Autonomous Parking Assistance Systems are revolutionizing the way large off-highway vehicles navigate complex parking environments. Meet Rajeshbhai Dedakiya, Software Developer at Cyient, explores how advanced sensors, AI, and automation enhance safety, reduce collisions, and improve efficiency. This article delves into the impact of autonomous parking on heavy vehicle operations and the future of mobility.
There has been a significant shift in the dependency on public and private vehicles for transportation, which has soared in the last few decades. This is attributed to the vast variety and range produced by the automobile industry. Maintenance of these vehicles is critical to ensure their availability and ensure safe driving without incident. However, parking poses a problem because the chances of collision are high due to poor visibility and judgement, especially in crowded and dense places. This problem is compounded among bulky off-highway vehicles because their size and additional cabin equipment prevent the driver from seeing the parking area clearly. As a result, collisions can occur, damaging both the vehicle and surrounding property.
A recent viral video sparked a lot of interest as viewers watched a car naturally maneuver itself into a compact spot, surrounded by other vehicles. The parking was seamless and perfect. However, can this be translated to off-highway vehicles?
The Autonomous Parking Assistance System is a system/technology which helps drivers park in congested, dark areas/garages safely and accurately using multiple cameras, ultrasonic, and other sensors.
Data-driven, safer parking
A parking assistance system helps drivers analyze and assess the parking spaces more accurately to park their vehicle without collision. The system uses a combination of multiple sensors to gain an overview of the surroundings. Camera, ultrasonic and other sensors are deployed to gather data and a 360-degree view is displayed on the dashboard. This helps the driver to visualize and assess the space available as well as any obstacles present, flagged by a sound alert.
As the vehicle parking assistance system is turned on, the vehicle sensor will automatically find a suitable parking space for the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle finds this space, the driver can leave the steering, while retaining control on the accelerator and brake, as the vehicle moves into the parking space. Using ultrasonic and camera sensor inputs, the steering will park the vehicle in the parking spot with zero damage.
Types of Parking Assistance System
As illustrated in the diagram, there are two types of parking: parallel and perpendicular parking. Based on the availability of space in the parking spot, either parallel or perpendicular parking is activated. The driver is provided with assistance and the vehicle is parked using the different sensors shown in the diagram. Each of the parking types use different types of sensors for parking. In parallel parking, the back/rear and side sensors will be activated, whereas in perpendicular parking, based on the position of the vehicle, specific other sensors will be activated.
According to research and reports, 81% of the drivers who are using the assistance system park their vehicle at the perfect location when compared to drivers parking their vehicle without any assistance. Also, this system increases the parking speed on average by 10% of the total time taken, according to test reports.
Autonomous parking technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. The model is trained on huge datasets of different types of environments and parking, and is then deployed into the vehicle. Sensor outputs are provided to the model, and it delivers instructions to steering. In a fully autonomous parking system, it also gives instruction/signals to the accelerator and brakes, and based on these signals the vehicle moves to park itself into the chosen parking space.
Case study: Off Road Heavy Vehicle Parking Scenario
Off-road vehicles such as wheel loaders, rigid dump trucks, mining trucks, scrappers, and load haul dumpers are generally considered large-sized vehicles. Driver cabins in these vehicles are quite small and compact and loaded with a wide array of equipment which help the driver operate the vehicle. It is difficult for the driver to see ahead or behind the vehicle, and parking becomes difficult to judge. This proves a huge challenge to park accurately without an accident. For example, a large wheel loader has buckets attached at the ends of the vehicle, and while driving, the driver has very little knowledge of what is present right in front of or behind the buckets. This results in a high chance of collision. To avoid collisions, multiple sensors placed in different positions on the vehicle help the driver see surrounding objects. A parking assistance system becomes a great advantage for the driver in this case, as he can rely on system information and park the vehicle without an accident.
As we move towards autonomous vehicles, the need for improved parking becomes paramount. Off-Highway vehicles are no different. The increasing growth of their movement has fostered a need to empower these vehicles with better technology and autonomous parking is among the key elements from both, a safety and convenience point of view.
