Customer: ESA – NAVISP-EL3 – 4000134153/21/NL/CS
Duration: March 2021 – June 2027
The objective of P-CAR (PNT Center for Automated Road-Transport) is to realize a laboratory, in synergy with the EMERGE-Navigation project (carried out in the Abruzzo Region), for testing and validation of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) functionalities exploiting Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data. The accredited laboratories are essential facilities to support the certification process and, similarly to the rail domain, P-CAR aims to fill this gap for the automotive applications by developing the core technologies for a future accredited public PNT Centre in Italy.
Although proving ground testing remains a cornerstone of verification and validation (V&V) processes, it is insufficient on its own to address the vast array of edge cases, particularly those related to environmental variability, sensor limitations, and communication failures. In this context, the Everything-in-the-Loop (XiL) approach proposed in P-CAR aims to provide a powerful tool to complement field testing.
By combining virtual testing methodologies with real-world data, the P-CAR program seeks to bridge the gap between simulation and track testing, ensuring that CAV systems meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Moreover, P-CAR will support the design, experimentation, and validation of Smart Road Services provided by Road Infrastructure Managers. Digital maps and communications are expected to play a key role, and in this context, information reliability and cybersecurity aspects could be relevant; therefore, the P-CAR laboratory also aims to address these aspects.
A priority will be the exploitation of GALILEO and 5G – two strategic assets for PNT positioning in the automotive ecosystem. P-CAR will conceive and implement a novel approach based on a virtualized cloud-based platform to create a geo-distributed simulation and verification infrastructure that connects remotely to GNSS centers of excellence.
Partners:
Radiolabs
University of L’Aquila
Intecs S.p.A.
Total costs: 2.900.000,00 euro
