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What is the automated lane keeping systems (ALKS) regulation?
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) UN R157 regulation sets out uniform requirements for the approval of vehicles with regard to automated lane keeping systems. The regulation guides manufacturers in the development of automated driving functions for international markets. Its strict set of criteria for passenger cars governs how ALKS should work. The ALKS regulation was implemented in 2021 when 42 countries agreed for the first time to uniform type approval requirements for automated driving functions (SAE Level 3).
The 01 series of Amendments of the UNECE R157 in January 2023 provided a further extension of the ALKS regulation. The introduction of the three UNECE regulations—UN R157, UN R155, and UN R156—gives OEMs and vehicle manufacturers a clear framework for providing cars with automated lane keeping systems to SAE Level 3. Manufacturers must comply with performance-based requirements for type approval, technical topics, audits and documentation, as well as proving ground tests and real-world conditions.
In addition to UN R157, automated lane keeping systems must be compliant with other UNECE regulations—cybersecurity (UN R155) and software updates (UN R156).
TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive services to support you to achieve compliance with ALKS regulation. Our tailored solution supports you to perform highly qualified safety inspections that ensure fulfilment with individual ALKS requirements.
Why UNECE R157 compliance for vehicles with ALKS is important
Complying with the UNECE R157 regulation allows OEMs and vehicle manufacturers to legally provide customers with ALKS. Once they have demonstrated compliance, manufacturers can sell their vehicles with ALKS in some of the world's largest automotive markets. Proving that you meet the UNECE regulation also builds trust among customers who may have doubts about ALKS safety.
Cars with automated lane keeping systems have been available for several years now. However, there was no internationally standardised approach for highly automated SAE Level 3 systems until the UNECE regulation was introduced. OEMs and vehicle manufacturers can now implement an automated driving system in series-production vehicles.
How TÜV SÜD can help you to ensure compliance with the ALKS regulation
TÜV SÜD has decades of experience of physical and virtual testing, assessing vehicle systems for functional safety and cybersecurity. We are a member of various global committees and are in continuous dialogue with approval authorities. This gives us in-depth knowledge of the UNECE regulations and how to apply them.
TÜV SÜD’s comprehensive service portfolio supports OEMs, vehicle manufacturers, and software providers with every element of the UNECE ALKS regulations. We offer you a wide range of specialised services designed to facilitate the rapid implementation of SAE Level 3 driving functionality.
Our ALKS regulation compliance services involve extensive simulation and real-world testing to validate system performance across a wide range of scenarios. This includes testing for system reliability, responsiveness and safety, in both controlled environments and public road conditions. We also provide you with technical reports that enable safety argumentations in communication with relevant committees and authorities. During the project we ensure that all key activities are handle by the same team - streamlining communication, increasing efficiency, and minimising time-to-market.
What our ALKS assessment services include
We offer a range of specialised services to help you quickly implement SAE level 3 driving functionality. This will help you to comply with UNECE regulations. Our ALKS compliance services and products have been tested and validated and are ready for successful implementation.
Our automated lane keeping systems assessment services include:
- Enabling services
- Preliminary tests
- Vehicle tests
- Comprehensive dynamic tests
Our assessment of automated driving functionality includes specialist services relating to:
- Vehicle and operational safety
- Functional safety and safety of the intended function (SOTIF)
- Cybersecurity and software updates (UN R155; UN R156)
- Physical and virtual tests
We help you to assess your plans for ALKS design and deployment:
- Methodical support in establishing processes and methods from a technical service perspective
- Early detection of weaknesses in the development phase
- Identification of thematic overlaps and interactions on technical and processual levels (e.g. functional safety, SOTIF, cybersecurity testing)
We offer long-term support to ensure you remain compliant with ALKS type approval:
- Performing ongoing conformity checks
- Issuing relevant documents and technical reports
- Evaluating the validity of the virtual methods employed
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the key features of the UNECE ALKS regulation and its 01 series of amendments?
ALKS regulation requirements include the system being capable of handling dynamic driving tasks, ensuring safe lane keeping, and enabling a seamless driver control transition. Rigorous testing is therefore required for scenarios like sudden obstacles, varying weather conditions, and interaction with other road users.
The regulation is applicable to all vehicles with class M and N ALKS, and allows a maximum effective speed up to 130km/h. Before the amendment in January 2023, the regulation was limited to M1 class vehicles and a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The amendment 01 of regulation UN R157 also enables lane changes through the ALKS and the possibility of use with vehicle combinations.
Automated lane keeping systems are now allowed to control the lateral and longitudinal movements of the vehicle on highway-like roads. Drivers no longer need to keep their hands on the steering wheel or otherwise prove attentiveness. However, drivers should be able to take back control within a defined period, if prompted to do so by the lane keeping system. The regulation also encourages innovation through the integration of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
How does ALKS regulation impact autonomous vehicle development and testing?
The ALKS regulation requires manufacturers to meet stringent safety and performance standards for development and testing. Test procedure requirements relate to reliability, environmental adaptability, and human-machine interface capabilities. These stringent requirements mean that to ensure compliance system developers must integrate comprehensive validation protocols. If manufacturers successfully align development practices with ALKS regulatory requirements, the result will be safer and more reliable autonomous systems that fast-track autonomous vehicle deployment in the market.
How does the ALKS regulation ensure the safety of autonomous driving systems?
To ensure that their autonomous systems operate safely, the ALKS regulation obliges manufacturers to put in place rigorous safety protocols and performance standards. For example, redundant systems must be integrated to control system failures. Advanced sensors are required to ensure that automated lane keeping systems have environmental awareness. To optimise driver communication, robust human-machine interfaces must also be integrated. Extensive tests under various conditions must also be conducted to validate ALKS reliability and effectiveness.
How does the ALKS regulation influence the future of autonomous driving technology?
The regulation was the first major step in introducing global standards that promote a roadmap for advanced autonomous functions in vehicles. It sets clear standards and requirements for Level 3 autonomous systems. Such stringent standards create market acceptance, accelerating the adoption of autonomous vehicles and encouraging investment in new technologies. As technology innovation is increasingly promoted across the global market, so we will see advancements in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and system reliability.
How does ALKS influence the vehicle’s operational design domain (ODD)?
ALKS can only be safely activated under specific conditions, such as particular types of roads, speed limits, and environmental conditions. Manufacturers are required to define and test the ODD, to ensure safe and reliable operation of automated lane keeping systems within these parameters.
What are the implications of ALKS for vehicle cybersecurity?
To protect against unauthorised access to an ALKS, and ensure safe and reliable operation, robust cybersecurity measures must be in place. Manufacturers must therefore undertake encryption protocols, routine and consistent security updates, and full vulnerability assessments.
How does the ALKS regulation align with other global autonomous driving standards?
In addition to UN R157, the ALKS system must be compliant with other UNECE regulations – cybersecurity (UN R155) and software updates (UN R156). It aligns well with other global autonomous driving standards and allows for regional regulatory approaches and market conditions. Vehicle manufacturers must therefore understand the broader context of international regulations and standards to streamline certification and ALKS deployment.
