The Co-AVAAIR project aims to strategically advance competencies in the field of automated and connected driving. Its core focus lies on the research, development, and validation of AI-based systems for cooperative vehicle guidance in complex urban traffic environments. A key approach is the close integration of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence methods with real-world test platforms. This enables automated vehicles to operate safely, transparently, and cooperatively in road traffic. In particular, the cooperative aspect represents a novel focus that goes beyond the current research activities of the participating partners. In the long term, Co-AVAAIR aims to equip the project partners with the capability to independently cover all development steps required for automated vehicles in accordance with SAE Level 4.
Key components and innovations of the project include:
• Hybrid decision-making framework: Combining Vision-Language Models (VLMs) for the semantic interpretation of complex traffic scenarios with reactive end-to-end systems for real-time control.
• Explainable and trustworthy AI: Development of transparent decision-making mechanisms, taking into account safety and regulatory requirements for deployment in public environments.
• Cooperative driving functions: Leveraging V2X communication and collective perception to enhance interaction with other road users, including non-motorized participants.
• In-vehicle perception: Analysis of the physical and cognitive state of vehicle occupants to derive situation-adaptive driving decisions.
• Real-world validation: Testing and validation of the developed systems in public road environments within the “InnovationsCampus Saar” test area, including approval procedures in accordance with AFGBV and the establishment of technical supervision for Level 4 driving functions.
• Open test platform: Promoting technology and knowledge transfer by providing an open development and testing environment for partners from research and industry.
By combining innovative AI methods with practical validation in realistic scenarios, Co-AVAAIR makes a sustainable contribution to the development of safe, connected mobility solutions while strengthening the innovation capacity of the Saarland economic and research ecosystem.
Partners
HTW Saar, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes
