When activated, the new function will allow the vehicle to gain control of the driving task in certain situations while independently monitoring speed, distance to the vehicle ahead, and lane positioning. Here, the BMW Personal Pilot L3 will allow drivers to focus on other in-vehicle activities (such as e-mails, telephone calls, or engaging with digital video streaming services) when travelling at up to 37 mph (60 km/h) on motorways with structurally separated carriageways. The OEM confirmed that it will be available to order for the new 7 Series (excluding the i7 eDrive50 and i7 M70 xDrive) from December to be fitted in vehicles from next March. The function will launch exclusively in Germany and be priced at €6,000 ($6,407 / £5,234).

As the user drives on a motorway compatible with BMW Personal Pilot L3, symbols appear on the display behind the steering wheel that indicate its availability. The user can then activate and deactivate the system using a button on the steering wheel, though must be ready to take back control of the driving task at any time – either as soon as the situation on the road requires them to or if the stretch of road suitable for using the function comes to an end. Visual and auditory signals let the driver know they must take over control in this manner, with the vehicle brought to a standstill if they do not respond.

During its automated driving operations, the function leverages a live HD map with precise routes that is permanently aligned with accurate GPS location-finding and works with 360° sensors to ensure exact positioning and monitoring of the area around the vehicle. In the new BMW 7 Series, the BMW Personal Pilot L3 is underpinned by a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a 5G link-up to the BMW Cloud. In addition to a series of cameras, vehicles specified with it are also fitted with ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, and a sensitive 3D LiDAR sensor for monitoring the area around the vehicle, and the situation on the road ahead.

Elaborating on the system’s functionality, Martin explained that once activated it will allow the vehicle to drive independently in select driving scenarios – on motorways, in traffic jams, or in heavy traffic – at up to 60 km/h (37 mph). At the same time, when the system is active, customers are able to take their hands off the wheel and can watch videos or respond to emails.

According to the SAE, Level 3 denotes autonomous features that see the vehicle take greater control over the driving task – though at the same time, the user must remain attentive and be ready to take back control at the feature’s request. The features, themselves, can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met – one example of a Level 3 feature provided by SAE is a traffic jam chauffeur.

Following the launch of its automated driving system BMW will, in the future, look to increase the top speed at which it can operate, though a timeline for this has not yet been confirmed.

The positioning solution provided by GMV is comprised of two components – an onboard Positioning Engine (PE) software, and a GNSS Corrections Service (CS) that provides vehicles with corrections to the Broadcast GNSS Ephemeris, augmentation data, and other safety-related information.

GMV has said that both components have been developed, validated, and evolved to align with the requirements laid down by different GNSS-based high‑accuracy positioning markets, including the automotive market and the ISO 26262 and ISO 21448 (SOTIF) standards, while the demanding quality practices for critical software have also been adopted.

The partnership will help GMV bring an enhanced product to market that meets the needs of automated driving systems. Here, the technologies will offer new features targeting the increase of the Operational Design Domain of the localization function in highways, the improvement of performance in urban environments, and the incorporation of further constellations to the ones currently used.

Leveraging a Cloud Data Hub that it already has on AWS, BMW will develop a new cloud-based system that will utilize AWS compute, generative AI, IoT, machine learning and data storage capabilities to accelerate the delivery of new automated vehicles. BMW has said that developing its new ADAS platform on AWS will allow its engineers to respond to consumer demands more quickly, with this cloud-enabled efficiency supporting the development of new features for Neue Klasse vehicles and enhancing the overall user experience.

BMW will further utilize AWS’ services to scale its capacity to handle the increased creation and usage of data involved in the development of new automated driving features. With the group’s vehicles generating increasing amounts of data as it deploys more ADAS, BMW’s engineering teams will look to analyze and utilize this data to develop new ADAS – such as lane departure assist, automated lane change, or hands-free driving features more quickly.

In a similar fashion, AWS services will power BMW’s scalable automated driving platform based on a common reference architecture which will accelerate the development cycle and broaden it across BMW models. Here, the platform provides a framework that can process, catalog and store real-time driving data in the Amazon Simple Storage Service. With the Amazon SageMaker machine-learning platform, BMW’s engineers and data scientists can then search, identify, and visualize relevant driving scenarios to develop and train new AI models – thereby supporting the development and refinement of new autonomous driving functions. At the same time, the group’s engineers will be able to develop large-scale simulations that use AWS compute instances for verification, allowing it to test and validate new software versions more efficiently – ensuring the safety of the final system and reducing its time-to-market.

In addition to its extended partnership with AWS, the BMW Group announced a similar collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. Through it, the companies will co-develop next-generation automated driving systems based on Snapdragon Ride – Qualcomm’s open, modular, ADAS platform. The systems themselves will include an integrated Ride Vision software stack, which enables 360-degree perception capabilities for the vehicle. The BMW Group has said that partnering with both AWS and Qualcomm will provide its engineers with access to advanced hardware, vision software and cloud capabilities within an end-to-end automated driving development platform. At the same time, BMW expects that situating its new automated driving platform in the cloud will also streamline the development process while supporting enhanced global collaboration with its suppliers.

Following its work with the OEM on an existing partnership, that will include the first deployment of LiDAR-enabled automated technology on the new BMW 7 Series, the companies will shift their focus to the next generation of this technology, starting with the first B-sample phase. The outcome of this phase will enable the BMW Group to decide on a serial development agreement with Innoviz that will focus on bringing a new automated capabilities to more vehicles in the BMW lineup.

Another goal of the phase is to develop a LiDAR based Minimal Risk Maneuver (MRM) system in the future. The MRM acts as a secondary safety driving decision platform that will leverage the InnovizTwo LiDAR’s performance capabilities to manage real-time driving decisions. The MRM system is part of a growing software suite from Innoviz that will also include its next-generation perception software.

This strategic co-operation will ultimately focus on the development of a new parking user experience for customers on both private and public parking facilities. Ranging from Automated Maneuver Assistance to L4 Automated Valet Parking, all functions spawned from the partnership will be based on technology and sensors found in the car. BMW and Valeo will also work on infrastructure-based solutions to help users experience fully automated parking and charging on select public sites.

These software functions are based on the OEM’s automated parking software stack introduced with the BMW iX in 2021. In its next generation, the stack’s capabilities will be further extended by a powerful computing platform hosting the algorithms developed through the partnership. BMW confirmed that its partnership with Valeo would support both Type 1 and Type 2 Automated Valet Parking. In a Type 1 system, the solution’s technologies run on the vehicle, while a Type 2 solution sees these technologies installed into infrastructure (such as a parking facility) that can then be used to control the vehicle.

Automated Valet Parking offers drivers and passengers an automated, driverless, parking experience. At a designated drop-off zone, the driver leaves their car to carry out several tasks autonomously. These include finding a parking spot, performing the necessary maneuvers for parking in and out, and returning to a pick-up zone to pick the driver up.

Out of the total $1.7 billion invested in its U.S. operations, $1 billion will be allocated to ready its existing manufacturing facility in South Caroline for the production of EVs. The remaining $700 million will go towards the joint development of a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff, SC.

Located 16 miles south of the Spartanburg plant, BMW’s new Woodruff, SC facility will dedicate more than 1 million sq. ft. to the development of next-generation batteries for future BMW EVs. Plant Spartanburg today produces lithium-ion battery modules for the BMW X3 xDrive30e, and BMW X5 xDrive45e – a pair of PHEVs also produced at the plant.

In working to localize battery production, aiming to purchase cells where production takes place, BMW announced a new partnership with Envision AESC to build a new battery cell factory in South Carolina. From 2026, the factory will supply Plant Spartanburg with round lithium-ion battery cells produced by Envision. The annual capacity of the new battery cell factory will be up to 30 GWh.

These cells were specifically designed for use in the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology and will be further utilized in the OEM’s future EVs. This new battery format is expected to boost energy density, charging speed, and range while reducing CO2 emissions.

The shared development of these software functions will be based on BMW’s Automated Driving software stack, which launched with the iX last year. Through the collaboration, the OEM hopes to extend the stack further in the next generation.

Together, the companies will work to create a scalable platform for automated driving based on a common reference architecture, sensor-set specifications, and safety requirements with joint development, toolchain, and a data center for storage, reprocessing, and simulation.

This collaboration will be supported by more than 1,4000 specialists in multiple regions – including Germany, Sweden, China, Romania, and the U.S. Further support will come from BMW’s AD Test Center in the Czech Republic, where the OEM currently tests its self-driving and electric vehicles.

All three firms have advised that, while working closely together on an ecosystem of automated driving solutions, they are open to further partnerships.

The announcement follows a similar collaboration between the three companies to port BMW’s Automated Driving System onto the Snapdragon Ride Vision SoC, which includes Arriver’s Computer Vision feature.

BMW’s next generation Automated Driving stack will be based on the Snapdragon Ride vision system-on-chip (SoC), vision perception and ADAS central compute SoC controllers managed by Qualcomm’s Car-2-Cloud services platform.

The BMW Group has said the partnership will bring a range of ADAS/AD functions, including front, rear, and surround view camera computer vision in a dedicated computer vision SoC, as well as a high-performance ADAS central compute controller, to host its drive policy and other planning and driving functions.

BMW has unveiled the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Roadster, which will arrive in March of 2019, and the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i Roadster, which will follow.

The seventh incarnation of iDrive, which runs the latest BMW Operating System, has a cutting-edge, fully digital design and is geared even more closely to the driver’s needs by allowing him or her to customize the system to his or her own preference with customizable widgets of information. This new level of personalization is then stored in the BMW Cloud and can follow the customer to other BMW vehicles. Various information from categories such as driving, entertainment, navigation, connectivity, and the vehicle info itself, can be selected in nearly any combination in any of four layouts on the Center Display. Multiple pages can be created and easily accessed with a simple swipe across the screen with a finger.

The Z4 is Remote Software Upgrade capable. This feature keeps the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be loaded over the air, similar to smartphones. The upgrades can be loaded onto a smartphone via the BMW Connected app when connected to a Wi-Fi network or imported directly via the BMW’s built-in SIM card.

The highly advanced nature of the new BMW Z4 is further underlined by the class-leading variety of offered driver assistance systems. Forward Collision Warning and the Daytime Pedestrian Detection with City Braking function come as standard, as does the Lane Departure Warning system. The list of options includes the Driving Assistance Package featuring Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Speed Limit Info system, the Active Blind Spot Detection, plus Rear Collision Protection and Cross-Traffic Alert.

The range of functions also includes the Back-up Assistant, which offers the highly convenient option of automated reversing in situations where there is little margin for error or the driver does not have a clear view. To do this, the system stores the steering movements for the section of road the car has just driven forward. It then traces these last forward movements when reversing and keeps the car on exactly the same path for a distance of up to 150 feet. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and keep an eye on the area around the car.

Baidu, Inc. and the BMW Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under which the BMW Group will join Apollo, the open autonomous driving platform by Baidu, as a board member.

The partnership was made official during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Germany on July 10th to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The MoU marks the beginning of a new partnership on autonomous driving between the BMW Group and Baidu. The two companies seek to work together to bring safe, convenient and intelligent mobility experiences for consumers in China.

The BMW Group is developing an autonomous driving platform with technology solutions for Level 3 to Level 4/5 (highly to fully automated driving), as well as for advanced driving assistance systems (Level 2). This scalable autonomous driving solution is being developed with technology and OEM partners that contribute knowledge, resources and intellectual property assets for a state-of-the-art concept.

Apollo is an open platform that provides a comprehensive, secure and reliable solution that supports all major features and functions of an autonomous vehicle. Since its launch in July, 2017, Apollo has brought together 118 global partners across both automotive and technology industries. Apollo’s success is built on its commitment to enabling developers and partners to accelerate the pace of innovation by opening capabilities and sharing resources.

Source: BMW

Source: TTTech

BMW Group has become the first international auto maker to obtain the Autonomous Driving road test license in China, marking a big step on its path to Autonomous Driving. This achievement underlines BMW Group’s leading role in the development of autonomous driving in the Chinese automotive industry.

BMW Group implements its Strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT worldwide, and continues to carry out the layout in “A.C.E.S.”, namely, Autonomous Driving, Connectivity, E-Mobility and Shared services, to create exciting solutions and innovative mobility experiences for customers – and by doing so – speeding up its transformation into a technology company. Autonomous Driving, an important part of the “A.C.E.S.” layout, will change the future of individual mobility in a revolutionary way, significantly improving the safety and convenience of premium individual mobility.

China is promoting Autonomous Driving as a part of boosting intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and its recent “smart city, smart China” initiative, giving China a vital role in BMW Group´s Autonomous Driving development program. BMW anticipated this development – and was first to demonstrate and publish L3 highly Autonomous Driving on a designated highway under government supervision in Chengdu as early as 2016.

To carry out road tests for the preparation of L4 Autonomous Driving R&D in China, Shanghai is an attractive, innovative city, matching perfectly with BMW Group’s vision of future mobility. The BMW Group has set up a strong local team in Shanghai, including over 60 experts in Autonomous Driving.

Using the license, the R&D team will gather several Petabyte of data based on actual traffic, covering its full complexity. This data will be used to train machine learning algorithms performing adequate L4 Autonomous Driving behaviour.

The test sites in Shanghai currently cover a total length of about 5.6 kilometers planned to grow quickly over time. The test fleet is based on the latest BMW 7 Series models, starting with two operating vehicles in May and adding up to seven vehicles by December in China. “Safety first” is the primary premise for the development of Autonomous Driving at BMW Group. Until now, the accumulated mileage reaches nearly 30,000 kilometers of road test in China, and more than 200,000 kilometers of computer simulation.

Source: BMW Group

Magna and its partner, Innoviz Technologies, will supply the BMW Group with solid-state LiDAR for upcoming autonomous vehicle production platforms.

The new-business award, one of the first in the auto industry to include solid-state LiDAR for serial production, underscores Magna’s ability to support customers with flexible, scalable solutions and transform innovative technologies into automotive-grade products. While Magna has demonstrated via MAX4 the capability to develop a complete autonomous platform, it can also support customers by providing various building blocks of the overall system as in this case with BMW.

Recognizing that LiDAR is one of the critical enablers to achieve the desired levels of performance and overall safety, Magna collaborated with Israeli LiDAR provider Innoviz Technologies to integrate automotive-grade, solid-state LiDAR into its autonomous driving platform. LiDAR, Magna’s ICON RADAR and other sensors and systems within its MAX 4 provide a base platform for OEM products and mobility platforms of the future.

This solid-state high-resolution LiDAR technology generates a 3D point cloud in real time of the vehicle’s surroundings, even in challenging settings such as direct sunlight, varying weather conditions and multi-LiDAR environments. In addition, the solution provides a complete computer vision software stack and algorithms to turn 3D vision into critical driving insights.  The Magna/Innoviz comprehensive sensing solution delivers on critical needs including performance, cost, and compact size.

Magna has been developing and manufacturing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) products for automakers for more than 15 years. In August 2017 it unveiled MAX4, a fully integrated, customizable and scalable platform that can enable up to Level 4 autonomous driving in both urban and highway environments. MAX4 contains the sensing and computing building blocks – including RADAR, LiDAR, cameras and ultrasonic sensors, as well as an ADAS central computing module – which can be supplied in part or as a whole system to meet customer needs and market readiness.

Source: Magna

The redesigned BMW X3, a midsize luxury SUV, earns the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.

To qualify for the 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and a good or acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also must have a front crash prevention system that earns a superior or advanced rating, as well as good-rated headlights.

The previous generation of the X3 was never tested for small overlap protection on either side. The new one performed well, with maximum intrusion of 2 inches on one side of the toepan on both the driver and passenger sides. It earns a good rating in both tests.

The 2018 X3 is available with two optional front crash prevention systems, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation and Frontal Collision Warning with Extended Collision Mitigation. Both earn a superior rating. X3s equipped with either system avoided collisions in IIHS track tests at 12 and 25 mph. Each system also has a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

The headlights that come with the X3’s Executive package are rated good. The two other available headlight systems earn a marginal rating.

Source: IIHS

The BMW Group opens its new autonomous driving campus in Unterschleißheim. Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development and Research, and Bavarian state premier Markus Söder were present for the inauguration of a forward-looking development facility that showcases the BMW Group’s transformation into a tech company.

New working environments

The autonomous driving campus is opening its doors to “new working environments” – i.e. an open-plan layout, intelligent and flexible use of office space, and a multifaceted and creative workplace. The benefits for the development experts employed here are clear: flexibility, efficiency, a high level of autonomy and short distances. This means, for example, that a software developer working at the new campus can immediately test out freshly written code in a vehicle that is just a short walk away.

New working environments go hand in hand with a new employee and management culture, and managers work in the same open-plan office spaces as their staff. This enhances interaction and facilitates communications, resulting in effective teamwork in the development of highly complex products.

Campus leads the way in agile working methods

The BMW Group is the first company in the automotive industry to apply the agile working model systematically and universally for an entire specialist area – in this case across autonomous driving and driver assistance, from the research phase all the way through to series production development. Agile working models form a crucial basis for efficient, future-proof development.

The open campus structure offers excellent conditions and exceptional support for scrum teams, and therefore lends itself perfectly to the agile software development process. Scrum teams have an interdisciplinary structure, meaning that a variety of skills are brought together. They handle complex sub-processes, working independently with an end-to-end approach. The high degree of flexibility allows the teams to react quickly and effectively to new requirements.

This is a time of disruptive change in the automotive industry, with the arrival of new players making the competitive environment ever more challenging. The pace of innovation is accelerating rapidly and young professionals cite future viability, a modern working environment and flexible, agile workflows as key to an employer’s attractiveness. A cutting-edge development facility such as the new campus for autonomous driving therefore represents a crucial asset for the company’s long-term sustainability and innovative capability.

Source: BMW Group

BMW i Ventures has announced an investment in Blackmore Sensors and Analytics, Inc., a leading developer of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar for the automotive industry.

Low-cost lidar sensors are required to enable self-driving vehicles and, in addition to being more cost-effective, Blackmore’s FMCW lidar technology has several competitive advantages over traditional pulsed lidar systems that enable autonomous driving teams to achieve their goals faster.

Blackmore will use the investment to scale the production of its FMCW lidar sensor for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving markets. Increased production capacity will allow Blackmore to support the growing sector of autonomous driving teams demanding a superior lidar solution.

Source: BMW Group

The focus on the customer and their requirements underpins the BMW Group’s presentation of the next steps on the road to digital and intelligent connectivity between the driver and vehicle at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, taking place from 26 February – 1 March.

• Another handy digital service will be introduced in 2018 to further facilitate seamless connectivity. The BMW Digital Key will make it possible to unlock a BMW using a smartphone. What’s more, up to five digital copies of the key can be shared with other users.
• Widespread connectivity will also be an essential requirement for autonomous driving in the future. In view of this, the outdoor area of the BMW Group stand will feature a BMW i3 in action as part of a showcase designed to demonstrate that autonomous driving (Level 5) is set to become a reality in the not-too-distant future.
• A new technological approach to full connectivity between smartphones and vehicles will also be on show. The eSIM will soon make it possible to incorporate the vehicle into the user’s existing mobile phone contract, paving the way for a whole range of different functions.

Source: BMW

5G Automotive Association (5GAA), is looking forward to hosting an engaging event at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The event will be one of the only opportunities at MWC to hear about 5G mobility, the roadmap to connected vehicles, and C-V2X technology’s growing ecosystem of supporters.

Every year at the Mobile World Congress, the mobile ecosystem and related industries such as the automotive one meet to discuss and reveal the latest innovation and technology advances within the field. This year, 5GAA takes a centre role in the congress programme.

The event will consist of two sessions, each composed of two presentations and a panel discussion. Speakers from AUDI AG, BMW Group, Qualcomm, Harman, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia, and more will debate on the revolution the C-V2X technology and its evolutionary path towards 5G will bring to our future mobility ecosystem.

Source: 5GAA

Parking crashes usually don’t result in serious injuries, but repair costs can quickly mount, along with the hassle of going without the family vehicle while waiting for the body shop to finish work. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has launched a rear crash prevention ratings program to help consumers identify models with the technology that can prevent or mitigate low-speed backing crashes. Two systems earn the highest rating of superior, and four earn the second-highest rating of advanced.

Rear crash prevention encompasses several technologies. Parking sensors issue warning beeps and/or seat vibrations when the equipped vehicle gets too close to another vehicle or object directly behind it, or, in some cases, in front of it. Rear cross-traffic alert warns drivers of approaching vehicles that might cross their path as they back up. Rear automatic emergency braking systems detect objects behind a reversing vehicle and may automatically brake if the driver doesn’t heed alerts to stop.

IIHS engineers evaluated rear autobrake systems on six popular 2017 model vehicles — the BMW 5 series sedan, Cadillac XT5 SUV, Infiniti QX60 SUV, Jeep Cherokee SUV, Subaru Outback wagon and Toyota Prius hatchback.

Under the three-tier rating scheme, models with optional or standard rear crash prevention systems are rated superior, advanced or basic. Ratings are determined by whether the vehicles have available rear autobrake and, if so, how it performs in a series of car-to-car and car-to-pole tests with different approach angles. The availability of parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert also is factored in.

The Outback and XT5 earn a superior rating when equipped with optional rear autobrake, parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cherokee, 5 series, QX60 and Prius earn an advanced rating with this optional gear.

The ratings evaluate the rear crash prevention systems’ ability to prevent damage in low-speed crashes, not their ability to mitigate injuries in crashes.

Research from IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) indicates that these technologies prevent crashes. The combination of a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and rear autobrake is reducing backing crashes reported to police by 78 percent, a new IIHS study of General Motors’ vehicles found. Rear autobrake systems from GM and Subaru also are reducing the frequency of claims reported to insurers, HLDI reported in August 2017.

For a superior rating, a vehicle must have a rear autobrake system that can avoid a crash or substantially reduce speeds in many of the test scenarios, which involve multiple runs at about 4 mph. Systems are assigned points based on the number of runs that either avoid or barely hit the target, reducing speeds to less than 1 mph. For advanced, a vehicle must have rear autobrake and avoid a crash or reduce speeds in some of the scenarios. Vehicles that only have parking sensors and/or rear cross-traffic alert earn a basic rating.

Rear autobrake isn’t as prevalent as front autobrake. The feature is optional on only 5 percent and standard on less than 1 percent of 2018 model passenger vehicles, HLDI estimates. Rear cross-traffic alert is optional on 43 percent and standard on 11 percent of 2018 models. Rear parking sensors are standard on 33 percent and optional on 59 percent of 2018 models. Rearview cameras are standard on 89 percent and optional on 10 percent of 2018 models.

Demonstration tests

To illustrate how repair costs can add up, the Institute conducted four low-speed demonstration tests with and without rear autobrake, and then tallied the damage as a claims estimator would. Scenarios included the XT5 backing into a pole and the Outback reversing into a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. When equipped with rear autobrake, the vehicles didn’t strike anything, so there was no damage. Without autobrake was a different story.

The XT5 needed an estimated $3,477 in repairs after backing into a pole. Damaged parts included the bumper cover, tailgate, hitch bar, energy absorber, rear body panel, trim and assorted brackets.

When the Outback backed into the Cruze’s rear bumper, the estimated damage for both cars came to $1,899 — $1,159 for the Outback and $740 for the Cruze.

Source: IIHS