NXP showcases the future of smart roads and freight transport using vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology

     NXP Semiconductors N.V. AF Trucks has successfully demonstrated driverless technology on an automated truck. The demonstration was part of the European Truck Platooning Challenge, organised by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, in which trucks travel in formation on public roads (platooning) from various European cities to the Netherlands. The challenge aims to demonstrate the economic, traffic management, and safety benefits of autonomous platooning, taking it one step closer to practical application. The challenge also aims to call out the need for legislation and standardisation of intelligent transport systems (ITS) across Europe, where there are currently differing regulations and regulations on speed and distance travelled.

     NXP, DAF, TNO and Ricardo worked together as members of the EcoTwin Alliance to make this demonstration possible. At the heart of the EcoTwin technology system is NXP's RoadLINK, an advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication solution. It uses the wireless communication standard IEEE802.11p, combined with NXP radar technology, to allow trucks in formation to securely exchange information in real time, apply automatic braking, and accelerate response to the lead vehicle. With the high-speed communication and responsive response of NXP RoadLINK technology, it is possible to achieve a very short shop distance between multiple DAF trucks in formation for true synchronous driving: To demonstrate automatic acceleration and braking, the workshop distance was set at 0.5 seconds, meaning that at 80 km/h or (50 MPH), the workshop distance was only about 10 meters (30 feet). It is estimated that the response time of trucks in formation is 25 times faster than the average human response time of 1 second - saving valuable time in case of emergency braking.

     The RoadLINK communications system designed by NXP is built into the rearview mirror of DAF trucks in formation. The backup design of the NXP V2V system provides four secure channels to ensure extremely reliable communication. In addition to transmitting platoon-driving commands between two vehicles, the technology also enables real-time video and two-way audio communication. Drivers will be able to communicate via audio rather than relying on other communication channels such as cellular networks. In addition, the lead vehicle is equipped with a V2V camera that streams what it "sees" to the driver following the vehicle, providing a clear view of the road ahead.

     Torsten Lehmann, senior vice president, Automotive infotainment and Driver Assistance at NXP, said: "As a key partner and supplier of safe vehicle-to-vehicle communications and radar technology for DAF Trucks, we are very proud to participate in the European Truck PlatoonChallenge - DAF and other truck teams will use our technology to complete the race safely and efficiently. "As an industry leader in driving V2X technology to adoption, NXP is committed to helping improve fuel efficiency, emissions, safety and traffic flow in the EU, while avoiding accidents and saving lives."

     Ron Borsboom, member of the Board of Directors responsible for Product development at DAF Trucks, said: "There is no doubt that a lot of continued development is needed before we can bring platoon-driving to market as a new technology. This development process will certainly not be completed before 2020. There are still many issues to be resolved in terms of legislation, liability definition and market acceptance. We worked with NXP, TNO and Ricardo to demonstrate that truck platoons are technically possible in the European Truck Platoons Challenge. The demonstration will lay the groundwork for truck manufacturers to further test the technology on the road to gain more experience. Of course, the final decision rests with the relevant government."