MAY 2024 AFTERMARKET 25 www.aftermarketonline.net rFpro joins ASAM to set standards for simulationbased testing In late March, rFpro announced that it had joined the prestigious Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM). Working with OEMs, tier one suppliers, research institutes and engineering service providers, the Germany-based non-profit has a mission to establish common standards for the development and testing of all automotive systems. Of particular interest to selfdriving is the OpenMATERIAL project. Initiated by BMW, it aims to create a complete set of standards for the simulation-based testing of automated driving functions. Peter Daley, MD of rFpro, said: “Defining material properties is a key strength for rFpro so we are keen to be involved in OpenMATERIAL to help direct and progress this standard. “Material definitions have been loosely structured to date, so standardising this would bring huge benefits, particularly for the development of virtual sensor models.” ASAM’s CEO Marius Dupuis said: “We are pleased to accept rFpro as a member and welcome their active participation in the OpenMATERIAL project.” A perennial highlight of the self-driving calendar, mid-March means Zenzic Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Innovators’ Day at the IET in London. If 2022 celebrated the shared vision of societal benefits, and last year focused on global R&D leadership, CAM Innovators 2024 majored on the self-driving business case. In a short welcome speech, Prof Paul Newman CBE described the process of gaining National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approval for the Oxa Driver-powered Beep shuttles in Florida. He highlighted the extraordinary progress in AI over the last three years, the importance of the AV bill, and the need to progress beyond R&D to real-world issues like where to deploy. He then introduced minister of state for the investment security unit, Nusrat Ghani, who also focused on commercialisation. “Self-driving represents an enormous opportunity,” she said. “The AV bill provides a comprehensive framework for British firms to lead the world in greener, safer and more reliable transport.” Following a ‘fireside chat’ with Ghani, covering the necessity to build trust and the role of local authorities, Newman then introduced the second keynote speaker: Sir John Armitt, chairman of the National Infrastructure Committee (NIC). Sir John opened with the famous quote by Peter Drucker that “culture eats strategy for breakfast”. He explained that the NIC exists to provide the UK government with impartial, expert advice on major long term infrastructure challenges. “The opportunities offered by these technologies are amazing,” he said, “and uncertainty should not be a reason to do nothing.” Without putting a date on it, Newman likened self-driving adoption to water flowing downhill — it will quickly find its way and there will be countless second order effects. Further highlights included George Ivanov, head of international policy at Waymo, expressing frustration at the lack of legislative progress in the UK, and Sam Tiltman, of Marsh, predicting that self-driving will “terraform” insurance over the next two decades, resulting in less accidents, less deaths and dramatically increased logistical efficiencies. On the requirement in the AV bill for data sharing in the event of an accident, Matt Daley, of rFpro, raised the enticing prospect of using simulation to show exactly what happened. Summarising the info-packed day, former minister of state for digital and creative industries, now executive chair at WMG, Margot James, reflected on the ability of CAM to improve safety and “bring about a more inclusive society”. Enormous business opportunity: Zenzic CAM Innovators 2024 Follow us on Facebook/aftermarketmagazine We have a range of print and online advertising opportunities available. For more details and our latest Media Pack please contact Angela Lyus. Angela Lyus | Head of Sales +44 (0) 7823 736629 | anglea@aftermarket.co.uk www.aftermarketonline.net
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