Technology, which is already installed at the AIM research junction, is also installed and used within the framework of the test field in Lower Saxony.
Automated and networked vehicles contribute towards relieving traffic congestion, reducing the number of accidents and increasing comfort levels during road journeys. The energy efficiency of road transport can also be improved in this way, while negative environmental impacts can be mitigated.
Open research platform
An effective and flexible test infrastructure is vital for the efficient development of automated and networked vehicles. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is establishing a test site in Lower Saxony for this purpose, together with the State of Lower Saxony, ADAC Niedersachsen/Sachsen-Anhalt e.V., Continental AG, IAV GmbH, NordSys GmbH, Oecon Products & Services GmbH, Siemens AG, Volkswagen AG and Wolfsburg AG. This open research platform offers a unique and comprehensive combination of testing options, ranging from simulations through to test routes on public roads.
Test field
In addition to offering highly accurate maps of traffic routes, the test field offers sections of motorway with state-of-the-art tracking and communications technologies. Upon completion, the test field in Lower Saxony will comprise approximately 280 kilometres on the A 2, A 7, A 39, and A 391 motorways, as well as several federal highways and state roads in the areas around Hanover, Wolfsburg, Braunschweig and Salzgitter. It integrates the established routes from the Application Platform for Intelligent Mobility (AIM), which has been fully operational since 2014 and has been deployed in Braunschweig city centre. Road tests can be conducted across Lower Saxony in a variety of traffic environments and situations.
