This paper reports on AnnieWAY, an autonomous vehicle that is capable of driving through urban scenarios and that successfully entered the finals of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge competition. After describing the main challenges imposed and the major hardware components, we outline the underlying software structure and focus on selected algorithms. Environmental perception mainly relies on a recent laser scanner that delivers both range and reflectivity measurements. Whereas range measurements are used to provide three-dimensional scene geometry, measuring reflectivity allows for robust lane marker detection. Mission and maneuver planning is conducted using a hierarchical state machine that generates behavior in accordance with California traffic laws. We conclude with a report of the results achieved during the competition. C 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This paper reports on AnnieWAY, an autonomous vehicle that is capable of driving through urban scenarios and that has successfully entered the finals of the DARPA Urban Challenge 2007 competition. After describing the main challenges imposed and the major hardware components, we outline the underlying software structure and focus on selected algorithms. Environmental perception mainly relies on a recent laser scanner which delivers both range and reflectivity measurements. While range measurements are used to provide 3D scene geometry, measuring reflectivity allows for robust lane marker detection. Mission and maneuver planning is conducted via a concurrent hierarchical state machine that generates behavior in accordance with California traffic laws. We conclude with a report of the results achieved during the competition.

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This paper presents the design of the Cognitive Automobile in Munich. The focus of the capabilities shown here is the navigation on highways and rural roads. The emphasis on higher speed requires early detection of far field objects, so a multi focal active vision with gaze control is essential. For increased robustness lidar range sensors are combined with vision using an object fusion approach. An elaborate safety concept and a verification stage ensure a safe behavior of the vehicle in all situations. A communication system enables the vehicle to perform cooperative perception and action together with similar intelligent vehicles. platform Active camera Vehicle actuators and sensors

Abstract-This paper describes the hardware and software framework of AnnieWAY, an autonomous vehicle successfully competing at all qualification stages up to the finals of the DARPA Urban Challenge 2007 competition. Besides the hardware premises for by-wire steering, braking, throttle control and sensors, two frameworks for high-level decision making and low-level control are described in detail. Furthermore, this contribution points out AnnieWAY's safety features for both unmanned competition runs and manned testing. The system proves to be flexible, expandable, and robust at the same time.