Abstract
Passive safety misuse tests are one of the most important aspects in the validation of the performance of safety restraint systems. After programming the electronic control unit it is necessary to verify that the safety devices do not work when they are not supposed to. Misuse tests show if safety devices activate in the event of minor accidents.
In recent years, the growing demand for more effective safety restraint systems in vehicles has increased the number of tests included in misuse programs, meaning that the drivers suffer from excessive fatigue. In order to avoid this, IDIADA Automotive Technology is currently developing a tele-operated robot driver to control a car.
The first phase of this ambitious project, which is described in this paper, is to remote control the steering of the vehicle. Once validated, the next steps will be to control the clutch, brake, accelerator and gearshift.