National Scenario Database
The National Scenario Database (NSDB) will contain an extensive set of test scenarios which can be used for the testing of Automated Driving Systems, either in simulation or the real-world.
“Trialling is fundamental to the safety of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) but driving billions of miles to achieve sufficient scenario coverage is not feasible and requires a better approach. Scenario sharing across the industry is gaining support as being the solution, and with this aim, the standardisation of scenario description is being worked on but we are still some way from a universal standard. This puts the system architect in a difficult position: how to design a scenario database that will support today’s standards as well as those of tomorrow? As part of UK’s Midlands Future Mobility project, we aim to address this challenge with the National Scenario Database.
The National Scenario Database (NSDB) will contain an extensive set of test scenarios which can be used for the testing of Automated Driving Systems, either in simulation or the real-world. It will contain libraries of scenarios which have been generated from the analysis of real-world accident data and through the Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) analysis of ADS, as well as allowing organisations to create scenarios in their own private libraries and collaborating with other organisations via shared libraries.
It will include a powerful search engine for identifying scenarios as a function of the Operational Design Domain, with a drag and drop user interface to make searching easy and quick. Scenarios will be downloadable in a standards based format and also accessible via an Application Programming Interface (API) so it will be possible for organisations to connect their own existing testing systems to the database. Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) leads the development of national and international standards on Operational Design Domain (ODD).
Through WMG’s leading work with the national and international standards bodies such as ISO, BSI and ASAM, the NSDB is being built to utilise standards for scenario labelling and representation which will ensure that data will be interoperable with other systems and protect organisations investment into the system.
The NSBD will be cloud hosted and accessible via any modern browser and so won’t require any on-premise installation or capital equipment purchase.
The NSDB will be part of the MFM eco-system, and will integrate with service offerings provided by the MFM partners. Allowing users to identify suitable locations along the MFM testbed routes for testing scenarios.
The National Scenario Database will be being made available soon to selected organisations for user trials and feedback. We would be keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in getting involved in this initial trial phase which will be an opportunity to help shape the future of the NSDB. Organisations can register their interest now to ensure that they are contacted when it is fully released later in the year.