General FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is organizing the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge?

High Tech Automotive Systems (HTAS) and TNO are the organizers of the GCDC.

What kind of organization is TNO?

TNO’s mission and strategy: To apply scientific knowledge with the aim of strengthening the innovative power of industry and government. Learn more about TNO at http://www.tno.nl/

What kind of organization is HTAS?

 HTAS stands for High Tech Automotive Systems and the organization is focused on driving guidance and efficient vehicles. HTAS drives innovation through cooperation of Industry, Knowledge Centers and Government. Learn more about HTAS at http://www.htas.nl/

What is the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge (GCDC)?

 The GCDC is a challenge in which teams from all over the world will demonstrate their cooperative vehicle-infrastructure systems.  An independent jury will decide which team has negotiated their vehicles most efficiently through a range of predetermined traffic scenarios. This challenge is a unique tool for the rapid transfer of research findings to real-life driving conditions.

What is the goal of the GCDC?

 The goal of the GCDC is to internationally accelerate the development of cooperative driving technologies.

Why is this Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge being organized by HTAS and TNO?

 HTAS, the Dutch Automotive Innovation Programme, and TNO want to demonstrate what cooperative driving can do to reduce the incidence of traffic jams, minimize CO2 emissions and prevent accidents on the road. Moreover, we believe that cooperative driving is able to increase driver comfort. In order to accelerate the development of cooperative driving technologies, we want to contribute to the development of internationally agreed communication standards.

Who is the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge intended for?

 Participants, being universities, knowledge institutions, business companies, or members of the general public.
Interested stakeholders of cooperative driving technologies (like public authorities, highway authorities, politicians, traffic management suppliers, etc.).
Public and press (trade) interested in this new technology.

How can I participate?

Send your name, organization, and email address to . Notification will be emailed when registration opens.  At that time there will be a link on our webpage, http://www.gcdc.net, to a registration form.

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What are the eligibility requirements?

 The GCDC is an open competition.  We are looking forward to participation by a diverse international community.

Can Government organizations / laboratories enter the competition?

 Yes, they can.

 

What are the benefits of participating in the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge?

This challenge is a unique opportunity to test cooperative technology in an environmentally rich set of tests which will be very similar to real traffic situations.  This competition is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your technologies and algorithms in the spirit of a competition with fellow R&D professionals from all over the world.

 

Can a university or company be on more than one team?

Yes, they can.

 

Where and when will the GCDC be held?

 The GCDC is not just one event but it is a continuing program which begins in 2009 and the finals are scheduled for 2011. In brief the time table is:

 

• 14 May 2009: first of a series of workshops in Helmond to swap ideas on rules, protocols and technology.

• 8 - 9 December 2009: the second workshop will be a further introduction to the goals and objectives of the GCDC and your second opportunity to interact with the organizing committee. There will be discussion forums during which you will be able to comment on the draft rules and discuss existing technology issues with our technical staff.
• March 2010: official subscription launch will take place, together with a demo showing the potential of cooperative driving
• 2011, third quarter: Actual highway challenge between Helmond and Eindhoven.

Why are the challenges being organized in the Netherlands?

 There is a strong need and desire in the Netherlands to solve the huge societal problems caused by traffic congestion and the Dutch government is very open to the idea of using cooperative systems as a possible solution. To demonstrate their commitment they have allowed the use of a real highway section for the challenges.

What are the prizes?

The total prize money will be approximately € 500.000,-

Can I influence the data communications protocols and the technical rules that will be used for the challenges?

 The Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge seeks early involvement from participants in setting the data communication protocol and technical rules for the challenges. Cooperative systems start with a cooperative mindset, even in a challenge.
The first opportunity to interact with the organizers will be on May 14, 2009 at our initial GCDC workshop.  Details on the workshop can be found here.

Can the teams work on their own publicity?

 The strength of this challenge is the cooperation, also in the field of publicity.
The GCDC-team will provide a basic press toolkit for all participating teams. On the website there will be a special press area were all publicity items from the GCDC and their teams will be published.