There’s a big week ahead with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) scheduled to meet.
The group will meet for their 4th Workshop on Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The fourth GRVA workshop on ADS is scheduled on 17 and 19 December 2024.
While the online event will be closed to the public, we do know the Agenda for the event.
III. IWG on ADS progress review
The workshop will be updated on the progress made by the IWG on ADS at its fifth session (Seoul).
- This agenda item refers to the GRVA group getting an update from the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Automated Driving Systems (ADS) who had their fifth meeting in Seoul, South Korea which occured from December 9 to 13, 2024.
- Currently the session page on UNECE’s website results in a Http/1.1 Service unavailable page, but we do know what was on the agenda.
- Safety Concept and Case Draft Provisions
- In-Service Monitoring and Reporting
- Virtual Testing Credibility Assessment
- Driver Drowsiness and Distraction Warning Systems
These items will be shared with the GRVA working group.
IV. Review of the input prepared for the UN GTR on ADS
The workshop will review the input prepared by the focal points/officers of principle interest. This item discusses the documents GRVA-WS04-03 (Reg) and GRVA-WS04-04 (OPI list) as per the link – https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/GRVA-WS04-03.pdf
There are a number of comments throughout this document, on Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving System (ADS). The group are likely to discuss these.
V. Review of the input prepared for the UN Regulation on ADS
The workshop will review the input prepared by the focal points/officers of principle interest. This item refers to the documentation GRVA-WS04-05 (Reg), GRVA-WS04-06 (OPI list), GRVA-WS04-07 (OICA).
- GRVA-WS04-05 (Reg): This document likely contains regulatory proposals or the current draft of the ADS regulation that will be discussed. “GRVA” stands for the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles, a group under the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). “WS04-05” might refer to the 4th workshop’s 5th document.
- GRVA-WS04-06 (OPI list): Here, “OPI” stands for “Officers of Principal Interest.” This document would list the people or entities who are primarily responsible for or interested in the regulation’s development, detailing who these focal points or officers are.
- GRVA-WS04-07 (OICA): This document is contributed by OICA, which stands for the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. It likely includes OICA’s perspective, suggestions, or amendments to the regulation, given their stake in how new ADS regulations might affect the automotive industry.
Personally I really hope Tesla is making a submission as part of the final one, given their progress on FSD V13 and their ambitions to roll the software internationally, it’s critical that the UNECE and GRVA support their path to autonomy, while ensuring a safety bar is set.
VII. Next session
The group will also discuss the schedule for the next set of workshops slated for the first half of 2025. Given how fast things are moving, I’d hope they’d move to a monthly meeting schedule to expedite the regulation necessary to support Autonomy in Europe, but also other parts of the world that have agreed to structure legislation to match these global standards.
VIII. Report to GRVA, WP.29 and AC.3
The workshop may wish to reflect on how to provide up to date information to AC.3 and WP.29.
- Reviewing Current Practices: Assessing how information is currently disseminated to these bodies, identifying any gaps or inefficiencies in the process.
- Improving Information Flow: Developing new or enhanced methods for sharing updates, whether through digital platforms, regular briefings, or collaborative tools that ensure timely communication.
- Ensuring Accuracy and Relevance: Ensuring that the information shared is not only current but also accurate and relevant to the ongoing work of AC.3 and WP.29. This might involve setting up verification processes or engaging with experts for quality assurance.
- Adaptation to Technical Progress: Considering that regulations must adapt to technological advancements, the workshop might explore how to keep AC.3 and WP.29 informed about emerging technologies and their implications for vehicle regulation.
- Engagement and Collaboration: Encouraging more interactive sessions or workshops where members of AC.3 and WP.29 can directly engage with the latest research, innovations, or policy changes in the automotive industry.
The ultimate goal here would be to make sure that both AC.3 and WP.29 have the most current information at their disposal to make informed decisions that lead to effective, up-to-date vehicle regulations.
I wish these meetings were held in public, given their importance on the future direction of transportation. Personally, I’d love to attend the online meeting, even just to list in and cover it’s outcomes for the techAU audience.
