Uncrewed Systems Technology 047 l Aergility ATLIS l AI focus l Clevon 1 UGV l Geospatial insight l Intergeo 2022 report l AUSA 2022 report I Infinity fuel cell l BeeX A.IKANBILIS l Propellers focus I Phoenix Wings Orca

14 Platform one NI has created a unified test system architecture that allows engineers to move iteratively between data replay and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing (writes Nick Flaherty). HiL is used extensively to validate the perception, planning and control algorithms running on ECUs in autonomous driving (AD). The NI Replay and HiL AD system can combine and inject real-world road test data or simulation scenarios to test the ECUs. By providing a unified toolchain, common hardware configurations and test automation infrastructure across the development workflow, engineers can improve test coverage and so reduce the development and test times. The Replay part of the system has to feed the HiL system with external data in the same way as it would be done with the vehicle during actual test drives. This is used to increase test coverage reliability and repeatability through direct injection techniques to insert faults, frame delays and more into the sensor bitstream. The Replay element links to the AD controller through multiple I/O and automotive bus signals, with tight control over timing and data synchronisation. This also has to be adaptable for future I/O and test requirements as systems continue to add more cameras, radar, Lidar and other sensor types. NI uses an open architecture to provide full validation test coverage for AD functions, making existing data more usable throughout the entire product lifecycle. Module interface and processing cards using the PXI standard provide hardware and software fault location with nanosecond synchronisation and timing control for a reliable execution of test cases. Modular hardware generates signals to emulate radar objects, camera interfaces, vehicle bus traffic and-general purpose I/Os to test sensor fusion on the AD controller. An open software approach enables interfaces and sourcing data from IT infrastructure and cloud service providers such as Microsoft Azure, AWS and Seagate. This creates the unified test system architecture that gives the ability to move back and forth between data replay and HiL testing with the same system and a single toolchain for data recording, HiL and test coverage. Developer ZF Mobility Solutions is using the connected workflow and HiL system for AD development. Driverless cars Iterative ECUs tester Combining real-world data replay and hardware-in-the- loop testing allows ECU test times to be reduced December/January 2023 | Uncrewed Systems Technology UAV Navigation has enhanced the internal algorithms of its autopilot during the landing phase to include differential braking control of the undercarriage for fixed-wing UAVs (writes Nick Flaherty). The system ensures that the autopilot can autonomously keep the aircraft on the centreline of a runway during the braking manoeuvre. The Vector-600 autopilot is able to control an aircraft on the ground, using brakes on the undercarriage wheels in order to allow a UAV to be steered safely, even at landing speed. This is a complex operation which, if poorly executed, could lead to the brakes becoming locked up and a subsequent loss of control. The algorithm takes platform ground speed into account at each stage, applying the correct amount of braking force to ensure a safe and controlled manoeuvre. Runway landing manoeuvres for fixed- wing UAVs are critical and complex, and precise control is required to enable smooth transitions between the various stages – final approach, transition to level flight and speed reduction over the runway, the flare, initial contact with the runway and finally the braking manoeuvre – to bring them to a safe, controlled stop on the runway centreline. Some flight control computer algorithms complete an autonomous operation when the UAV touches down. Differential braking however enables the flight control solution to execute a truly complete operation of an uncrewed aircraft in a safe and reliable way. Safer landings promised Airborne vehicles Differential braking allows fixed-wing UAVs to keep to a runway’s centreline during landing