Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SUNRISE (Safety assUraNce fRamework for connected, automated mobIlity SystEms)
Reporting period: 2024-03-01 to 2025-08-31
Safety assurance of Cooperative, Connected, and Automated Mobility (CCAM) technologies and systems is a crucial factor for their successful adoption in society, yet it remains a significant challenge. It is generally acknowledged that for higher levels of automation, the validation of these systems by real test-driving would be infeasible by conventional methods. Furthermore, certification initiatives worldwide struggle to define a harmonized approach to enable massive deployment of highly connected and automated vehicles.
The SUNRISE project developed and demonstrated a Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) for CCAM systems. The overall objective of the SUNRISE project was to accelerate the safe deployment of CCAM systems. The project achieved this, by developing a European federated database framework, centralizing scenarios for testing of CCAM systems in a multitude of relevant test cases, based on a virtual harmonised simulation environment with standardised, open interfaces and quality-controlled data exchange. SUNRISE closely cooperated with other CCAM stakeholders, to align their needs and expectations as much as possible with the SAF developed in the SUNRISE project.
The SUNRISE project developed and demonstrated a Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) for CCAM systems. The overall objective of the SUNRISE project was to accelerate the safe deployment of CCAM systems. The project achieved this, by developing a European federated database framework, centralizing scenarios for testing of CCAM systems in a multitude of relevant test cases, based on a virtual harmonised simulation environment with standardised, open interfaces and quality-controlled data exchange. SUNRISE closely cooperated with other CCAM stakeholders, to align their needs and expectations as much as possible with the SAF developed in the SUNRISE project.
In its first reporting period (from September 2022 to February 2024), SUNRISE benchmarked existing international safety assurance frameworks, to be used as the basis for a new CCAM Safety Assurance Framework (SAF) developed under SUNRISE. This SAF should fulfil the needs of all key stakeholders, to the highest possible extend. At the project's midterm (in February 2024), SUNRISE completed a draft version of this SAF, which was finalized in the second reporting period (from March 2024 to August 2025) and presented to target users during the project’s Final Event in June 2025. The final SAF comprises five key parts, covering the pillars of the multi-pillar approach of NATM (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/61 2021): [1] Scenario, [2] Environment, [3] Safety Argument, [4] In-Service Monitoring and Reporting and [5] Audit.
The SUNRISE SAF consists of three main components: a [1] Method, a [2] Toolchain and a [3] Data Framework. Together with the completion of the final SAF, the final versions were finished of these main 3 components. These components are described hereafter, and represent the main results completed during the project.
A METHOD has been established to support the SAF safety argumentation. To lay a solid foundation for this method, a benchmark has been performed on existing standardization efforts and initiatives related to scenario-based safety assessment. The creation of this method also included the definition of terms related to scenarios, methods for scenario selection, sub-space creation and dynamic allocation to test instances (including virtual, hybrid and physical test environments), and a variety of metrics and rating procedures.
A TOOLCHAIN has been defined, taking the shape of a harmonised V&V simulation framework that focuses on modularity, scalability and interoperability and recommends the use of standardised data formats and open interfaces. This framework can be used to select a set of tools for safety assessment of CCAM systems, including approaches for virtual, hybrid and physical testing. Its modular structure allows for easy exchange of individual subsystems. The main subsystems include [1] a test case manager, [2] an environment simulator, [5] a subject vehicle simulator, [3] a traffic agents simulator, [4] a connectivity simulator and [6] simulation model validation.
A DATA FRAMEWORK has been designed, enabling online access, connection and harmonization of external Scenario Databases (SCDBs). This framework is devised to allow its users to perform mainly: [1] query-based extraction of all safety relevant scenarios from a wide variety of connected external databases, and [2] allocation of selected scenarios to a variety of test environments.
The SUNRISE SAF consists of three main components: a [1] Method, a [2] Toolchain and a [3] Data Framework. Together with the completion of the final SAF, the final versions were finished of these main 3 components. These components are described hereafter, and represent the main results completed during the project.
A METHOD has been established to support the SAF safety argumentation. To lay a solid foundation for this method, a benchmark has been performed on existing standardization efforts and initiatives related to scenario-based safety assessment. The creation of this method also included the definition of terms related to scenarios, methods for scenario selection, sub-space creation and dynamic allocation to test instances (including virtual, hybrid and physical test environments), and a variety of metrics and rating procedures.
A TOOLCHAIN has been defined, taking the shape of a harmonised V&V simulation framework that focuses on modularity, scalability and interoperability and recommends the use of standardised data formats and open interfaces. This framework can be used to select a set of tools for safety assessment of CCAM systems, including approaches for virtual, hybrid and physical testing. Its modular structure allows for easy exchange of individual subsystems. The main subsystems include [1] a test case manager, [2] an environment simulator, [5] a subject vehicle simulator, [3] a traffic agents simulator, [4] a connectivity simulator and [6] simulation model validation.
A DATA FRAMEWORK has been designed, enabling online access, connection and harmonization of external Scenario Databases (SCDBs). This framework is devised to allow its users to perform mainly: [1] query-based extraction of all safety relevant scenarios from a wide variety of connected external databases, and [2] allocation of selected scenarios to a variety of test environments.
During its lifespan, SUNRISE advanced beyond state-of-the-art in several areas:
1. Comprehensive stakeholder analysis (D2.1): In-depth analysis of safety assessment frameworks, identifying gaps from multiple perspectives.
2. Harmonized methodology (D3.1): Integrates best practices for CCAM safety validation, addressing fragmented approaches.
3. Data Framework requirements (D5.1): Defines requirements for a harmonized data framework, addressing the current lack of interoperability.
4. Federated scenario database (WP6): Novel approach integrating existing initiatives while preserving ownership rights.
5. Alignment and building-upon emerging standards and frameworks.
By addressing these aspects, SUNRISE provides a more comprehensive, harmonized, and future-proof approach to CCAM safety assessment than existing solutions.
Key needs to ensure further uptake and success of the SUNRISE SAF are:
1. Certain aspects of the SAF should mature in EU-funded follow-up projects and initiatives, like SYNERGIES, CERTAIN and the large-scale cross-border testbeds for autonomous vehicles (planned by the EC for 2026).
2. The SUNRISE SAF and its components should be promoted, applied and further developed by (a combination of) consortium partners. SUNRISE enabled many partners to strengthen their products and services, thereby increasing their business opportunities in the field of CCAM safety assurance.
3. Although the SUNRISE SAF requires further maturing, in its current shape it is expected to be adopted by SAF target users and twin initiatives. This uptake should be supported by SUNRISE consortium partners.
1. Comprehensive stakeholder analysis (D2.1): In-depth analysis of safety assessment frameworks, identifying gaps from multiple perspectives.
2. Harmonized methodology (D3.1): Integrates best practices for CCAM safety validation, addressing fragmented approaches.
3. Data Framework requirements (D5.1): Defines requirements for a harmonized data framework, addressing the current lack of interoperability.
4. Federated scenario database (WP6): Novel approach integrating existing initiatives while preserving ownership rights.
5. Alignment and building-upon emerging standards and frameworks.
By addressing these aspects, SUNRISE provides a more comprehensive, harmonized, and future-proof approach to CCAM safety assessment than existing solutions.
Key needs to ensure further uptake and success of the SUNRISE SAF are:
1. Certain aspects of the SAF should mature in EU-funded follow-up projects and initiatives, like SYNERGIES, CERTAIN and the large-scale cross-border testbeds for autonomous vehicles (planned by the EC for 2026).
2. The SUNRISE SAF and its components should be promoted, applied and further developed by (a combination of) consortium partners. SUNRISE enabled many partners to strengthen their products and services, thereby increasing their business opportunities in the field of CCAM safety assurance.
3. Although the SUNRISE SAF requires further maturing, in its current shape it is expected to be adopted by SAF target users and twin initiatives. This uptake should be supported by SUNRISE consortium partners.