CASE STUDYNavigating with quantum positioning
Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, use sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads without human input.
These vehicles have the potential to deliver significant benefits to society, potentially reducing road accidents and saving lives, as well as offering transport solutions to disabled and older people.
We are developing advancements in light detection and ranging systems, also known as LiDAR, for the autonomous vehicle industry as it has significant benefits for measuring distances, mapping the car’s surroundings, identifying objects and providing clear visibility in the dark or in bad weather.
Currently, the most widely used method for estimating the location of autonomous vehicles in real time, is the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
However, these traditional systems can fail in challenging conditions such as darkness and poor weather, and they can struggle to maintain accurate positioning and obstacle detection.
Researchers) are working to improving current LiDAR systems to operate more precisely at longer ranges, and with greater potential to work in the presence of atmospheric obscurants such as rain, fog, and dust.
LIDAR is a key enabling technology for the emerging autonomous vehicle industry. Ultra-sensitive light detectors known as SPADs (Single-photon avalanche diodes) are a critical component of LiDAR systems.
Current SPADs are expensive and need performance improvements before they meet the rigorous demands of fully autonomous vehicles.
Our researchers are developing SPADS that are smaller, cheaper, and will improve current LiDAR systems to enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems.
In the UK, there is huge potential for autonomous vehicles to significantly improve road safety. Current LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles require major improvements to ensure accuracy for quantum position and navigation. QEPNT research aims to improve current systems to provide consistent performance regardless of visibility conditions and improve accuracy for autonomous vehicle navigation.
- Next generation LiDAR for autonomous vehicles
- Understanding harsh environments, including surveying underwater around bridges or oil and gas pipelines.
- Detecting and identifying small objects at long distances, such as drones.
RESEARCH
Researchers worldwide are driving progress in this area with UK universities and industry playing an important role through the EPSRC-funded QEPNT Hub.
