North Rhine-Westphalia is rising as a leader in autonomous driving technology, with significant testing initiatives at the Aldenhoven Testing Center and preparations for the XPONENTIAL Europe exhibition in Düsseldorf. The region showcases advanced infrastructure, collaborative efforts among industries, and a commitment to innovation in mobility.
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is enhancing its expertise in autonomous driving as it prepares for the XPONENTIAL Europe exhibition, which will take place in Düsseldorf from February 18 to 20 next year. Automated and teleoperated driving systems are rapidly advancing, with pilot robo-taxi services already operational in the United States and China. However, experts assert that Germany is not lagging behind, as live testing is being conducted in various locations, including the Aldenhoven Testing Center, recognized as one of Europe’s leading facilities for such testing. At the Aldenhoven Testing Center, a vehicle is remotely controlled from Tokyo as it navigates through testing scenarios. “The future of road traffic is being created here,” declares Micha Lesemann, Managing Director of the Aldenhoven Testing Center GmbH, referring to the site’s history as a former coal mine transformed into a hub for innovative mobility systems. Numerous vehicles and drones have undergone testing at this 40-hectare facility, which is frequented by over 200 companies, including major automobile manufacturers and software providers. NRW is establishing itself as a prominent research and development center for new mobility concepts, with additional projects including Siemens Mobility’s extensive test track for rail transport in Wegberg-Wildenrath, the operation of Germany’s first Level 4 autonomous buses in Monheim, and Rheinmetall subsidiary MIRA’s teleoperated vehicle development in Düsseldorf. The digital infrastructure at the Aldenhoven Testing Center is bolstered by Vodafone’s cutting-edge 5G network, which commenced operations in 2019. This facility provides one of the most advanced mobile development environments in Europe for connected and autonomous traffic systems. Notably, Michael Bösinger from Vodafone emphasizes the importance of creating networks that cater to various transport modes under a unified framework. Professor Dr. Lutz Eckstein, scientific director of “innocam.NRW,” underlines NRW’s commitment to fostering a collaborative network among academia, industry, and government to promote automated and connected mobility. The ongoing projects in the region underscore NRW’s significant role in advancing Mobility 4.0, which is a primary focus of the upcoming XPONENTIAL Europe exhibition. Malte Seifert of Messe Düsseldorf highlights the importance of Düsseldorf’s strategic location, market potential, and innovation capabilities as key factors for hosting this important event centered around autonomous systems and robotics.
The article discusses the advancements in autonomous driving technologies in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, emphasizing the Aldenhoven Testing Center. The facility serves as a testing ground for ambitious mobility projects, reflecting a broader commitment to innovation in the region. The upcoming XPONENTIAL Europe exhibition in Düsseldorf is framed as a pivotal event showcasing these advancements in autonomous systems and robotics, highlighting NRW’s role as a leading hub for mobility and technology development.
In conclusion, North Rhine-Westphalia is firmly positioning itself at the forefront of autonomous driving and mobility innovations in Europe. The Aldenhoven Testing Center exemplifies the region’s commitment to research and development, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborative initiatives among various stakeholders. As the XPONENTIAL Europe exhibition approaches, it will serve as a prominent platform to showcase these technological advancements and reinforce NRW’s status as a leader in Mobility 4.0.
Original Source: mit-blog.de
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