MPAI Connected Autonomous Vehicle – Technologies (CAV‑TEC) – A Standard for Interoperable Autonomous Vehicle Components

The Connected Autonomous Vehicle – Technologies (CAV-TEC) standard considers a CAV as composed of three subsystems: Connected Autonomous Operation; Brakes, Motors and Wheels; and the rest of the physical vehicle. The standard specifies how the Connected Autonomous Operation can be built using standardised components that work together in a clear and interoperable way based on a Reference Model.

The Reference Model

Each Reference Model component performs a specific task, such as understanding user requests, sensing the environment, making driving decisions, or controlling the vehicle. Components exchange well defined data, so new or improved components can be developed independently while working together.

Main Functions of a CAV

The Connected Autonomous Operation performs four essential functions:

  • Interaction with humans – Understands requests and provides responses.
  • Understanding the environment – Builds a representation of the surroundings using sensor data.
  • Decision making – Plans routes and driving behaviour.
  • Vehicle control – Executes actions such as steering, braking, and acceleration.

Data and Connectivity

All components exchange data with clear structure and meaning, enabling cooperation between components of known operation, coming from different sources. A CAV can also communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and remote services. This information sharing environment improves safety and efficiency.

Open and Flexible Design

MPAI‑CAV is based on simple principles: modular and independent components, standard interfaces, locally or remotely implemented functions. This supports an open ecosystem where innovation can be ongoing, without breaking compatibility.

Benefits

The CAV-TEC standard helps:

  • Researchers to advance component technologies
  • Component manufacturers to bring standard‑conforming components to the market
  • Car manufacturers to access a global market of interchangeable components
  • Regulators to assess conformance using standard procedures
  • Users to rely on systems whose operation can be understood and explained.

Ultimately, CAV-TEC promotes a competitive market of interoperable components based on continuously improving technologies.