CONiX Testfleet Solutions is an example of the use of current fleet management systems for the development of ADAS systems. The solution is used, for example, by Continental.b-plus automotive
Cloud-based solutions are transforming test fleet management for ADAS and autonomous vehicles. Through real-time monitoring, efficient data handling, and remote diagnostics, companies like Continental save enormous costs and accelerate development.
Systems for test fleet management make it possible to efficiently manage vast amounts of collected data for testing purposes and ensure that test drives take place under coordinated conditions that cover the desired usage scenarios of the vehicles. This is crucial to reduce development costs, shorten time to market, and increase safety.
A good example of the use of current fleet management systems is the CONiX Testfleet Solution (CONiX.tfs) from b-plus. Since the end of 2022, Continental has been using this solution worldwide to collect and analyse data for the development of ADAS systems. With a fleet of development vehicles in Europe, America, and Asia, Continental demonstrates how today's solutions can increase the efficiency of test fleet management. CONiX.tfs not only offers real-time data analysis and comprehensive data management solutions but also a scalable and cloud-based infrastructure that enables seamless integration into existing processes.
Overview of the CONiX Testfleet Solution from b-plus
Agile cloud-based test fleet solutions: Efficient integration into existing vehicle development systems
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Continental chose the CONiX Testfleet Solution to address the mentioned challenges in test fleet management through a range of technical connectivity solutions and customised functions. The agile development process was a collaborative approach between the two companies, where close coordination and constant exchange at management and development levels played a central role. The agile methodology ensured that the developed features are practical and application-oriented.
The specific system requirements were implemented through productive and trustworthy collaboration. This includes the transmission of live data, which enables real-time monitoring of vehicles and test campaigns (Image 1). Disruptions are immediately detected and can be resolved remotely. Developers, managers, and test drivers can communicate directly with each other and influence the outcome. Through the so-called health monitoring (Image 2), the risk is minimized that test drives are undertaken and continued, whose data later prove to be useless. The campaign management feature, on the other hand, helps to plan the collection of data in test campaigns in detail and thus maximize the efficiency of data collection. All data can finally be evaluated via statistics, which are used for further test drive planning.
Image 1: The CONiX Testfleet Solution offers the transmission of live data, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicles and test campaigns.b-plus automotive
Remote access to the digital twin of the test vehicle at any time
An overview of the fleet forms the basis for efficient fleet management. Continental can create digital twins of vehicles with the test fleet management solution and monitor the components in real-time according to condition and performance. Whether in Japan, Germany, or the USA: through the virtual images of the vehicles, operational processes can be optimized, and the safety and efficiency of the fleet can be increased. Thus, they are well prepared for use in the field as well as on the test track.
Remote diagnosis in test fleet management: The "Flying Doctor" for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting
Even before a test drive begins, the functionality of the vehicles is checked and configured if necessary. Remote diagnoses identify sources of errors and problems from a distance, enabling quick and precise solutions. This prevents time loss and the costly deployment of technicians on site. Remote configuration allows vehicles and their system parameters to be set and adjusted from a distance. Over-the-air software updates are one of the most important remote applications in a test vehicle.
This is not intended to replace the on-site technician, but to contribute to a smooth process when physical conditions make it difficult for a technician to travel. With the help of an intuitive traffic light signal, test drivers and engineers can monitor and identify critical vehicle data in real-time through live monitoring. This way, a test driver can be remotely assisted even during the drive in a remote area. The travel of a technician is avoided, which greatly contributes to increased cost and time efficiency.
Image 2: Remote diagnostics identify sources of errors and problems from a distance, enabling quick and precise solutions.b-plus automotive
Communication and Campaign Management in Test Drives
In addition to immediate error analysis, CONiX.tfs also supports the management of test drives and test drivers. A campaign manager allows the test manager to plan test drives in advance. He can precisely determine which scenarios and routes should be driven. Through live monitoring, he can view the status of the campaign and assess which data is still missing.
During the test drive, an integrated chat function improves communication between field operation test coordinators and drivers. This ensures higher efficiency and transparency within the test processes by providing all relevant information centrally and clearly. If an error is detected, it can be reported directly from the driver dashboard to the test manager using the chat function. Thanks to an image upload, the errors can be made visible.
Through real-time monitoring and the careful creation of metadata, CONiX.tfs ensures that all planned tests are conducted under optimal conditions. The integrated logistical storage management prevents potential failures of storage units and inefficient test drives by avoiding drives without data recording due to full storage. This leads to a significant increase in efficiency and a reduction in costs, which can be further driven by configurable automation processes.
Image 3: The test fleet management system allows the creation of extensive statistics, e.g., for events that occurred or distances covered.b-plus automotive
No more searching for documents!
One advantage of the CONiX.tfs software solution is the centralised document and data management, which ensures order and structure within the team. All relevant documents, such as maintenance logs, vehicle histories, and test reports, are stored and managed in one central location. This facilitates access to important information and ensures that all parties are always up to date. Digital management and archiving minimise paperwork and manual processes. Before the introduction of the test fleet management system, Excel lists and internal data pools were standard organisational tools, but with the system, all documents and data evaluations could be centralised and made accessible to everyone.
Efficiency and transparency in fleet management
The introduction of the CONiX Testfleet Solution has brought improvements in efficiency, transparency, and cost reduction in fleet management at Continental. Through close collaboration with Continental and continuous adaptation to real customer needs, CONiX.tfs offers a comprehensive and efficient solution for the challenges in the ADAS and AD sector.
The benefits for Continental lie in the ability to automatically verify system functionality before test drives begin. This can avoid unnecessary journeys, saving both time and resources. The central and transparent management of all aspects of fleet management, from planning test drives to live monitoring and evaluating test campaigns, significantly increases traceability and transparency.
Through live system monitoring and the possibility of remote access, costly on-site deployments can be minimized. This not only reduces costs but also improves response times for troubleshooting.
Another highlight is the avoidance of errors during recording. Thanks to the freely configurable 'Health Configuration' and the ability to upload and evaluate recording snippets directly to the cloud at the start of the journey, errors can be detected and corrected early. This feature significantly increases the reliability and accuracy of the test data.
The importance of continuous development and collaborative partnerships to implement system requirements cannot be overstated. These make a significant contribution to meeting the dynamic demands of the industry and successfully shaping the future of fleet management.
Image 4: Individual test sessions can also be displayed in detail in the tool.b-plus automotive
Future Trends and Outlook in Test Fleet Management for Autonomous Vehicles
The future of fleet management in the ADAS/AD sector will be shaped by the increasing amount of data and the need for valuable real-time data. Technical advancements will play a central role in this. Future developments of the CONiX Testfleet Solution could include the expansion of asset tracking as well as the simplification of deployment and updating of complete vehicle setups. Continuous development and adaptation to the changing demands of the industry will be crucial to remain competitive and further enhance efficiency and user-friendliness.
