The future of highly automated driving

An announcement at the Paris Motor Show early in October by TomTom and Volkswagen Group Research highlights their combined commitment to the future of highly automated driving (HAD) systems.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in a research cooperation aimed at joint development of the digital map essential for automated driving. By combining TomTom’s expertise in map content and map making with Volkswagen’s car and automated driving knowledge, the joint force hopes to solve part of the complex puzzle that is HAD.

Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom says, “Partnering with Volkswagen Group Research to develop the future of HAD reaffirms TomTom’s position as a key partner in the automotive market,” and further elaborates, “TomTom’s mapping expertise provides the precise data and scalable technology platform needed to enable highly automated driving in cars.”

Today the map that is used for navigation, including geometry, street names and addressing, is not sufficient for the future needs of automated driving. The car’s computer will require much more accurate and up-to-date information about its location and environment than is provided today, including more detailed information on lane markings and traffic lights.

TomTom and Volkswagen Research are working on a concept based on the Navigation Data Standard (NDS) to deliver scalable and cost-effective automated driving systems that do not require expensive hardware.