Honda begins automated vehicle technology testing in San Francisco

Honda has started automated and connected vehicle technology testing at the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) in the San Francisco Bay Area, US.

The company has signed an agreement with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in conjunction with the City of Concord to use the newly branded GoMentum Station test-bed site at the CNWS in this regard.

Comprising 20 miles of paved, city-like roadway grids, buildings and other urban infrastructure, the 5,000-acre GoMentum Station will provide a realistic environment that will help to speed up the development of automated and connected vehicle technologies.

For development and testing, the Japanese company said it will use modified versions of Acura’s RLX sedan at the station.

The vehicle is integrated with new, prototype sensors and cameras, which will work hand-in hand with the array of forward, reverse and corner sensors.

The sensors enable a suite of AcuraWatch safety and driver assistive technologies on the production RLX.

CCTA executive director Randy Iwasaki said: "The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is committed to supporting innovative research that will influence transportation and enhance safety for all road users."

Honda is also in the process of deploying advanced driver-assist and early-stage automated driving technologies in existing vehicles to help improve drivers’ situational awareness.

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Image: Honda will use the GoMentum Station test-bed site for its testing project. Photo: courtesy of Honda.