UN R79 — Supplement 6 to the 04 series of amendments

Paragraph 5.8. has steering equipment requirements for vehicles with an ADS, other than Automated Lane Keeping Systems as defined in UN Regulation No. 157. Paragraph 5.8.1. gives the conditions under which an ADS may control the vehicle's steering equipment. At the time of the application for approval, the manufacturer must declare compliance with paragraph 5.8.1. Whilst the ADS is active, compliance with the applicable performance requirements of this Regulation must be demonstrated in accordance with Annex 6 (paragraph 5.8.2.). Under paragraph 5.8.2.1., the transmission links between the ADS and the steering equipment, excluding the ADS itself, are subject to the requirements of Annex 6.

Whilst the ADS is active, detected faults as described in paragraph 5.4. must be transmitted to the ADS (paragraph 5.8.3.). Paragraph 5.8.3.1. covers faults which impair the steering function and which a driver can detect under manual driving conditions. A driver can detect these faults due to vibration in the steering system or an increase in the steering force. Notwithstanding paragraph 5.4.1.1., the steering system must detect these faults and transmit them to the ADS, unless the ADS itself can detect or sense them.

New paragraph 2.11. defines an ADS as the vehicle hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire DDT on a sustained basis. New paragraph 2.11.1. defines the DDT as the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate the vehicle. Paragraph 2.10. now reads “(reserved)”. Before, paragraph 2.10. defined “Driver Control Assistance System (DCAS)”. Annex 1 has a new item 5.6.: “Vehicle is equipped with an ADS: yes/no”.

This Regulation does not apply to vehicles of Categories M and N without manual steering controls intended for use during normal operation (new paragraph 1.2.4.). Paragraph 1.2.3. now excludes steering systems with ACSF of Categories B2, D or E until specific provisions are introduced in this Regulation. Before, paragraph 1.2.3. named ACSF of Category B2 or E. A footnote that refers to the R.E.3 definitions now cites document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.7 instead of Rev.6.

The definition of “Steering control” (paragraph 2.3.1.) now says the part is “directly actuated by a driver”. Before, the definition said the steering control may be operated with or without direct intervention of the driver. For operation without direct intervention of the driver, the new text gives the example of action by an Advanced Driver Assistance Steering System or ADS. The definition of “Autonomous Steering System” (paragraph 2.3.3.) now adds the words “other than an ADS”. A new paragraph of the Introduction is about the approval of vehicles with an ADS which are also equipped with manual driving controls. In the Introduction, the words “unless these functions meet the definition of an ADS” are added to the paragraph on steering control by external signals.

The requirements of paragraph 5.1.3. now also do not apply to steering being controlled by an ADS. As before, they do not apply to systems that incorporate an automatically commanded or corrective steering function, or to ASE. In the sentence on full power steering, “low speed” now reads “low-speed” and “15 km/h” now reads “15km/h”.

In the RCP definition (paragraph 2.4.8.), the actuation is now made in close proximity to the vehicle or the vehicle combination. The SRCPmax definition (paragraph 2.4.9.) now adds “or of the contour of both vehicles in case of vehicle combination” after “the motor vehicle”. If RCP is designed to operate in combination with a trailer, the manufacturer must demonstrate four points to the Technical Service (new paragraph 5.6.1.2.10.). Two points are how the safety of this operation is ensured and how SRCPmax is enforced for different trailer lengths. The other two points are how sensing is achieved with the trailer in place and, if applicable, how additional sensing capabilities are implemented.