REVERE celebrates ten years

"The first challenge was finding suitable premises - with a gate large enough to bring in a truck," says Fredrik von Corswant, Centre Director at REVERE, who has been involved since the start in 2015.

REVERE is located at Lindholmen, in large brick buildings that once belonged to the shipyard industry. Here, researchers, companies and research institutes come together to develop, test, verify and demonstrate theoretical models, algorithms and technologies in real vehicles and real environments. Initially, it was a pure automotive research laboratory, but it has since developed into an environment that enables research on more advanced control systems, not only for trucks and cars, but also for boats and drones.

REVERE offers several research platforms equipped with sensors, data logging computers, communication technology and other testing equipment. All research platforms are connected to the self-developed software platform OpenDLV.

"Our activities evolve both in response to different requests and through our own initiatives. It's important that we stay up to date with what's happening in the field. We have many contacts and see the value of getting involved early in projects to understand how we can best contribute," Fredrik explains.

Successful projects with many benefits

One example of a large and successful project now reaching completion is AutoFreight. The project involves around ten partners, with Volvo Trucks as the main project leader and Chalmers coordinating the research activities.

The focus is on testing extra-long vehicle combinations, nearly 32 meters, which make it possible to transport two containers at once instead of one. The tests are conducted along the route between the Port of Gothenburg and the industrial area Viared outside Borås. It is a wide-ranging project that includes many areas where REVERE can contribute, such as energy efficiency, logistics, equipment for studying weather impacts, stability and safety, as well as particle emissions from brakes and road surfaces.

"It's a very insightful project that captures many different aspects, from the benefits of reduced energy consumption to the logistics of coupling and uncoupling trailers for unloading. It also connects various stakeholders in an excellent way, from industry and academia to organisations like the Swedish Transport Administration, which is part of the steering group," Fredrik notes.

Handling large amounts of data

In recent years, REVERE has also expanded into research within the marine environment. The lab operates a research vessel equipped with its most advanced data collection systems. It includes a range of sensors and cameras primarily used for maritime navigation research and for gathering data from real-world conditions.

With more and better equipment, data collection has become extensive, and handling these large volumes of data is a challenge in itself.

"On the boat, in addition to various sensors, we have six cameras that send high-resolution images at a high frequency. Altogether, we collect about 22 GB of data per second - meaning large hard drives fill up within minutes. That's why it's crucial to know exactly what the data will be used for," Fredrik explains.

Simulation in real environments

Researchers coming to REVERE often begin with their own simulations, but when those are later tested in real environments, they frequently discover factors that are difficult to predict - for instance, how large snowflakes can interfere with sensors, how sensor noise affects algorithms, or how reflections from wet roads can feed incorrect information to the system.

Fredrik recalls a memorable moment:
"A PhD student once came back from the test track, and I asked how it had gone. 'Not well at all,' he said, everything had gone wrong, but he added, 'we've learned a lot.' That's what I appreciate most: that they can come here and truly build on their knowledge."

Looking ahead

Fredrik has a positive outlook for the future. The research laboratory recently received continued funding from the Region Västra Götaland. Over the past ten years, the operations have evolved in step with new research projects that both shape and lay the foundation for future initiatives.

"Electrification remains a highly interesting area," says Fredrik, "particularly in relation to the development of battery technology and electric motors. We also see rapid progress in drone research - a field that's becoming increasingly relevant."

REVERE encourages interested researchers to get in touch. Since much of the necessary technology is already in place, new projects can often start up quickly.For more information, contact [email protected].

Anniversary celebration

On 26 November, REVERE will celebrate its anniversary with a lunch seminar and exhibition showcasing the various platforms and ongoing projects.

Location: FUSE Lab, Samhällsbyggnad, campus Johanneberg.

Time: The exhibition will be open from 10:00-16:00.

During the lunch seminar (12:00-13:00), visitors will get an insight into highlights from previous research, current initiatives and the future of vehicle research at Chalmers.

Register here.

Photos by photographer: Henrik Sandsjö and
Anna-Lena Lundqvist

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