Peculiar Times Being Used to Analyze and Plan Ahead [Connected and Autonomous Vehicles]

Reports on trends and future market developments predicted for connected and autonomous vehicles. The web pilot aims to provide an online, public-facing platform for sharing automated driving system testing activities. When collecting news for this column, the author noticed a distinct absence of press releases announcing new products and services, partnerships, and field trials. Instead, already-collected data are being analyzed and annotated. Strategic plans and standards are being written, certification is being requested, and websites collecting planned activities are being launched. A few examples of practical development and collaboration can be found, but these are all anticipated to start or to be launched, and some collaborations have, instead, ended or, at least, been put on hold. The vehicle industry has paused and is using the time to plan ahead. In the meantime, smart connected things help out by, e.g., guarding prisons and sanitizing airports.