- Continental and 3M will further develop infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) interfaces
- This unique collaboration aims to improve overall road infrastructure technology by combining the expertise of both companies
- The partnership will help increase road safety for all road users in urban and rural areas, and support the continued development of automated driving
AUBURN HILLS, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#futuremobility–Technology company Continental announced today it has entered into a collaborative evaluation partnership with 3M to assess the infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) interface between infrastructure-related objects and technologies (including pavement markings, conspicuity film, signs and other landmarks on or near the roadway environment), and vehicle-related technologies.
Today’s current infrastructure is lacking some aspects of consistency, uniformity, performance specifications, and maintenance standards that are important for the industry to optimize the perception and localization capabilities of automated vehicles. While it is clear that infrastructure optimized solutions are not possible in the short term, our long-term goal is to find a more balanced solution.
Continental has a long history in automotive safety systems. This extensive know-how, combined with 3M’s innovative expertise and leadership in roadway technologies, enables the two companies to collaborate on improving the current transportation infrastructure and work toward the goal of a more balanced and intelligent infrastructure optimized future solution. The short-term goal is to help increase road safety while continuing to work toward automated driving solutions.
“A major focus at Continental is to ensure our vehicle technology is able to accurately, efficiently and effectively communicate with cities and road infrastructure,” said Jeremy McClain, head of systems & technology, Chassis and Safety, Continental North America. “We are excited to partner with 3M to collaborate on improving overall road infrastructure technology to help increase safety and awareness of the environments and obstacles we drive through daily.”
Continental and 3M will collaboratively evaluate the infrastructure and vehicle interface in the following ways: localization and correction services using clear environmental landmarks for locating a vehicle on a high-definition map; identification and classification of objects in urban roadway environments including urban cross-walks, signalized intersections and other stationary and moving objects to improve safety; improved awareness of objects in and around work zones and the status of the work zones; and enhanced object detection using sensor fusion detectable infrastructure-related objects.
“Infrastructure plays a critical role in the safety of all road users including vehicles with or without automated technologies, and vulnerable road users. At 3M, we are dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure and mobility so all road users can arrive at their destinations safely.” commented Dr. Daniel Chen, Vice President and General Manager, 3M Transportation Safety Division. “Our mission of road safety is proving to be more important as modes of mobility are changing and advancing. We are excited to collaborate with Continental on exploring infrastructure solutions that will help governments achieve their vision zero goals.”
About Continental
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated sales of €44.4 billion and currently employs more than 244,000 people in 60 countries and markets.
About 3M Company
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 91,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
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Contacts
Press contact
Mary Arraf
Sr. Manager, Communications
Continental, North America
Phone: +1 (248) 393-5509
Email: mary.arraf@continental.com
Joline Bogdan
Communications Manager
3M Transportation Safety Division
Phone: +1 (651) 736-7696
Email: jmbogdan@mmm.com
