ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - November 2023 - 16

Standards
Figure 1: Example of a typical work-zone traffic-flow arrangement. The FHWA's framework for ADS developers seeks to assure that all
ADSs would recognize this scenario.
and various infrastructure features is essential to paving
the way for safe deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles
into the road network.
Collaborative testing promises to provide resolution
to these issues, resulting in a safe and efficient
deployment of ADS. Overall, these efforts will further
advance deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles onto
roadways throughout the U.S. - with desired outcomes
benefiting both ADS and infrastructure entities.
Consider a typical State Department of
Driverless robotaxis such as Cruise's AV are a high-profile example of the
need for collaboration between AV developers and infrastructure entities.
Guidance, not regulation
The successful operation of ADSs on U.S. roadways is
heavily dependent upon the ADS being able to reliably
interpret and navigate its surrounding environment.
However, there remain many challenges: ADSs navigating
complex traffic scenarios, adapting in adverse
weather and identifying infrastructure that facilitates
the ADS' navigation, to name a few. Given that ADS
developers and roadway stakeholders seem to own
diverse but complementary visions of the testing and
evaluation needs, the likelihood of safe and efficient
deployment is necessarily contingent on productive
industry-wide collaboration.
The FHWA Framework for successful testing and
evaluation of ADS and roadway features emphasizes
collaboration among the ADS and infrastructure organizations
(see https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/
fhwahop21012/fhwahop21012.pdf). The Framework
is technology-independent and consists of a broad set of
processes and examples that advise without prescribing
regulations or policy. Instead, the Framework adopts the
notion that validation and testing of ADS technologies
Transportation (DOT) operations scenario where
a busy highway is being resurfaced or expanded.
Presently, the procedures and standards outlined by the
DOT are designed to maximize the safety of the crew
within the work zone, while still ensuring mobility
for drivers around the work zone. For instance, one
direction of travel is shifted from the left lane over the
centerline into a lane typically used for the opposite
direction of travel (see Figure 1).
Can anyone be certain that the automated vehicles
of tomorrow will be able to operate safely through a
work zone? The answer lies in the quality and scope
of testing. Both the developers of the ADS and the
workers within the DOT have a keen interest in how
this testing is administered and evaluated.
Framework overview
The Framework was developed with extensive engagement
and input from both ADS and roadway stakeholders,
including automotive OEMs, suppliers,
technology companies and state, federal and regional
government entities. It is far more likely that their
combined perspectives can accomplish these goals
more rapidly and with fewer errors than could the
respective individual entities.
As shown in Figure 2, the Framework addresses
nine overarching themes (described opposite) that
support the four key test phases. The Framework
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ADAS & AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING
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ADAS & AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING
Cruise
U.S. DOT

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop21012/fhwahop21012.pdf https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop21012/fhwahop21012.pdf

ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Engineering - November 2023

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