2DNeuralVision is pioneering new technologies to enhance visibility in adverse weather conditions. The project’s research focuses on understanding the effects of rain and fog across different wavelengths and advancing sensor technology with innovations such as quantum dots and 2D-materials.

The project unites stakeholders from four different countries – including Volkswagen Group, QURV, imec, ICFO, Universität Heidelberg, Black Semiconductor, and FI Group – with the goal of commercializing cutting-edge technology with 2D-materials. One application is to enhance perception in adverse weather conditions.

The Research Problem

For drivers, heavy rain and dense fog pose significant challenges. Many have experienced the sudden loss of visibility due to a thunderstorm or the unexpected encounter with a fog bank.

These conditions are particularly common in spring and autumn, and in mountainous regions, where weather can change rapidly and reduce visibility.

This issue affects not only human vision but also the cameras that are increasingly used to assist drivers. In the future, these cameras will become even more crucial for advanced driver assistance systems and indispensable for autonomous driving.

One step forward to seeing through rain and fog 

For initial testing of sensors and technologies, Volkswagen Group Innovation collaborated with colleagues from QURV and imec visiting the newly opened PAVIN extreme weather facility in central-southern France.

Operated by Cerema, the Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility and Urban Planning, this tunnel can simulate various rain and fog conditions with different droplet sizes, fog densities, and rain intensities. This allows for testing cameras and other perception technologies under challenging yet controlled conditions.

Making it happen with effective collaboration

This effective collaboration between partners as well as with external stakeholders is important to achieve the project goals and success. This is essential to grab the project objectives and grow awareness and scientific achievements that all together have the ambition of improving in somehow citizens’ lives.

Pictures by: Volkswagen Group Innovation