EUCAD 2025
The EUCAD 2025 (5th European Conference on Connected and Automated Driving) is a pivotal event in the realm of smart mobility, scheduled to take place from May 13 to May 15, 2025, at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy. Organized by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Partnership on Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) and the FAME project, this biennial conference serves as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss advancements and challenges in connected and automated mobility (CCAM).
At EUCAD 2025, the MAD Urban project was prominently featured at the DLR (German Aerospace Center) exhibition booth, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The project showcased innovative approaches to automated driving through intelligent infrastructure.MAD Urban at EUCAD 2025.
MAD Urban at EUCAD 2025
Key Demonstrations:
- U-Shift Vehicle Concept: A dynamic demonstration of the U-Shift, an autonomous, driverless, electric vehicle designed for flexible passenger and cargo transport.
- Infrastructure-Supported Automation: Live demonstrations of how infrastructure-based sensors and remote operation can guide automated vehicles safely through urban environments.
- Remote Operation Workbench: A static presentation of the backend system enabling remote management of automated vehicles, highlighting the integration of infrastructure data and vehicle control.
Technological Highlights:
- Stereo Sensors: VITRONIC presented stereo sensors used in the project for detecting traffic objects, emphasizing the role of infrastructure in enhancing vehicle perception.
- Data Management: GFT showcased the data hub and remote workstations developed for managing the large volume of data generated by infrastructure sensors and automated vehicles.
- Safety Concepts: Intel discussed new safety concepts required when shifting driving functions from vehicles to infrastructure, including emergency trajectory activation in case of communication failures.
Project Overview:
MAD Urban (Managed Automated Driving) explores a novel approach to vehicle automation by relocating core driving functions to the infrastructure, including edge and cloud systems. Sensors installed in the infrastructure continuously capture data on road users and objects, enabling the remote operation of automated vehicles within specially equipped areas. This approach aims to enhance road safety and economic viability for autonomous mobility.
The project entered the test phase in April 2025 with the installation of innovative ITS columns equipped with stereo sensors at Tostmannplatz in Braunschweig. These sensors will monitor the flow of traffic and guide automated vehicles safely through junctions.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official MAD Urban project page: MAD Urban – DLR.