Paving the Way for Autonomous Trucks: Continental Presents Modular Multi-sensor Solution

With the new multi-sensor system, Continental offers everything from a single source when it comes to safety-relevant sensor technology: sensors, central computing units for control, calibration of the individual sensors among each other, and calibration of the overall solution when mounted on the vehicle. "A multi-sensor system in a compact solution offers vehicle manufacturers and users many advantages," explains Dr. Andree Hohm, Head of Innovation Line Driverless Autonomous Mobility Business Area at Continental. "Radar, lidar and cameras are pre-calibrated and matched to each other. The effort for the final calibration of the sensor solution during assembly, the effort for the assembly of the sensor systems themselves and, finally, for the maintenance of the vehicles is significantly reduced. When trucks drive autonomously and are on the road around the clock, our sensor array can be easily replaced for maintenance work, for example. In this way, costly downtimes can be avoided." In addition, the electronic architecture and wiring harness in commercial vehicles are significantly streamlined – and later updates can be implemented quickly. Sensors for new assistance systems can be easily integrated into the compact solution. The overall sensor system does not require any fundamental modifications to the driver’s cab or vehicle body for future generations of trucks. It can also be mounted on existing generations of modern trucks, provided that the on-board electrical system is prepared for this.

Cleaning and air conditioning of the sensor units are also simplified: Continental has an automatic "Camera and Sensor Cleaning, Cooling and Heating" system in its portfolio. All sensors independently monitor the degree of their pollution. Camera lenses are automatically cleaned by water jet. In addition, intelligent thermal management ensures the flawless use of sensor technology in all weather conditions.