About - Code of Practice

About the Code of Practice for the Development of Connected Automated Driving Functions (CoP-CADF)

The Code of Practice for the Development of Connected Automated Driving Functions (CoP-CADF), presented by Hi-Drive, is an evolved framework designed to guide the development of automated driving technologies.

Purpose and Utilization
The primary aim of the CoP-CADF is to support developers in the field of connected automated driving (mainly SAE Level 3 and Level 4) by providing a structured set of considerations essential for the development process. It does not offer technical solutions directly but ensures that key aspects of development are thoroughly contemplated and documented. This helps in fostering a systematic approach to the complexities involved in creating safe and effective automated driving functions.

How to Use the CoP-CADF
The CoP-CADF serves as a reference and checklist for developers, promoting awareness and thorough examination of various factors crucial to automated driving. Users are encouraged to reflect on the questions posed by the CoP-CADF, document their decisions, and address how specific topics have been handled throughout the development stages. The intention is to create a comprehensive record that can guide future developments and ensure transparency in the decision-making process.
This resource is adaptable and can be integrated into existing development workflows or used as a standalone guide. It is designed to be flexible, acknowledging that not all questions will be relevant to every project and that different answers may be appropriate depending on the specific context and requirements of the development effort.

Broader Scope
The CoP-CADF builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor, L3Pilot’s CoP-ADF, but now includes considerations for connected aspects in the development of automated driving functions. With this latest version by Hi-Drive, the CoP has transitioned from a printed or static PDF document to a dynamic, accessible website. This expanded scope ensures that the framework remains pertinent as the field of automated driving continues to evolve, accommodating higher levels of automation, various operational design domains, and different geographical regions.
By leveraging the CoP-CADF, developers can ensure they are considering the essential elements needed for creating reliable and safe connected automated driving functions, contributing to the advancement of this innovative technology sector.

History of the Code of Practice

The development of the Code of Practice has a rich history, beginning with the rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) at the end of the 20th century. Recognizing the potential of ADAS to significantly enhance traffic safety, early initiatives faced technical limitations and liability concerns that delayed market introduction.

RESPONSE Project (1998 – 2001)
To address these challenges, the RESPONSE project was launched. It proposed the creation of a Code of Practice for the development and validation of ADAS. These principles were established voluntarily through a consensus among all involved partners and stakeholders.

RESPONSE 2 Project (2002 – 2004)
Building on the initial RESPONSE project, RESPONSE 2 further elaborated the requirements for an ADAS Code of Practice, refining the guidelines and standards necessary for development.

RESPONSE 3 Project (2004 – 2008)
In the context of the PReVENT project, RESPONSE 3 continued this work, resulting in the final “Code of Practice for the Design and Evaluation of ADAS” (CoP-ADAS). This CoP provided the vehicle industry with the tools and a common understanding to address safety and liability issues for ADAS.

AdaptIVe Project (2014 – 2017)
As research and development advanced, new technologies emerged that could support or fully take over driving tasks in more situations. The CoP activities were revitalized within the European research project AdaptIVe, focusing on Automated Driving Functions (ADF). The RESPONSE 4 sub-project concentrated on the classification and legal aspects of AD.

L3Pilot Project (2017-2021)
The CoP-ADF in L3Pilot, focusing on Level 3 and Level 4 ADF in passenger cars, continued the tradition of the RESPONSE 3 CoP. It supported developers in overcoming the main challenges associated with ADF development.

Hi-Drive Project (2021-2025)
The latest iteration of the Code of Practice, developed by the Hi-Drive Project, builds on all previous achievements – in particular on L3Pilot – and introduces connectivity in the development of ADF. Titled “Code of Practice for Connected Automated Driving Functions” (COP-CADF), this new version features a revised structure and expands its audience to include students, researchers, young engineers, managers, and the broader general public.

The content is accessible on this universally available website, designed to enhance acceptance and engagement from the global expert community. The new web-based CoP offers increased interactivity with bookmarkable, shareable, and downloadable content, cross-platform accessibility, and improved editability. It is designed for future updates and includes clickable links to sources and multimedia elements such as graphs, images, and videos.

The Hi-Drive Project will maintain continuous engagement with the engineering community to promote and improve the CoP.