A consortium of companies in Spain, including the Renault Group, have launched the R3CAV (Robust, Reliable and Resilient Connected and Automated Vehicle for people transport) project with the intent of developing future autonomous and connected vehicles. The partners are already developing an autonomous vehicle for use at the Renault Factory in Palencia, Spain, as well as conducting a variety of tests on connected systems in highly automated vehicles in the town of Alcobendas.
The project has three main aims, the first of which is development of a new Level 4 prototype vehicle, capable of operating in controlled environments and with the ability to manage complex interactions with the environment via connected infrastructure.
The group also hopes to develop a new autonomous and connected electric vehicle platform, which can be used as an adaptable and modular shuttle to transport people in the urban setting, initially with L2 autonomous capabilities then progressing to L3. The project is also looking to develop 5G communications technology for connected vehicles, such as an advanced driving assistance system.