FASCar - Research vehicle for automated driving

The FASCar is an experimental platform for testing new types of assistance functions and the target platform for research into highly automated driving. DLR currently has two research vehicles at its disposal: a VW Passat and a VW e-Golf.

Depending on the test requirements, these vehicles can be used on dedicated test fields or in public road traffic. Their modular design allows the flexible and tailored fitting of sensor technology and prototype driving assistance functions with minimal time and cost. The FASCar is subject to the highest safety requirements. While the vehicle automation is active in real road traffic, it adheres to defined limits and the systems can be safely shutdown at any time. On dedicated test fields, all autonomous driving functions can be used to their full extent.

Our research vehicles are equipped with the most advanced environment sensor technology, which detects lanes, obstacles and the distance to the vehicle in front, among other things. They are also equipped with state-of-the-art V2X communication technology.

Benefits of the FASCar research vehicle

• Research vehicles can be used for tests by external partners and customers

• Test scenario can be adapted to specific conditions

• Open architecture reduces the time and cost associated with additional equipment (sensors, communication devices, human-machine interfaces (HMI) and assistance systems)

• Studies on human-vehicle interaction are possible

• FASCar can communicate and interact with customer research vehicles in a cooperative network

• Customers and external partners can access the high-precision data collected by DLR

• Research vehicles can be used year round, at any time of day and under various weather conditions (snowfall, rain, fog)

Application

The FASCar enables the following activities:

• Testing of novel driving assistance systems on test fields and in public road traffic
• Research on automated driving
• Studies on driver behaviour
• Acceptance studies for future driver assistance systems

General and technical data

General data

• Location: Braunschweig, DLR Institute of Transportation Systems
• Commissioning of the VW Passat: 2006
• Commissioning of the VW eGolf: 2016
• Operation: Year round

Technical data

FASCarE: VW eGolf is equipped with

• Laser scanner
• High-precision GPS
• Lane camera
• Sensors for environment perception such as radar and optical tracking system
• V2X components
• CAN access for longitudinal and lateral control

FASCar II: VW Passat is equipped with

• Laser scanner
• High-precision GPS
• Sensors for environment perception such as radar and optical tracking system
• V2X components
• CAN access for longitudinal and lateral control
• Brake booster (brake pressure up to 150 bar)
• Active accelerator pedal
• Steer-by-wire technology (sensor transmits steering command to electromechanical actuator, no mechanical connection between steering wheel and steered wheels)

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the FASCar research vehicle

Where can the FASCar be used?

We use the FASCar both on public roads and on dedicated test fields.

Can the technology of the FASCar be combined with my own driving assistance systems?

The FASCar has a modular design that allows your own components to be quickly and easily deployed and put into operation.

What is the procedure for booking the FASCar research vehicles?