Sensor configuration with rationale for Wipod 2.0 – Wipro’s 2nd generation autonomous vehicle

In autonomous driving terminology, our custom-built vehicle, Wipod 2.0, is intended to have the ability to perform dynamic driving tasks within a geographic area (with “geo-fenced” tight boundaries) and under certain defined conditions. This can be done by Wipod 2.0 without the need for a human driver. Redundancy is an essential aspect of functional safety. We take pride in our vehicle architecture concerning computing and sensors, and where necessary, redundancy has been introduced. We will be using the high- performance, energy-efficient NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier autonomous vehicle platform (ASILD compliant) for the maximum safety level. Safety and redundancy algorithms are taken care of. In the case of perception, for example, by fusing views of multiple sensors and creating overlapping views.

Safety by redundancy – complimentary field of views of sensors – is at the heart of the recommended sensor configuration

We target weather and time of day agnostic vision:

• Robust night vision requires thermal or infrared (IR) cameras – for now, we have chosen thermal cameras
• Adverse weather conditions need radar

 Target Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) features are decisive for the intended sensor configuration:

• Functional areas – front and reverse motions influence the sensor configuration
• When autonomous valet parking, rear park and automated park assist are the target ADAS features. Blind-spot region of 3–5 centimeters is critical. Ultrasonic sensors or Ultra Short-Range Radars need to be used.
• With intelligent speed limit assistance, range is a necessary parameter to read the speed limit signage. Wide-angle front cameras with a good range are a must.
• For adaptive cruise control, long-range radars are mandatory.

Urban driving versus highway driving:

• Highway driving – long-range visibility is critical, and traffic is different from urban driving.
• In-city driving needs a shorter braking distance and less reaction time. Therefore, the sensors’ choices become crucial and need the correct parameter values.