REEautonomy page - market validation
First Autonomous Driving (AD) Solution on an Active Runway
Airbus UpNext has launched a research project aimed at testing autonomous taxiing for safer and more efficient airport runways. As part of this initiative, Airbus UpNext is using REE Automotive’s by-wire technology and software-defined vehicle (SDV) to develop a testbed that simulates the autonomous taxi phase of an A350-1000 aircraft at major international airports.
Developing an Autonomous Taxi Simulation Platform
Airbus UpNext is creating a platform to simulate an A350-1000 aircraft’s autonomous taxiing phase up to takeoff roll at various airports (TLS, CDG, MUC, AMS). This system integrates high-precision GPS positioning, simulated aircraft sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar) and onboard computing to evaluate the feasibility of fully automated taxiing in different environmental conditions.
Role of REE’s P7
Airbus selected REE’s electric, modular P7 vehicle for its unique REEcorner® technology, which enables steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and drive-by-wire independent wheel control, a system that mirrors the way aircrafts operate via fly-by-wire. This by-wire technology allows for precise maneuverability and real-time adaptability, making REE’s platform ideal for autonomous taxiing applications. It also seamlessly integrates into Airbus’ autonomous taxiing algorithms. Key advantages of the P7 for this project include:
- A suspension system capable of supporting weight and volume at speeds up to 60 km/h while minimizing vibration.
- A configurable drive-by-wire architecture allowing precise autonomous control and manual override as a safety precaution.
- Four-wheel electrical steering, enabling accurate simulation of A350 taxiing and takeoff roll at speeds up to 30 knots.
- The ability to power Airbus’ hardware and sensors, providing a real-world test environment for autonomous taxi algorithms.
