Automotive Industry Insights

Homologation and the Transforming Role of Technical Services

Out of the lab onto the road?

The New Assessment/Test Method for Automated Driving (NATM) published in February 2021 provides a framework composed of a scenarios catalog and five validation methodologies to which this report refers, underlining the fact that the homologation process will develop further over time. While future strategies and type approval for new vehicles and ADAS functions will vary, the common denominator is certain: today and tomorrow the assessment of an ADS and its ability to demonstrate safe behavior when operating in the real world needs to combine three pillars; real-world testing, physical certification tests, and extensive auditing.

The high complexity of the driving task and the quest for the best approach require a technical inspection to go beyond a static set of test cases. Additionally, the complexity of the automation systems in terms of architecture and components require checks beyond a static set of technical checklist items. To complement well-established static test cases, checks of procedures and fulfillment of objectives are needed (e.g. through audits).