Background & Motivation:

Automated vehicles face significant challenges due to ODD constraints, including sensor limitations, inadequate behaviour prediction and reliability issues. These factors hinder their ability to function effectively in real-world scenarios, limiting their widespread adoption. iEXODDUS was initiated to address these challenges by extending ODD frameworks and enhancing automated driving systems. By integrating robust infrastructure support and advanced technologies, the project aims to push the boundaries of automation, ensuring safer and more adaptable automated mobility solutions.

What sets iEXODDUS apart from other projects?

Unlike other automated driving initiatives, iEXODDUS takes a distinctive approach by focusing on the extension of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) rather than merely developing new driving functions. By expanding existing ODDs, the project enables autonomous vehicles to navigate more diverse and complex environments, ensuring greater adaptability and reliability.

Beyond vehicle-centric automation, iEXODDUS integrates infrastructure-assisted perception and data fusion, enhancing system robustness and efficiency. This holistic approach allows for more precise decision-making and improved interaction between autonomous systems and their surroundings. Additionally, the project actively contributes to harmonised European regulatory frameworks, ensuring that extended ODDs align with legal and industry requirements, facilitating widespread adoption.

iEXODDUS is not just a research initiative — it prioritises real-world implementation by collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop and test solutions that are viable for large-scale deployment and commercialisation. To achieve this, the project leverages advanced sensor fusion and AI-driven perception, optimising vehicle decision-making under varying conditions. Digital twin technology and real-time data processing create virtual replicas of real-world environments, improving vehicle performance and traffic management. Furthermore, by focusing on cross-border compatibility and interoperability, iEXODDUS harmonises standards across European regions, enabling seamless autonomous travel.

Through a unique combination of cutting-edge AI, real-time infrastructure data, and regulatory harmonisation, iEXODDUS is paving the way for safer, more scalable and adaptable automated mobility solutions across Europe.

What problems does iEXODDUS solve?

iEXODDUS tackles critical challenges in automated driving by enhancing vehicle performance in complex scenarios such as roadworks, tunnels, and traffic accident zones — the project’s three main use cases. Current Operational Design Domain (ODD) limitations make it difficult for autonomous vehicles to navigate these situations, often requiring human intervention. By extending ODDs, iEXODDUS reduces reliance on human operators, improves road safety and enhances the reliability of automated driving systems.

 

Which technical, economic or social challenges exist?

The shift towards autonomous mobility presents various technical, economic and social challenges that must be addressed to ensure seamless transition.

Technical hurdles include the difficulty autonomous systems face in perceiving and responding to dynamic environments. Limited sensor capabilities can compromise vehicle reliability, especially in adverse conditions, while the lack of real-time data integration makes efficient traffic and infrastructure management more challenging.

From an economic perspective, traffic congestion not only increases fuel consumption but also raises operational costs for logistics and public transport. Road accidents incur significant costs due to damage, medical expenses and traffic disruption. To make automated mobility a reality, cost-effective solutions must be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure.

On a social level, safety remains a critical concern as road accidents continue to pose risks to all road users. Traffic congestion affects daily life, extending commute times and reducing overall well-being. Additionally, the public’s adoption of autonomous driving depends on its ability to demonstrate its safety, efficiency and regulation compliance.

By tackling these challenges head-on, we can pave the way for a more efficient, safe and sustainable mobility future.

 

How is iEXODDUS addressing these challenges?

With iEXODDUS, we are committed to overcoming the challenges of autonomous mobility by enhancing safety, optimising traffic efficiency and driving technological innovation.

Enhancing Safety & Road Efficiency
By improving sensor perception and decision-making algorithms, we reduce the risk of accidents and enable autonomous systems to navigate complex environments with confidence. Expanding Operational Design Domains (ODDs) ensures seamless performance in diverse conditions, while our solutions actively help reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.

Leveraging Digital Twin Technology & Real-Time Data
We harness the power of digital twins to integrate real-time data, optimising traffic flow and infrastructure management. This enables infrastructure operators to create safer and more efficient roadwork zones, contributing to a smoother and more resilient transport network.

Supporting Standardisation & Interoperability
iEXODDUS is at the forefront of developing standardised, interoperable Connected, Cooperative & Automated Mobility (CCAM) technologies which comply with European transport regulations. By ensuring cross-border compatibility, we facilitate a unified, scalable and efficient autonomous driving ecosystem across Europe.

By addressing these challenges, iEXODDUS fosters safer, more sustainable and efficient automated mobility, paving the way for a smarter and more resilient European transport system.

Features & Benefits

iEXODDUS focuses on extending Operational Design Domains (ODDs) to enhance the performance of automated driving systems in complex environments. The project’s core functions include:

Advanced Data Fusion Methods: We leverage state-of-the-art sensor fusion and perception algorithms to enhance vehicle decision-making in challenging and dynamic scenarios.

Impact Assessment on CCAM: By evaluating the effects of extended ODDs on Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM), we ensure improved safety, efficiency and seamless integration into the transport ecosystem.

Harmonisation & Legal Frameworks: We actively address regulatory challenges across Europe, providing policy recommendations that support the widespread adoption of autonomous mobility solutions.

Industry Collaboration & Real-World Demonstrations: Thanks to partnerships with key industry stakeholders, we develop and test innovative solutions in real-world environments, ensuring practical, scalable and effective advancements.

Objective 1: Expanding ODDs Through Intelligent Infrastructure and Onboard Systems

Develop and demonstrate solutions that utilise the infrastructure and advanced onboard systems to 
enhance the continuity or expansion of ODDs for connected automated vehicles.

Objective 2: Building Scalable Digital Twin Architectures for Smarter Road Transport

Analyse and create feasible systems-, data- and service-architectures for Digital Twins for road 
transport infrastructure.

Objective 3: Enabling Future-Proof CCAM Services Through Safe and Collaborative Ecosystems

Achieve future-proof and extendible CCAM services by fostering advanced and functionally safe 
collaboration between CCAM actors for the sake of ODD continuity and extension.

Objective 4: Driving Standardization and Legal Harmonization for Scalable Automated Mobility

Contribute to standardisation of vehicle- and infrastructure-side technologies as well as the harmonisation of legal frameworks, aiming for industrial collaboration and real-world demonstrations.

Objective 5: Demonstrating Real-World Applications of Extended ODDs in Mixed Traffic Environments

Develop specific real-life use case demonstrations of infrastructure-assisted extended ODD functionalities, potentially also including mixed (automated and manual) traffic elements.