ViewCar - Research vehicle for automated driving

The ViewCar is a state-of-the-art research vehicle for testing driver assistance functions and automated driving. It is equipped with driver observation and gaze recognition systems. Driver behaviour on public roads is measured, recorded and analysed using integrated sensors and up to five cameras with configurable viewing direction. With these sensors, data such as other objects in traffic, driving dynamics or even physiological data such as the pulse of the test driver can be recorded.

The ViewCar thus enables investigations into modelling driver behaviour and the acceptance and safety of automated systems. The causes of difficulties and stress in different driving situations can also be investigated, from which requirements for vehicle automation can be derived.

Depending on the research question, the vehicle can be used both on public roads and on dedicated test fields. Due to the built-in camera technology, the ViewCar is also suitable for investigations into human-vehicle interaction.

As with all of DLR's large-scale facilities, the ViewCar is available to external partners and customers for their own tests. A user’s own sensors can be installed in the vehicle in direct coordination with DLR and at minimal time and cost. We also make the data collected from DLR's internal tests available for scientific studies and as a basis for further tests.

Benefits of the ViewCar research vehicle

• Can be used for tests by external partners and customers

• Test scenario can be adapted to specific conditions

• Human-machine interfaces (HMI) and driver assistance systems can be implemented and analysed at early stages of development at minimal time and cost

• Customers and external partners can access the high-precision data that DLR collects

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

• Research vehicle can communicate and interact with customer vehicles in a cooperative network

• Automated driving functions can be implemented in coordination with the customer on test fields or on public roads

Application

The ViewCar enables the following activities:

• Analysis and evaluation of driver behaviour in specific traffic situations
• Testing of driver assistance systems and HMI concepts on test fields and on public roads
• Investigation of cooperative automation functions in urban areas

General and technical data

General data

• Location: Braunschweig, DLR Institute of Transportation Systems
• Commissioning: 2018
• Operation: year round
• Vehicle type: VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid

Technical data

• Laser scanner
• Radar and ultrasound sensors
• Driver observation and gaze recognition system
• High-precision D-GPS
• Freely programmable HMI (instrument cluster, centre display, HUD)
• V2X components
• CAN access for active lateral and longitudinal control

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the ViewCar research vehicle

Where can the ViewCar be used?

The ViewCar research vehicle can be used on public roads as well as on dedicated test fields.

What can be tested using the ViewCar?

The ViewCar enables the testing of driver assistance systems and studies on driving behaviour. It also provides a basis for investigations into human-vehicle interaction.

What is the procedure for booking the ViewCar?