Towards a common methodology for automation FOTs and pilots

The objective of the workshop “A common methodology for road automation FOTs and pilots” was to discuss the current FESTA methodology focusing on how it could be adapted to automation pilots that will be launched in the coming years. The FESTA methodology, originally conceived for C-ITS FOTs, could indeed serve as a point of reference to develop a common methodology for automated pilots.

Five major areas have been addressed: (1) societal scenarios and research questions, (2) study design, (3) data collection and analysis, (4) impact and socio-economic cost-benefit analysis and (5) data sharing.

It was highlighted that challenges on automation pilots are very different from those of cooperative systems FOTs. To start with, there is a whole new range of research questions that need to be addressed. Moreover, the environment in which automation pilots will take place is much broader (e.g. apart from the vehicle, they will have to consider other vehicles on the road and passengers).

The seminar provided both plenary presentations and small group discussions. Participants were very engaged and interested in the topic as several projects will be launched in the future to evaluate automated means of transport. In this regard, the PEGASUS project was presented as an example.

US representatives presented some interested initiatives, such as the Research Data Exchange (RDE) whose main purpose is to provide a variety of data-related services that support the development, testing, and demonstration of multi-modal transportation mobility, weather, and environmental applications.

Finally, an update on the activities carried out by the tri-lateral EU-US-Japan sub-group in terms of impact assessment of automated driving was provided.

Check the presentations