Graz (Austria), 23.01.2025 – The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology promises enhanced efficiency and safety in transportation. However, operational constraints within Operational Design Domains (ODDs), including issues in sensing, behaviour prediction, and reliability, limit the potential of automated vehicles. 

iEXODDUS improves connected and automated mobility

An ODD is fundamental for the safety of connected and automated mobility (CCAM). It describes the specific operating conditions under which CCAM can be used safely. Expanding the ODD framework is critical to enable these vehicles to navigate challenging scenarios such as construction zones, unmarked roads, and adverse weather conditions. This expansion involves robust perception and decision-making algorithms, reducing the need for human intervention and facilitating integration with human-driven vehicles. 

While the benefits are substantial, challenges such as data collection, sensor technology, and regulatory frameworks must be addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration. iEXODDUS combines the expertise of 14 research partners to address these challenges.

iEXODDUS drives innovation in CCAM technologies

iEXODDUS meticulously assesses existing ODDs to unveil limitations and areas for improvement, fostering a deep understanding of ODD challenges and opportunities. This analysis serves as the foundation for a framework to assess and categorize ODDs across diverse automated driving scenarios. A key focus area is the enhancement of sensor technologies and perception capabilities through cutting-edge data fusion methods, expanding ODDs beyond current limits while considering environmental factors such as weather conditions and road infrastructure. 

iEXODDUS envisions autonomous vehicles travelling across Europe, resolving harmonization and legal issues, and making policy recommendations. Collaboration with industry stakeholders and aiming for real-world demonstrations will enable an industry-tailored approach towards automated driving systems with extended ODDs. 

Key Benefits of the iEXODDUS project 

• Extended ODD and Seamless Automated Mobility: Enhances autonomous vehicle performance in complex scenarios such as road works, tunnels, and incident zones, reducing human interven-tion and errors. 

• Improved Traffic Safety and Flow: Reduces accidents and enhances road safety through better perception, decision-making, and smoother traffic flow, minimizing congestion. 

• Environmental Impact: Lowers emissions and fuel consumption by optimizing traffic manage-ment and enabling eco-driving. 

Digital Twins and Infrastructure Support: Uses digital twins for real-time data integration, im-proving traffic management and helping infrastructure operators manage safer and more efficient roadwork zones. 

• Standardization and Interoperability: Contributes to the development of standardized, interop-erable CCAM technologies, supporting the broader European transport ecosystem.