For the first time, DIN and SAE International have teamed up to develop a bilingual (German/English) specification on automated vehicle technologies. As Automated Vehicle (AV) research and development intensifies and nears projected commercialization, industry stakeholders have expressed the need to establish a common language and understanding, particularly with regard to the latest technological developments around AV testing. In the current discussion specific terms are frequently misrepresented or used in multiple contexts. Terms also differ among countries and even within them. DIN-SAE Spec 91381 establishes unambiguous terms and definitions as a reference for global communication and the development of additional standards.
At the time of its publication, there are no internationally recognized standards covering the terms and definitions in this document within the scope and context of AV testing. A consortium of more than 50 partners, including OEMs, test track operators, research organizations, and tier-one suppliers participated in the development of the specification, including terminology groups from the European research project L3PILOT and the German national research project PEGASUS. This specification provides a meaningful example of successful transatlantic cooperation with the shared goal of advancing new technologies. The consortium is eager to receive feedback on its work.
“Just like the SAE J3016™ Levels of Automation, DIN-SAE Spec 91381™ has global application. The topic of AV testing is rapidly developing, and it is essential that we communicate using unambiguous and uniform dialogue across companies and borders,” says John Tintinalli, SAE International’s Director of Innovation.
The project sponsor was FKA, an affiliate of RWTH Aachen University and a member of PEGASUS and L3Pilot.
“In order to assure safety of automated driving, new methods and tools need to be developed and implemented,” says project chair Dr. Adrian Zlocki of FKA. “The first step for the research and development of these essential methods is a common language. SAE and DIN initiated the work on this new specification to allow us to discuss and exchange views and approaches, and to share our experience using common terms and definitions. Several German and European activities (e.g. PEGASUS, L3Pilot, Headstart) are already using the result of this work.”
Given the success of this collaboration, DIN and SAE are already planning several new projects together to address needs in rapidly advancing technologies.
Published in German and English, this document is available free-of-charge from SAE International, or from DIN’s publisher Beuth. DIN, the German Institute for Standardization, is the independent platform for standardization in Germany and worldwide. As a partner for industry, research and society as a whole, DIN plays a major role in paving the way for innovations to reach the market and advancing progress in various innovative areas. More than 32,000 experts from industry, research, consumer protection and the public sector bring their expertise to work on standardization projects managed by DIN. The results of these efforts are market-oriented standards and specifications that promote global trade, encouraging rationalization, quality assurance and environmental protection as well as improving security and communication.
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