Continal takes a minority stake in Kopernikus Automotive. This German startup focuses on infrastructure-based automated parking solutions. Its technology is aimed, among other things, at use in parking garages and moving cars at car factories and logistics centres.
Kopernikus Automotive is a Leipzig-based startup. The company focuses on automated parking solutions. Specifically, these are solutions for automated and autonomous moving of vehicles. Applications include automated valet services in car parks. These automatically park customers' vehicles in a garage. However, consider also large car factories, where employees often move large quantities of new cars.
Sensors and AI-based algorithms
Kopernikus Automotive's technology works using hardware installed on the route. Think of cameras hanging in a car park and serving as sensors. At the heart of the system are artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. These ensure that all vehicles in a location move forward safely, preventing collisions, among other things
Using the solution requires an additional vehicle function called 'Central Motion Control'. This function translates the specified route into the control of specific actuators. This requires a number of components, which are standard in many vehicle. Specifically, these include an automatic gearbox, an electronic handbrake, electric power steering and an intelligent communication unit.
Safer, more comfortable and affordable
"Cars move around factories, logistics centres and car parks autonomously in the future". Kopernikus and Continental are working together to develop a safer, more comfortable and more affordable solution. At Continental, we are working on both solutions. An autonomous parking procedure based on data from vehicle sensors. And a solution based on intelligent infrastructure - similar to intelligent intersections. For us, the interest in Kopernikus is a logical next step forward with both topics. At the same time, it delivers a timely and marketable solution," said Ralph Lauxmann, head of Strategy & Future Solutions in the field of autonomous mobility and safety at Continental.
Kopernikus points out on its website that private environments such as car parks and industrial estates are less strictly regulated than public roads. This offers more scope for using sensors and computing power. To connect vehicles, the company integrates so-called 'adapter software' into vehicle ECUs. AI-based perception and route planning takes place outside the car. All commands related to movements the system sends to the car in real-time.
The startup claims that its technology offers all kinds of advantages. For instance, autonomous technology increases efficiency at sites. For example, at a bodyshop, it could reduce the number of employees needed to move vehicles. Or automating a parking service in a car park. It also provides lower operational costs compared to using people.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo by: Joss Rogers via Pixabay
