Chip-enabled Raised Pavement Markers could revolutionize Autonomous Driving [Video]

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) inch closer to mainstream adoption, the challenge of ensuring their safe and efficient operation in varying conditions remains paramount.

While advanced sensors, such as cameras and LiDAR, have been the foundation for AVs, there are significant gaps in their performance, especially in adverse weather and complex road geometries. Enter the ground-breaking research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Western Michigan University (WMU) — a cutting-edge solution that might just be the missing link: chip-enabled raised pavement markers (CERPMs).

This innovation has the potential to revolutionise how self-driving cars interpret the roads they navigate, offering a more reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution compared to current off-the-shelf computer vision systems.

The Smart Road Concept

Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on their ability to “see” their environment. Traditionally, AVs use multiple sensors such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR to detect lane markings, obstacles, and traffic conditions. While these technologies work well under ideal circumstances, they falter in less-than-perfect …