Infotainment Systems Tester

Sensor cleaning systems for autonomous vehicles. The foundation for reliable environmental perception and functional safety Autonomous and highly automated vehicles rely on robust and precise sensor technology. This applies to passenger cars as well as commercial and work vehicles, agricultural and rail vehicles, as well as UGVs and special applications. Cameras, IR cameras, LiDAR, radar, and other sensor systems form the basis for reliable environmental perception and functional safety. It is crucial that the sensors have an unrestricted view of their surroundings at all times. Only then can they reliably perform their tasks even in rain, splash water, dust, mud, or snow. Without reliable sensor cleaning, image quality, sensor performance, and the availability of automated driving functions significantly decrease. IAV's sensor cleaning system addresses this challenge with an integrated approach of AI-based contamination detection and targeted, automated cleaning of exposed sensors. In this way, the availability, functionality, and operational safety of automated driving functions are sustainably supported both on-road and off-road. Modular sensor cleaning system for different vehicle platforms IAV is developing a modular sensor cleaning system that includes AI-based modules for real-time contamination detection, components for targeted camera and sensor cleaning, and scalable system architectures for different vehicle platforms. The modular design allows for flexible adaptation to sensor arrangement, application profile, and quantity. Cameras, IR cameras, and LiDAR systems are among the covered components. Functionally relevant contaminants are reliably detected, and appropriate cleaning measures are initiated if necessary. Coordinated components for detection, actuation, and media supply ensure that sensors remain available even under changing environmental conditions. The individual modules can be scaled, combined, or customized according to the application. Engineering, AI, and Integration from Pre-Development to Series Production The use of camera and sensor cleaning systems requires close coordination with vehicle architecture, sensor technology, and application scenarios. IAV complements the system toolkit with comprehensive engineering and integration services. These include the definition of system requirements, the design of the cleaning architecture, and the analysis of contamination and cleaning effectiveness using 3D CFD simulations. This results in application-optimized solutions from initial functional prototypes to near-series system concepts. The AI-based contamination detection analyzes sensor data from camera and LiDAR systems and identifies perception impairments early on. Different image and signal artifacts are detected and transformed into situation-dependent cleaning strategies. In multisensory architectures, cross-sensor evaluation further increases the robustness and stability of the systems, thereby creating a central prerequisite for automated and autonomous driving functions. A mobile demonstrator makes the interaction between contamination detection and sensor cleaning visible under realistic conditions and supports the joint evaluation of system concepts up to near-series applications.

IAV and partners develop autonomous shuttle for local transport. Three ID.BUZZ vehicles will be on the test track in Munich from 2026. IAV will equip them with an advanced system that enables level 4 autonomous driving. Autonomous public transport through Munich: Stadtwerke München (SWM) and its mobility subsidiary, Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), are driving forward the future of public transport. As part of the MINGA research and development project, SWM has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr (IAV), one of Germany's leading development service providers in the automotive sector. The joint goal is to test autonomous shuttles in on-demand operation, thereby laying the foundation for more flexible, efficient, and sustainable public transport. Sinaida Cordes, Deputy Managing Director of Mobility at SWM and MVG: "Autonomous vehicles can play a central role in overcoming the challenges facing public transport. We see the opportunities that autonomous vehicles can offer, particularly in view of the increasing shortage of skilled workers and the need for more flexible public transport. Together with IAV, we want to take advantage of these opportunities, test smaller vehicle sizes for their practical suitability, and further develop them in line with our needs in order to offer the best possible mobility services." "With our expertise in the field of autonomous system solutions, we are making a decisive contribution to the mobility of the future. In Munich, a hotspot of german industry, IAV is actively promoting a roadmap that will realize fully driverless driving in the near future. MINGA is an important milestone on the way to a scalable solution in the field of autonomous public transport - and IAV is the partner of choice for its implementation." Focus on autonomous mobility: The MINGA project The MINGA (Munich's automated local transport with ride pooling, solo buses, and bus platoons) research project aims to use Munich as an example to show what local transport could look like in the future. Sixteen partners from administration, research, business, and industry are working together under the consortium leadership of the Mobility Department of the City of Munich to integrate innovative mobility solutions into everyday life. By 2027, autonomous shuttles, an autonomous solo bus, and a bus platoon are to be tested under real-life conditions in various test areas. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport with 13 million euros. Mobility Officer Georg Dunkel says: "Autonomous driving is an important technology for the future of public transport in Munich in order to meet current challenges, such as finding personnel and financing the service. As the Mobility Department, we support our municipal transport company on its way to autonomous mobility services because we expect strong, positive effects for the people and the city in the long term. For citizens, autonomous on-demand services in particular offer the potential for high added value in terms of flexibility, which could also reach people who have not previously used public transport." One focus of the project is on a ride-pooling system that sets new standards through the integration of autonomous vehicles. Initially, three automated vehicles with Level 4 functionality will be deployed in the Munich district of Gern/Nymphenburg. With its complex traffic situations, this lively neighborhood offers ideal conditions for test operations. In the future, the shuttles are to be operated driverless and monitored centrally by the MVG control center and integrated into the regular public transport system - an important step towards autonomous mobility suitable for everyday use. To gain initial experience in the operation of autonomous vehicles, MVG is relying on a close research and development partnership with IAV. Based on a VW ID. Buzz, IAV is developing a high-tech shuttle with state-of-the-art sensor technology. With the self-driving software developed by the internationally active company, the vehicle can perceive its surroundings in detail and navigate safely. The combination of precise GPS data, trip data from the ridepooling software, and the recognition of real traffic conditions forms the basis for the test operation. As an important technology partner for on-demand transport, ioki GmbH is supplying the ridepooling and routing software that enables smart control of the autonomous fleet. The intelligent algorithm developed by ioki efficiently groups passengers with similar routes in one vehicle. This reduces traffic and contributes significantly to more sustainable mobility. The development focuses not only on the technological aspects, but also on the needs of passengers. In the future, the capacity of the autonomous vehicles will be increased and accessibility improved. In addition, further adjustments in passenger communication, interior design, and safety concepts are necessary to optimize autonomous vehicles for use in public transportation. Starting in 2026, the three autonomous shuttles will be tested in public road traffic. The test drives will initially be carried out without passengers, as the focus will be on commissioning and optimizing the autonomous driving system. Once operation is safe and running smoothly, citizens will have the opportunity to ride in the vehicles. Safety personnel will be on board at all times to intervene and act as contact persons for passengers. MVG will provide timely information as soon as registration for rides is possible. A prerequisite for operation is a test permit in accordance with the Ordinance on the Approval and Operation of Motor Vehicles with Autonomous Driving Functions (AFGBV). This permit allows the technology to be tested under real-world conditions, while ensuring the highest safety standards. The first test phase will focus on the technical and operational aspects of driving. Riding along will be possible during the second phase of testing. Once a date has been set, MVG will provide timely information. Further information on the project is available at mvg.de/minga and münchenunterwegs.de/minga.

At Automotive Testing Expo Europe 2025, IAV showcased its mobile high-voltage testing platform designed to simplify and speed up testing for autonomous systems and safety features.