Testing and evaluating of automated driving systems (ADSs) under various roadway scenarios is a critical activity toward creating a safe roadway operating environment. Collaboration among ADS developers and Infrastructure Owners and Operators (IOOs) has the potential to make testing more comprehensive, enable better identification of issues and potential solutions, accelerate development and deployment of ADSs, and lead to outcomes that benefit both ADS developers and roadway stakeholders. To foster collaboration during testing, the Federal Highway Administration initiated the Collaborative Research Framework for ADS Developers and IOOs or Framework project.

The Framework was developed through engagements with and inputs from ADS developers and IOOs resulting in collection of information on how to foster stakeholder collaboration, address concerns and needs, and define collaboration elements in the research and testing process. The collaborative Framework created a taxonomy and has nine over-arching themes: collaboration, institutional/organizational issues, common ground, roles and responsibilities, automated driver, success factors, test logistics, plans, and sharing opportunities. The taxonomy and themes are applied to four test phases: pre-test, test definition, test execution, and post-test phases. The Framework identified collaboration opportunities and considerations that apply to all phases of ADS testing, and includes aids, checklists, and examples from the United States.

The Framework covers stakeholder perspectives on all types of ADS/roadway testing (simulation, test track pilots, and public road testing). The intent is to advance each stakeholder’s knowledge and information throughout testing in a way that works to advance the safe and effective integration of ADS into our roadway systems.