Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI
Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI

Lane Guidance for Vehicles

Outset

Testing of the lane detection and guidance system using the ELENA test vehicle
Testing of the lane detection and guidance system using the ELENA test vehicle

Especially in internal transport situations, it may be necessary to automatically guide vehicles conveying persons or materials along a fixed path or lane. This can be realized by an automated lane guidance system that detects the fixed path with the help of sensors and uses automated steering maneuvers to keep the vehicle on its path.

Optical lane detection using an industrial camera and additional lighting
Optical lane detection using an industrial camera and additional lighting
Implementation of the laser-based fourfold spacing measurement device
Implementation of the laser-based fourfold spacing measurement device

Developments and Competencies

Test drive with test vehicle ELENA: Maximum deviation of the lane guidance system smaller than 1 cm
Test drive with test vehicle ELENA: Maximum deviation of the lane guidance system smaller than 1 cm

The Fraunhofer IVI has been working in the field of automatic lane guidance systems and associated steering methods for over 10 years. In the course of numerous research projects and industry collaborations, our researchers have acquired the following competencies:

  • Methods of lane detection
  • Development and simulation of vehicle models
  • Methods for the model-based derivation of lane guidance and steering procedures
  • Testing and optimization of the abovementioned methods using both simulation and test drives
  • Implementation in the target vehicles and system initialization
  • Consideration of safety aspects (malfunctions, redundancy)

Application Examples

  • Lane guidance for test vehicle AutoTram®: Electronic lane guidance with the help of DGPS-based positioning and a digital map
  • Lane guidance for a tunnel railway: Development and implementation of a precise automatic lane guidance system for a tunnel vehicle in Switzerland

Range of Services

  • Engineering in the field of lane guidance (design, simulation, implementation and tests)

For the development of comprehensive solutions, the Fraunhofer IVI can rely on a network of different industry partners which whom they have worked successfully for many years.