OtoSome - Hyundai Motor Corporation has just scored amazing results in testing autonomous vehicles for heavy duty or heavy duty trucks....
OtoSome - Hyundai Motor Corporation has just scored amazing results in testing autonomous vehicles for heavy duty or heavy duty trucks. Using the Hyundai Xcient, trucks can travel up to 40 km on a fairly dense road which is around the Incheon area.
Launching its official release, it turns out that the navigation technology used in the truck with a maximum load of 40 tons is similar to that in autonomous sedans. Because, the sensor is very sophisticated and accurate.
In addition, Hyundai Motor also complements sensors that can be optimized for heavy-duty trucks such as hitch angle sensors and rear radar sensor trailers. There are also 10 different sensors, including 3 cameras on the front and back side, 2 front and rear radars, 3 front and side lidars, and a hitch angle sensor on the trailer copler that calculates the change in angle between the truck and trailer. Thus allowing the truck to be safe and stable when taking turns at sharp turns.
Data collected by each sensor collaborates with HD maps and sends information to the electronic control module to detect locations. This module makes the car can move accurate steps in every situation such as controlling speed, steering, and braking.
The new steering control system (MAHS: Motor Assist Hydraulic Steering) developed by Hyundai also contributed to the success of the autonomous truck. Because, the steering wheel provides the right handling mechanism and is able to control the steering angle depending on the decision made by the electronic control unit. So that turning can be easier.
The truck is equipped with Society of Automotive Engineer (SAE) technology for autonomous level 3, meaning that vehicles can direct, speed-reduce the rate, and turn themselves without human assistance. However, a driver still has to remain in the car to take over manual control when needed.
The technology can also read changes in the path made by the vehicle in front of it, navigating through the tunnel, until the total stop or speed up according to road traffic.
"This successful demonstration proves that innovative autonomous technology can be used to transform the trade logistics industry. At this stage, human drivers are still used to control vehicles manually in certain situations," said Director of Hyundai Motor Company's Commercial Vehicle R & D Strategy, Maik Ziegler.
"In this level, I think we can reach the level 4 autonomous car level (everything is automatic, without human control in the car). Of course after we upgrade the technology is more likely," he added.
He also said that the latest technology could reduce truck accidents caused by human error. According to the Korean National Police Agency accident statistics traffic, trucks are involved in an accident every year at 10.8%.
