The new ALKS regulation
For the first time, 42 countries have agreed uniform type approval requirements for automated driving functions (SAE Level 3), with the adoption of an internationally valid regulation for automated lane keeping systems. This means that manufacturers now have a reliable UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) regulation to guide them in the development of automated driving functions for all internationally important markets. The UNECE regulations define a strict set of criteria for passenger cars governing how automated lane keeping systems should work.
In addition to the ALKS regulation, the UNECE has also adopted regulations concerning cybersecurity and software updates.
The introduction of these three UNECE regulations gives OEMs and vehicle manufacturers a clear framework for providing cars with lane keeping assist to SAE Level 3.
Key features of the UNECE regulations for ALKS include:
- ALKS products are limited to passenger cars with up to eight seats plus driver and only include vehicles that have a maximum speed of 60 km/h for ALKS systems.
- The ALKS system can 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 (although numerous provisions in the regulation refer to the monitoring of driver behaviour).
- Drivers should be able to take back control within a defined period of time if prompted to do so by the lane keeping system.
Why is compliance for ALKS cars important?
Complying with the UNECE regulation for ALKS will allow OEMs and vehicle manufacturers to legally provide customers with ALKS systems. Upon demonstrating ALKS compliance, manufacturers will be able to sell cars with automated lane keeping systems in some of the world's largest auto markets.
Cars with lane keeping systems have been available for several years now. However, until the UNECE regulations were introduced there was no internationally standardised approach for the more highly automated SAE Level 3 systems. The UNECE regulations for ALKS means OEMs and vehicle manufacturers can implement an automated driving system in series-production vehicles.
Showing that you meet the UNECE standards also builds trust among customers who may have doubts about the safety of automated lane keeping systems.
TÜV SÜD offers tailor-made solutions to help OEMs comply with the UNECE regulation for ALKS
TÜV SÜD has decades of experience in assessing vehicle systems for functional safety, cybersecurity and physical and virtual testing. We have been involved in testing the safety and security of automated and connected vehicles for several years and we act as your competent consultant partner. As a member of various committees, we are in continual dialogue with licencing authorities and therefore have in-depth knowledge of the UNECE regulations and how to apply them. TÜV SÜD supports OEMs, vehicle manufacturers and software providers in all matters concerning the new UNECE regulations. We offer you a wide range of specialised services designed to facilitate the rapid implementation of level 3 driving functionality in compliance with the new UN type approval regulations.
TÜV SÜD is your one-stop solution provider for compliance with UNECE regulations. By partnering with us, you will receive the following benefits:
- Our know-how of the UNECE regulations and their application is at the cutting edge in the automotive world.
- We perform highly qualified safety inspections that ensure fulfilment with the individual ALKS requirements and are able to create a range of specially tailored state-of-the-art products and services for you.
- We give you additional clarity regarding the safety status of your automated driving system.
- We are your single source service provider to ensure all key activities are handled by the same team, which streamlines communication and increases efficiency and time-to-market.
- Our ALKS compliance services and products have been tested and validated, and are ready for successful implementation.
- We provide you with technical reports that enable safety argumentations in communication with relevant committees and authorities.
Our ALKS system assessment services
TÜV SÜD helps you comply with the new UNECE regulations. We offer you a wide range of specialised services designed to facilitate the rapid implementation of SAE Level 3 driving functionality.
Our ALKS system assessment services include:
- Preliminary tests
- Vehicle tests
- Comprehensive dynamic tests
Our assessment of automated driving functionality also covers specialist services relating to:
- Functional safety
- Safety Of The Intended Function (SOTIF)
- Cybersecurity and software updates [UN-R155; UN-R156]
- Physical and virtual tests
We also help you to assess your plans for design and deployment of ALKS:
- Methodical support in the establishment of 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 also 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
If you wish to provide SAE Level 3 ALKS systems that conform to the UNECE regulations, TÜV SÜD is your one-stop partner for compliance. Contact us today to learn how we can support your ALKS type approval process.
