Simulating traffic and creating models to predict the behaviour of automated vehicles of varying degrees of autonomy seem very difficult. Thanks to several concrete examples, which were presented by Peter Sukennik, Product Manager of PTV Vissim, the audience had the chance to gain an overview of the different modelling aspects in a dedicated webinar.
The well-attended two-hour webinar gave a fascinating insight into the stochastics, driving behaviour parameters and communication of autonomous vehicles within the Vissim micro simulation model. The workshop enabled the attendees to test the tools themselves as sample models of various traffic scenarios were provided by PTV Vissim as a download. The interactive character of the workshop resulted in interesting exchanges between the expert and the audience, which even exceeded the initial timeframe of the webinar.
The first focus was set on the different parameters of a modelled autonomous car and their influences on the driving behaviour. Acceleration– and breaking capacities, as well as the behaviour during lane change can be adjusted to assess the performance of AVs in various environments.
Another interesting adjustment relates to the predictive driving, which has a significant influence on the driving capacity of the AV. If the anticipation and approximation of other vehicles in front is too low, the likelihood of a crash rose significantly.
Furthermore, the connection and interaction between vehicles was an additional focus. So-called platooning, a method allowing AVs to drive closely together on highways by following a lead car, was simulated in various environments. Pre-determined maximum distances between the platoon leader and the last car defined whether or not a platoon will dissolve or remain stable. Reasons for a termination of a platoon are intersections, cars leaving the platoon at an exit or due to other obstacles. Similar to the various opportunities to simulate intersections and relationships between AVs and normal cars, the modelling tool also provided a manifold of possibilities to simulate the formation, alteration and termination of platoons within highway traffic. Afterwards, the last 30 minutes were dedicated to questions and answers from a curious audience.
If you are interested, the entire webinar can be watched on our Youtube channel.