Automated lane keeping systems

Automated lane keeping systems (ALKS), also described as traffic jam chauffeurs,[1] is an autonomous driving system that doesn't require driver supervision on motorways. ALKS is an international standard set out in UN-ECE regulation 157 and amounts to Level 3 vehicle automation.[2] It is essentially a more robust combination of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering assist (LCA). When activated, it allows the driver to do non-driving tasks until alerted otherwise.[3]

History

In 2021, Mercedes-Benz has received German approval for an ALKS self-driving technology complying with UN-R157 legal requirements.[4]

Mercedes-Benz says that customers will be able to buy an S-Class with the Drive Pilot technology in the first half of 2022, enabling them to drive in conditionally automated mode at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37mph) in heavy traffic or congested situations on suitable stretches of motorway in Germany.

The regulation was signed by 54 states on 22 January 2021.[5]

Entry into force in the European Union is 22 January 2022 for cars.[6]

Entry into force is planned for June 2022 for heavy vehicles.

Initially, the regulation allows for automated driving up to 60 km/h (35 mph). An amendment for an increased speed for automated driving up to 130 km/h (80 mph) is planned to enter into force from January 2023.[7]

Regulation

In all contracting countries, the date of entry into force of UNECE regulation 157 is 22 January 2021.[8]

Within six months from the date of depositary notification C.N.297.2020.TREATIES-XI.B.16 of 22 July 2020 by which the Secretary-General transmitted to the Governments of the Contracting Parties the text of draft United Nations Regulation No. 157, none of the Contracting Parties to the Agreement notified the Secretary-General of their intention not to apply the said United Nations Regulation on the date of its entry into force, under paragraphs 3 and 4 of article 1 of the Agreement. Therefore, following Article 1 (3) of the Agreement, the draft United Nations Regulation is adopted as United Nations Regulation No. 157. Per paragraphs, 3 and 4 of article 1 of the Agreement, the date of entry into force of United Nations Regulation No. 157 for all Contracting Parties is 22 January 2021.

— The Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1 February 2021[8]

Requirements

ALKS requires multiple criteria:[2]

  • driver seated, attached and available;
  • proper functioning of the Data Storage System for Automated Driving (DSSAD);
  • motorway type lane: road prohibited to pedestrians and cyclists equipped with a physical separation between the two directions of traffic;
  • other weather conditions.

Collision avoidance features

ALKS deals with some cases of collision avoidance.

ALKS defines some concepts:

Imminent collision risk describes a situation or an event which leads to a collision of the vehicle with another road user or an obstacle which cannot be avoided by a braking demand with lower than 5 m/s

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles about automated lane-keeping systems

Emergency Manoeuvre (EM) is a maneuver performed by the system in case of an event in which the vehicle is at imminent collision risk and has the purpose of avoiding or mitigating a collision.

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles about automated lane-keeping systems

The activated system shall not cause any collisions that are reasonably foreseeable and preventable. If a collision can be safely avoided without causing another one, it shall be avoided. When the vehicle is involved in a detectable collision, the vehicle shall be brought to a standstill.

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles concerning automated lane-keeping systems

The activated system shall detect the distance to the next vehicle in front as defined in paragraph 7.1.1. and shall adapt the vehicle speed to avoid collision.

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles about automated lane-keeping systems

The activated system shall be able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop behind a stationary vehicle, a stationary road user, or a blocked lane of travel to avoid a collision. This shall be ensured up to the maximum operational speed of the system.

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles concerning automated lane-keeping systems

The activated system shall avoid a collision with a leading vehicle (...)

The activated system shall avoid a collision with a cutting in the vehicle (...)

The activated system shall avoid a collision with an unobstructed crossing pedestrian in front of the vehicle.

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles concerning automated lane-keeping systems

This document clarifies the derivation process to define conditions under which automated lane-keeping systems (ALKS) shall avoid a collision

— Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles about automated lane-keeping systems, Guidance on traffic disturbance critical scenarios for ALKS

References
  1. "Under the skin: How the new automated lane system will work". Autocar. Retrieved 2022-05-23.
  2. "UN Regulation on Automated Lane Keeping Systems is milestone for safe introduction of automated vehicles in traffic" (Press release). UNECE. 2020-06-24. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  3. "Comment: Choosing the right lane for ALKS autonomy". 2022-01-24.
  4. Roberts, Gareth (2021-12-09). "Mercedes-Benz self-driving car technology approved for use". Fleet news. UK. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  5. "United Nations Regulation No. 157. Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to Automated Lane Keeping Systems". United Nations Treaty Collection. Geneva. 2020-06-24.
  6. "UN Regulation No 157 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regards to Automated Lane Keeping Systems [2021/389] PUB/2021/79". Official Journal of the European Union. 2021-03-09. 42021X0389. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  7. "UN Regulation extends automated driving up to 130 km/h in certain conditions". UNECE. 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
  8. "Agreement concerning the adoption of harmonized technical United Nations regulations for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these United Nations regulations" (PDF). Geneva: United Nations. 1958-03-20. C.N.53.2021.TREATIES-XI.B.16.157. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
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