Partners
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Centro Ricerche Fiat S.C.p.A. (CRF)

Role in the project

CRF will be partner in SUAAVE project, giving the following main contributions:

  • Find out of requirements supporting the acceptance of Connected Automated Vehicles through focus group and survey with users of interest

  • Define the use cases and scenarios to be used during trials

  • Design and evaluate accordingly to the User Centred Design process the SUaaVE HMI from acceptance perspective at the different stages of the prototype development in usability lab and virtual driving simulator)

  • Make data analysis of different collected data (objective, subjective, qualitative) from user groups segmented by age, driving/technology experience, gender

  • Participate in communication and exploitation activities taking into account the OEM perspective

Partner description

CRF (Centro Ricerche Fiat) was established in 1978. As a focal point for research activities of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), CRF has the mission to develop and transfer innovative powertrains, vehicle systems and features, materials, processes and methodologies together with innovation expertise in order to improve the competitiveness of FCA products; represent FCA in European collaborative research programs, joining pre-competitive projects and promoting networking actions; support FCA in the protection and enhancement of intellectual property.

Also through the cooperation with a pan-European network from industry and academia, CRF conducts collaborative research initiatives at the national and international levels in partnership with all the key public and private stakeholders concerned with sustainable mobility and automotive manufacturing, targeting specifically the industrial exploitation of research. Since 1986, CRF has participated in more than 900 collaborative research projects.

CRF develops research and innovation along the three principal axes of sustainability: Environmental Sustainability, which encompasses all aspects relating to energy efficiency as well as to the reduction of the impact on the environment over the entire lifecycle of the vehicle; Social Sustainability, focusing on the safety of transportation systems through the development of active, passive, preventive and cooperative solutions while addressing the mobility of all users irrespective of their specific needs; Economically sustainable competitiveness, oriented towards viable innovation, i.e., improving the performance and functionality of new vehicles in a cost-effective manner while reducing the time-to-market of research results.

CRF beyond expertise in the following fields:

  • High efficiency engines and transmissions and advanced technologies aimed at the reduction of emissions, including alternative fuels, hybrid and electric propulsions;

  • Structural solutions for vehicle safety, lightening and energy efficiency; technologies for connected and autonomous vehicles;

  • Materials and process technologies for lightening, improvement of quality and performances, reduction of environmental impact during the product lifecycle;

  • Development and validation of technologies, systems and methodologies for manufacturing processes in synergy with the World Class Manufacturing methodology

Developed expertise in the field of Human Machine Interface/Interaction and User Experience applying the User-Centred process in the design of infotainment Systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Automated Vehicle with the aim of minimizing driving distraction and maximizing usability, acceptance and positive driver’s experience.

The CRF research activities imply strategic competences not only in the field of automotive engineering, but also in the fields of manufacturing, advanced materials, ICT and electronics, as well as a wide range of state-of-the-art laboratories and extensive test facilities, including advanced engine & vehicle testing facilities, EMC chambers, a dynamic driving simulator, a usability laboratory, the cooperative robotics and the additive manufacturing labs and the immersive virtual reality room.

CRF participates with a leading role in the European “Green Vehicle Initiative” and “Factories of the Future”, the Public Private Partnerships conceived by the European Commission in 2009 to focus public and private research on issues of direct and significant relevance to the Europe with regard to the competitiveness of industry and employment. Moreover, CRF is actively involved in key European Technology Platforms: ERTRAC (road transport), EPOSS (smart systems), ESTEP (steel technology), EUMAT (materials), MANUFUTURE (manufacturing) and NANOfutures (nanotechnologies). CRF is also supporting the Joint Technology Initiative ECSEL (Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership).