Who doesn’t know the challenge: darkness, heavy rain, dense fog, or snowfall significantly impair visibility while driving. In such situations, a reliable driver assistance system is indispensable. However, most ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) face limitations under extreme weather conditions. This is precisely where the AI-SEE project came into play. Funded by PENTA-EURIPIDES², the consortium spent three and a half years developing an innovative, multilayered perception system that combines state-of-the-art sensors with advanced AI algorithms. This technology allows vehicles to accurately detect obstacles and hazards even in the most adverse weather conditions from up to 200 meters away.

On November 12, the project partners showcased their results at the closing event held at Rise-AstaZero's test site in Borås, Sweden, in front of a wide audience.

The event kicked off with a spectacle: the world’s longest indoor test track for active safety systems and autonomous technologies – the DryZone – drew gasps of admiration. The first bus of participants rolled through the large gates into the partially lit, 700-meter-long hall. Here, project coordinator Mercedes-Benz demonstrated how lost cargo, such as tires or pallets, could be detected even in challenging lighting conditions. Another station featured impressive tests using water spray.

In the outdoor area, known as the FlexZone, additional highlights were on the agenda. Some participants rode in an automated vehicle through a fog wall directly towards a dummy obstacle, experiencing firsthand how AI-SEE sensor technology precisely detected obstacles despite limited visibility. Simultaneously, attendees were introduced to the Polarization Wavefront LiDAR (PolCam) prototype, which leverages novel technologies to reconstruct scenes for improved long-range scenarios.

In addition to the live demonstrations, lectures and a poster exhibition provided further insights into the project's challenges and outcomes. The advancements made by the AI-SEE project represent a significant step toward the market launch of SAE Level 3 systems and enhance the safety of existing driver assistance systems.

EICT designed, organized, and executed the final event. During the project, EICT played a central role in project management and, as Dissemination Manager, ensured that the project results were shared with a broad audience through various channels. This included producing the results brochure, “Key Results and Findings”.

More information about the final event and the video can be found here.

Picture: ©AstaZero