Research funding plays a key role in the digital transformation of the mobility sector in Germany. With the “Funding Guidelines for Autonomous and Connected Driving in Public Traffic” (Förderrichtlinie “Autonomes und vernetztes Fahren in öffentlichen Verkehren”, German only), the Federal Ministry of Transport is supporting application-oriented research projects. These projects are aimed at progressing autonomous and connected vehicles from trialling to regular operations and creating a digital, multi-modal, connected mobility system.

Funding Guidelines for Autonomous and Connected Driving in Public Traffic

In Germany, the digital transformation of the mobility sector is progressing quickly at all levels. Automation and connectivity have the potential to make transport safer, more environmentally friendly and more efficient. Autonomous and connected means of transport (e.g. driverless transport systems), in particular in public traffic, will be an essential component of future mobility – whether by road, rail or waterways.

The new “Funding Guidelines for Autonomous and Connected Driving in Public Traffic” is to provide financial assistance for applied research in the field of autonomous and connected driving, including interfaces with other modes of transport. The projects are designed to enhance road safety, provide efficient and low-emission mobility solutions as well as foster social inclusion and acceptance of autonomous and connected driving.

The funding is to ensure that 

• automated, autonomous and connected vehicles are progressed from trialling to regular operations and become part of a digital, multi-modal, connected mobility system;
• autonomous driving functions (Level 4 of SAE) are brought to application in regular operations;
• public visibility and acceptance of automated, autonomous and connected mobility is enhanced
• contributions are made to the optimization of the legal framework for autonomous and connected driving in public traffic;
• innovative mobility strategies enable modern, efficient, climate neutral and environmentally sound, demand-driven, reliable, accessible and affordable mobility for all; and
• technological advances provide sustainable impetus to the private sector to enhance its competitiveness and climate neutrality.

A selection of approved autonomous and connected driving projects can be found here (German only).

More information on the digital test beds can be found here.