety driver, in mobility-as-a-service providers, teleoperators,
combination with the by-wire system. Safety for the research institutions, and government agencies.
end-user is equally important as for the engineers
developing the AV. Custom in-house DBW systems
generally have a focus and architecture intended
for engineer-use only, but who all will be riding in
the vehicle? Will the developing engineer always be
behind the wheel as the primary safety driver?
If there is any chance this answer could be “no”, it
is imperative that there are proper safety switches
and stopping mechanisms available. Should a
salesperson perform a demonstration, they should
have the capability to stop the vehicle quickly and
easily from the autonomous driving mode. Most
turn-key DBW systems allow for intuitive emergency
stopping by means of turning the steering wheel,
pressing the brake, or triggering an e-stop button.
All in all, plug-and-play by-wire systems must include
WINTER 2020 WWW.TAAS.NEWS 21You can also read
