The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has commenced operations at India’s first Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) test facility located in Pune. This facility will enable automotive and auto-tech manufacturers to rigorously test and validate their ADAS technologies under real-world Indian driving conditions, thereby bridging the significant gap between simulation, closed-track testing, and actual public roads.
From Simulation to Certification
Reji Mathew, director of ARAI, explained that the ADAS Smart City Track will contribute to the development of indigenous ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology, particularly for emerging start-ups in this field. ARAI is currently working with and mentoring several start-ups in this area. Mathew mentioned that ARAI anticipates a surge of companies interested in testing their ADAS products and that they are facing challenges in allocating time slots for these companies. As a result, ARAI may need to expedite the development of the second phase of the test facility.Â
Bridging the Reality Gap
ADAS technology developed outside the country was not suitable for India, and customer experiences with these features have not been happy. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can now test their ADAS features at the ADAS Test City, situated at the ARAI Mobility Research Centre in Takwe, Talegaon. An investment of Rs 200 crore has gone into establishing this facility, spanning 20 acres. It is the first of its kind—a purpose-built pseudo-urban environment that accurately reflects Indian road networks and traffic conditions. Specifically designed for India, this facility allows for comprehensive testing and validation of ADAS technologies in a safe, secure, controlled, and repeatable environment.
To celebrate the launch of operations, ARAI hosted an ADAS Show featuring live demonstrations of various ADAS technologies. These demonstrations showcased instruments, testing protocols, and certification capabilities, covering features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, driver monitoring, pedestrian detection, night vision systems, traffic jam assist, and automatic parking.
