Project Summary
In-wheel motors (IWMs) have become a mature technology that is well-suited for new user-centric electric vehicles (EVs). IWMs can be integrated in multi-functional and controllable modules consisting of the electric powertrain, friction brake and suspension/steering actuation. By combining several vehicle functionalities in a compact solution, the modules offer substantial opportunities to enhance the design and the operation of EVs.
This is the starting point of the SmartCorners project. Using machine learning and AI, an adaptive multilayer control strategy will be implemented with historical and current data from the vehicle, its environment, and users, including relevant EV fleets. This approach will pave the way toward software-defined vehicles, ena-bling rightsizing, holistic optimisation, innovative fault mitigation and actuator allocation strategies as well as more efficient, adaptive, predictive, and personalised system operation.
SmartCorners will bring a so far un-explored authority level over:
- vehicle design, through skateboard-like chassis configurations;
- energy management aspects, covering pre-conditioning and predictive thermal management during EV operation;
- comfort and functional aspects, in terms of user-centric cabin thermal management, and pre-emptive vehicle body control; and
- dismantling process and recycling of the vehicle.
The development and industrialization of the project outcomes will be accelerated by comprehensive and integrated simulation, design and validation methodologies to decrease development time and cost, and support the uptake of AI-based solutions. In con-clusion, SmartCorners will provide a significant competitive advantage of the European industry and contrib-ute to achieve key strategic orientations C and A of the EU Strategic Plan.
SmartCorners is coordinated by AVL DITEST GMBH, situated in Austria, and unites 11 partners from 5 different European countries.
Project Start: 01.01.2024, 36 Months
Our Role
Armengaud Innovate GmbH is supporting the SmartCorners project in the innovation management aspects and is leading the work package on communication and dissemination.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101138110. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
