Page - (000170) - in Autonomes Fahren - Technische, rechtliche und gesellschaftliche Aspekte

Autonomous Driving – Political, Legal, Social, and Sustainability Dimensions158 8.3.1.5 Summary The document, “Research and innovation for Europe’s future mobility. Developing a European transport-technology strategy” [19] is where one might expect autonomous driving to be discussed as the communication addresses research, innovation, and mobility issues. Yet, while the term ‘smart’ occurs repeatedly in the text, neither ‘autonomous’ nor ‘driverless vehicles’ are mentioned. ‘Intelligent’ and ‘automated’ are mentioned only once in the context of transport infrastructure: “Modern infrastructure will increasingly incorpo- rate new components which make it smart (intelligent, ICT-enabled and automated), green (new light and recyclable materials) and intermodal (automated terminals, hubs, and equip- ment). It will integrate the provision of alternative, low carbon fuels and innovative man- agement and operation systems” [19]. Also with regard to research and innovation, autonomous driving is not discussed in the transport-technology strategy document although it could be argued that smart mobility is related to autonomous driving. Many of the visions described in the strategic document can be seen as being linked to autonomous vehicles, such as the interdependence between information and communication technologies and the transport system. Yet the main focus is on green technologies, material substitution and ICT and the optimization of intermodal transport. Similarly, autonomous driving is not explicitly mentioned in the transport roadmap. Rather, intelligent transport systems, new communication services, and improved traffic management and information systems are seen as future opportunities to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion and it is in this context that there are calls for further research and innovation. Links are made to multimodality and optimization of the use of infra- structure. Increased automation is not discussed centrally in relation to the modernization of the automotive industry in Europe. It is not even mentioned as an explicit topic in the CARS 2020 action plan. The Directive on Intelligent Transport Systems, supported by DG Transport, targets steps to be taken towards the application of ITS and thus could be argued to touch upon aspects of autonomous driving, but does not explicitly mention the term or similar terms [24]. In summary, it can be said that while developments related to autonomous driving are mentioned in major strategic and vision documents, autonomous vehicles or autonomous driving are as such not firmly embraced by European bureaucrats or politicians. 8.3.2 Research related to autonomous driving (EU) Somewhat more attention to autonomous vehicle technologies is being paid in European- funded research projects. There are various research projects funded by EU institutions that could impact autonomous driving. eCall is an initiative to bring rapid assistance to motor- ists involved in accidents. The Galileo project is a civilian global satellite-based navigation system. TAXISAT, is a related global navigation satellite system being developed for taxis. The SARTRE project, which is funded under the European Union’s Framework 7 program,