Starting next year, some 1,000 “intelligent vehicles” will take to Europe’s roads in a “first-of-its-kind- large-scale field operational test.”

The euroFOT research project aims to scientifically test and assess the impact of eight advanced driver assistance systems on safety, efficiency and driver comfort. Among the 28 organisations participating are automotive firms, universities and research centres.

The large-scale, year-long test will assess the viability of a variety of smart vehicle technologies, from systems that warn the driver about potential collisions to fuel efficiency advisers and interactive navigation systems.

“Car dealers and fleet owners across Europe are currently recruiting the drivers that will take part in this experiment,” said Maxime Flament from ERTICO – ITS Europe, which is working with the various participating vehicle centres. “At the same time, the vehicle operation centres are getting ready to prepare each vehicle for a one-year long advanced data collection.”

The euroFOT project is expected to raise awareness and provide indications based on scientific data about real benefits of existing intelligent in-vehicle systems. The results of the field test will also contribute to better and informed decisiond making.

The specific plans and methodology to be used for the project will be presented by researchers this week at the World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems in Stockholm.

Tags: smart vehicles