Creating ADAS test capability in Australia

The Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) has established a contemporary Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) test centre in Australia which meets international New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) administered in Australia by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The widespread use of this technology is an early example of Level 3 Vehicle Autonomy and delivers new technology and builds social acceptance of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV).

A concept to provide a test facility for the progressive development of CAVs was developed in 2018, recognising that production vehicles would require regulatory approval and safety endorsement to successfully enter Australian markets. The element of innovation in this project is essentially the collaboration between different organisations and agencies to bring together the elements of the project to produce an internationally approved outcome.

AARC devised the project as a concept of likely developments in CAV technologies, with the below stakeholders joining the project to provide the following expertise and resources:

• AARC – Concept, planning, resources, co ordination, management
• Victorian Government – Funding and planning assistance
• TAC – Funding and planning assistance
• ANCAP – Planning assistance, advice, support, accreditation
• Humanetics – Test Equipment and Support
• ABMARC – Establishment and delivery of onsite test services

The opportunity to further develop this technology in Australia is reflected in the migration of AEB into the heavy vehicle sector via Australian Design Rule inclusions and it is expected that these changes will continue. As they continue the test equipment and environment is supplemented with upgrades and the introduction of additional specialist staff. International customers have already been attracted to the site and ongoing contracts secured.