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Editorial Fool Self-Driving The Navigator The end of vehicle ownership Sanitary Solutions for AVs Gentex engineers are bridging mobility and medical technologies to tackle vital public-health issues of vehicle cabin cleanliness. 'Software, Start Your Engines' The 2021 Indy Autonomous Challenge is a high-speed laboratory for advancing automated driving. Getting to the 'Core' of AV Thermal Management Data-gobbling processors require new cooling solutions - and the AV industry needs standards, says a veteran engineer. Autonomy Takes Off-highway Integrating automation systems in mining, agricultural and construction machines can increase safety and productivity in the field and bring significant economic benefits. Boaring in on Vehicle-to-Animal Road Safety Researchers are using micro-Doppler radar, neural nets and machine learning to protect drivers from the wild critters that enter the road.

Editorial Autonomous 'Uncola' bubbles up The Navigator Cruise Origin points the way for AV architecture The Mind of Argo AI Co-founder and CEO Bryan Salesky brings a realistic approach to the self-driving technology "mission." Metamoto Goes Deep on AV Simulation Simulation based on the actual physics of vehicles and sensors continues expanding to replace millions of miles of potentially dangerous real-world testing. ZF Establishes Level 2+ ADAS Cost-effective technology solutions to meet diverse customer needs are what the "new pragmatism" in driver-assistance tech is all about. Senior VP Aine Denari explains. Lidar in a Flash Continental delivers a short-range 3D flash lidar sensor that's expected to find increasing application in commercial vehicles and off-highway ma-chines in 2020. Sensor Heat Relief Canatu's carbon nanobots keep critical sensor surfaces - and LED head-lamps - clear in sub-freezing weather.

Editorial Fool Self-Driving II The Navigator What will result from NHTSA's Tesla Autopilot investigation? Data Drives Driverless Truck Launch Smart diagnostics and advanced validation help support the reliability metrics required to gain confidence that autonomous trucks are ready for the road. Peering into the Distance New sensors of all types look out longer distances - and provide higher resolutions - for engineers pushing ADAS capabilities and higher-level vehicle automation. Ford Drives into SAE Level 2 Driver monitoring was an essential component to engineering the new "hands-free" BlueCruise/Active Glide enhanced ADAS system. A Chore No More? The Detroit Smart Parking Lab opens to develop and test emerging parking technology in real-world settings. Share and Share Alike The concepts of rideshare and urban mobility continue to evolve as new projects test what's possible.

Editorial Making Safety Standard The Navigator Sensor Monoculture is a Terrible Idea 3D-printed Radar Rises Toward Production Lunewave's unique Luneburg-lens technology aims to simplify vehicle radar arrays - and deliver better ADAS and AV performance. Accelerating Automotive Radar NXP's new, fifth-generation chipsets unleash 16-nm FinFet technology to the ADAS and AV markets. Autonomy's Computing Backbone Cloud-computing networks are speeding AV development and preparing to manage tomorrow's data-reliant AV fleets. Get in Line Evolving truck-platooning techniques are paving unique paths to high-level commercial vehicle autonomy. Ford in 'No-hands' Land BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist is available later this year for the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 pickup. ADAS-equipped Trucks Save Bucks Bosch research finds one specific driver-assistance feature may reduce costs associated with property damage by up to 35% for Class 7 and 8 trucks.

2004 Paris Motor Show Highlights Though themes were distinctly elusive, there was a broad spectrum of technology, design, and styling on display from Europe-based manufacturers. Production-based cars race ahead The SCCA's Speed World Challenge has delivered automakers a U.S. platform for racecars that are closely related to the vehicles they sell. Let's come together Supplier parks are beginning to take hold in North America as automakers and their suppliers look to improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce costs. Grand ride for Grand Cherokee Jeep engineers give the 2005 model more on-road comfort, with all the off-road capability. Land Rovers makes a Discovery The new SUV, to be called LR3 in the United States, is the first all-new vehicle developed under Ford's leadership and is described as the most technologically advanced Land Rover so far.

Safe and sensitive Sensor fusion is the latest data sharing scheme for improving the performance of safety systems. BMW counts down to 1 Series The company's latest entry in the premium compact segment comes to market with rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, and longitudinally mounted engines headlined by a powerful turbodiesel. Chevrolet re-engineers Corvette Although the new C6 is shorter and narrower than its predecessor, engineers wanted "more power, more passion, more precision" for the two-seat sportscar. 2005 Honda Odyssey The completely re-engineered model features new technologies from the inside out related to safety, performance, and entertainment. Chrsyler 300 / Dodge Magnum The "it" vehicles for the 2005 model year feature advanced technologies such as cylinder deactivation to go along with Hemi power and distinctive styling. Ford makes space for family vehicles Volvo donates its P2 platform for the new Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mercury Montego.

Winning the war for talent The conclusion of AEI's two-part series looks at how industry, academia, and professional groups are working together to close the "knowledge gap" in vehicle electrification. Partnering on infotainment Services are expected to rise as technical collaboration and available bandwith increase. Nissan Leaf The Japanese company first saw the potential of lithium-ion batteries for vehicular use in 1992, and almost two decades later is about to deploy the technology. Honda Insight Developed to be attainable for Gen Y buyers, the 2010 Insight is a major piece in Honda's hybrid-portfolio plans. Heavy-duty issues Top industry insiders provide their perspectives on crtical issues such as sustainability, workforce development, and future growth at this year's Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress and Exhibition.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Global viewpoints: technology leads the way From fuel cells to flexible circuitry, advanced technologies are helping North American automakers and suppliers build vehicles that deliver increasingly high levels of safety, reliability, performance, and comfort/convenience. Sensor development for occupant rollover protection Delphi Automotive Systems pursues new devices for the pecularities of rollover conditions. Several steps toward recovery Making new vehicles out of old vehicles--as well as discarded carpeting--enables automakers to do the right thing for the environment, society, and their balance statements. Englightened interiors Product developers at Chicago Miniature Lamp discuss trends and advances in automotive interior lighting. Geneva Motor Show highlights Vehicles on display at the event, held in early March, ranged from the bizarre to the functional.

Toyota Prius: Best-Engineered Car of 2001 Following the Japanese introduction of the first-generation Pruis in 1997, the significantly re-engineered second-generation model features new technology to meet the demands of the Western market, including improved driving performance, lower emissions, and reduced costs. Introducing Niel Schilke, SAE President for 2001 General Motors' former top engineer in Canada brings a systems engineering mentality, along with high expectations, to the SAE presidency. Fuel cells start to look real It is looking more and more as if the fuel-cell-powered car--the long-awaited "clean personal transportation of the future"--is moving from laboratory vision to technical reality, if not yet market actuality. Fuel-cell testing Capabilities that deliver reliable monitoring and control, as well as offer the benefit of a flexible configuration, are critical to keep pace with evolving fuel-cell technology, according to National Instruments.

Optimizing the replacement for engine displacement New boosting and fuel-delivery technologies, and even twin-cylinder ICEs, are among the solutions being employed by powertrain engineers aiming for the next round of fuel-consumption and emissions targets. Back to basics Top Toyota executives discuss steps taken to bolster quality control during the development process while still forging ahead with new innovative product. Hyundai builds on success The company and Kia share European technologies and facilities, but they maintain individual model and marque identities as their presence strengthens. Teeming with ideas Automakers and suppliers get together to address consumer-electronics-friendly life cycles.

Shifting gears smoothly Richard E. Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into the driver's seat of SAE International. Top new engines AEI editors highlight the most significant internal-combustion powerplants of the new year and beyond. Riding on in-wheel motors Researchers analyze passive concepts and new mechatronic suspension systems to ensure vehicle comfort and safety when using in-wheel motors with different torque requirements.

AEI Best Engineered Vehicle 2011- Chevrolet Volt General Motors' pioneering E-REV eliminates range-to-empty worries with a cleverly engineered powertrain that makes Volt the right EV at the right time- and AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2011. Government boost key to biofuel future Biofuel companies are determined to become viable on their own but want continued government assistance if oil companies receive assistance, too. More from less Trimming fuel consumption and emissions requires higher voltages, greater computing power, and more money. Finding the right balance Engineers identify key technology trends such as the necessity for lighter, smaller engines and vehicles- and stress that managing trade-offs is an especially tough challenge. Automotive Engineering International 2011 tech awards The editors of Automotive Engineering International preview the most innovative supplier technologies to be displayed April 12-14 in Detroit at the SAE 2011 World Congress.

Raj Nair's world's-eye view Ford's new global product-development chief discusses engineering resources to meet Asia-Pacific growth, China's challenges, U.S. CAFE, and lightweighting full-size trucks. Raising the bar on SI engine efficiency Highly boosted gasoline engines with 13:1 compression ratio? BorgWarner is tackling gasoline-engine pumping losses and finding many fuel-efficiency benefits as a result. VP of Advanced Engine Engineering Chris Thomas reveals the methodology-and more. GE makes power play into automotive The iconic American conglomerate sees great potential in electric vehicles, helping utility customers upstream ensure reliable and efficient energy delivery for EV customers downstream, says GE's Mark Little. Hybrid-electrified Le Mans Audi and Toyota bring hybrid-electric racecars to the renowned 24-h race.

The need for speeds The recent automatic-transmission introductions by Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, and ZF highlight the trend toward greater gear-ratio spreads for better launch performance and cruising efficiency. Mechanical advantage Ride and handling can be influenced and controlled by the latest electronics, but careful mechanical design of the suspension can deliver significant benefits. Hard drives Driven by the insatiable demand for more usable navigation information and entertainment content, automotive disk drives will become commonplace, but not until cost and other issues are overcome, experts predict. Trucks get aerodynamic touch Light truck and SUV designers must reconcile conservative customer tastes with the need for reduced drag to bost efficiency. Pedestrian protection possibilities Carmakers consider a variety of solutions to the problem of saving lives outside the vehicle.

Ford widens diesel getaway As the popularity of the diesel in Europe continues to soar, Ford, in collaboration with PSA, is further expanding its Diesel Center's production in the UK. Phil Lake, Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer, Diesel Engines, gives AEI a tour of the facility and the technology. Consumer electronics solutions Wireless technologies, networking alternatives vie for acceptance as the auto industry scrambles to keep up with consumer demands for infotainment options. California dreaming Forward-thinking West Coast automotive design studios ponder recyclable cars, predetermined vehicle lifespan, and a reduced carbon footprint as part of the third annual Los Angeles Design Challenge. Tradition meets technology Artisan skills are supporting traditional engineering in the creation of complex, high-profile concept cars.

Ford's Focus on the fuel cell The company's Aachen research center for advanced powertrain and environmental technologies provided the backdrop for a first drive of its latest fuel-cell prototype. Global viewpoints: Europe embraces the AT-factor The central pillar on which the success of every international automotive company now rests is the AT-factor, which stands for advanced technology. Target-vehicle modeling in crash analysis Ford engineers have refined their computer crash models for simulating vehicle compatibility between light trucks and cars. Reticulated polyurethane foam The new generation of materials has added safety, performance, reliability, and value to a number of automotive applications. Sorting through new automotive technologies Developments in powertrain, interior, and chassis technolgoies are improving the performance of vehicles in all corners of the world, including Europe.

The chain in China North American suppliers must confront some challenging supply-chain issues as they take aim at what could potentially become the world's largest automotive market. Visteon researches composite truck chassis The company used computer analysis extensively in a research project aimed at reducing the mass and complexity of a chassis structure while increasing strength and stiffness. Simulation goes beyond engineering Computational fluid dynamics simulation and visualization software vendors are introducing products to extend the value of CFD throughout the product life cycle, according to Acuitiv Software. Ford still riding Six Sigma quality horse Ford is combining Six Sigma with kaizen events at its plants around the globe to coax new ideas from its hourly workers in hopes of closing the gap with perennial vehicle-quality leader Toyota.

The advent of stop-start technology As environmental concerns grow for R&D teams, OEMs look to bring the strategy further into the mainstream. Recycling opportunities for hybrid/electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries With limited reserves and strict environmental regulations, re-cyclers look to established extraction means to reuse, recycle, and dispose of the used batteries. Cameras look to go the distance Automakers seek vision systems with greater distances, improved reliability, and more functionality, thanks to ruggedized complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technologies. Getting right with composites With composites now a mainstay in most new aircraft de-signs, the engineering emphasis has switched from understanding if they work to thinking through the most efficient way to manufacture them, such as using design-for-manufacturing software.