Robotic vehicles for dust tests in use by Porsche AG
In cooperation with Porsche Engineering (PE) Germany and Nardò Technical Center (NTC), the department Body Structure System (EKR) of Porsche AG has successfully introduced unmanned driving using a robot system in Porsche AG's testing operations. This system, developed in cooperation with PE Czech Republic (PECZ) and PE Romania (PERO), has already been applied during various tests and is now being used in demanding dust and gravel tests – a significant step for automated vehicle testing, enhancing the efficiency and replicability of tests.
The first test drives were conducted with the current Taycan and the Macan electric at the Michelin Test Center (CEMA) in Almeria. There, the technology was applied for the first time within the scope of extensive dust vehicle tests.
Focus on water management and interior tightness
EKR is responsible for water management and interior tightness, conducting intensive tests on global test tracks. This includes test runs for self-contamination, including a 200-kilometer test drive at 100 km/h. The goal is to meet the requirements of the dust test catalog with the help of the robotic system, paving the way for future automated test applications.
Unmanned driving over several hundred kilometers
The robot-operated driving allows vehicles to be controlled autonomously over several hundred kilometers. This system is universally applicable and independent of vehicle-specific interfaces. The vehicle can be monitored and controlled in real-time from a remote workstation while performing dynamic test drives. Various safety measures ensure smooth and safe operation.
Benefits: reproducible driving, time savings, and increased safety
The use of robotic systems offers significant advantages for vehicle development. Reproducible driving ensures that driving profiles are accurately followed over several hundred kilometers and hours. This leads to considerable time savings and increases safety by eliminating the risk of injury for passengers during dynamic test drives.
Potential for future vehicle tests
The successful test deployment on dust and gravel tracks marks another milestone in automated testing at Porsche Engineering.
Future tests will include tire rolling noise on the test tracks in Nardò.
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