Navigating Autonomy: NIST CTL and the Road to Trusted Autonomous Vehicles

The transition from automation to autonomy is a significant technological leap reshaping multiple sectors—most notably the automotive industry with the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs). AVs promise to revolutionize the driving experience with safer roads, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced mobility options for communities. Communication technologies are a key enabler to realizing the full potential of AVs by improving situational awareness of the driving environment, and enabling interactions with other vehicles and pedestrians for safer and more efficient transport. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) is advancing measurement science for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications to improve public trust in these new technologies and accelerate the on-road deployment of AVs.   

A key difficulty in AV development arises from the variability of driving environments and ensuring the robustness of AI-driven perception and decision making systems in natural and adversarial conditions. An AV will encounter more on-road situations than can feasibly be tested, and there is no consensus among manufacturers on repeatable methods to measure the quality of AI driving decisions. To address these complexities, NIST CTL contributes to the development of metrics for standardized testing procedures essential for AV deployment and certification. CTL develops innovative methodologies and tools for evaluating AV performance across a broad range of scenarios, integrating simulations and synthetic data to supplement traditional real-world tests. 

Leveraging NIST frameworks such as Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Operating Envelope Specification (OES), CTL emphasizes the structured specification and rigorous testing of autonomous vehicle systems. These frameworks specifically target critical autonomy risks, including human interactions and interoperability of communications systems. Additionally, CTL researchers utilize advanced modeling and simulation methodologies to conduct integrated virtual and physical performance testing, particularly focusing on measuring the potential benefits of using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications on AV performance. NIST CTL has also developed open-source software to support the simulation of connected and autonomous systems, including extensions to the widely-used ns-3 network simulator.  

Recognizing the crucial role of standardized communication in enabling reliable Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) interactions, NIST CTL collaborates closely with SAE International to align standards and best practices. This collaboration particularly emphasizes the integration and advancement of AV communications capabilities in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. Through joint initiatives, NIST and SAE facilitate the adoption of 3GPP-based cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies, crucial for enhancing the reliability, interoperability, and scalability of V2V communications. These technologies provide low-latency, high-reliability communication channels, enabling AVs to share critical safety and operational data in real-time. By working together, NIST and SAE ensure that AV communications adhere to internationally recognized 3GPP standards, accelerating the global harmonization and implementation of V2V systems. 

Ultimately, the NIST-SAE collaboration significantly enhances AV communication technologies, strengthening both safety and operational efficiency. This partnership is instrumental in facilitating broader industry adoption, promoting international standardization, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in AV innovation.  

Through these comprehensive efforts in performance measurement, rigorous testing methodologies, and dedicated standardization projects, NIST CTL plays a pivotal role in advancing automated vehicle technologies. This work is crucial in building public trust and facilitating the safe, reliable integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday lives. By fostering innovation and standardization in autonomous vehicle technologies, NIST CTL significantly strengthens the American economy and enhances U.S. leadership in this rapidly evolving industry. These advancements not only create high-quality jobs in research and development but also attract investments, driving economic growth and ensuring that American companies remain at the forefront of global automotive innovation. 

To learn more about autonomous vehicle research at NIST, click here.