Autonomous driving represents a major opportunity for automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, but at the same time a fundamental technological challenge. A vehicle must be able to reliably perceive its surroundings, evaluate situations, and respond safely and efficiently. This requires a combination of state-of-the-art sensors, robust software, and precisely validated decision-making algorithms. For autonomous mobility to become a reality, systems must be tested in a controlled, repeatable, and scenario-rich environment. And this is exactly what the AUREL Proving Ground in Břehyně near Doksy provides.
A multifunctional centre for testing autonomous mobility
The AUREL Proving Ground is a multifunctional testing and innovation centre that supports the development and validation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well as higher levels of vehicle autonomy. Automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, and development centres can verify complete vehicle behaviour here – from object detection to decision-making in critical situations.
AUREL is a significant player in the field of autonomous mobility, as evidenced by professional events hosted directly at the proving ground. One example is ViL Tour 2025, the first edition of a specialised conference focused on development and validation methods for autonomous vehicles. The event, held under the motto “Vehicle-in-the-Loop”, brought together experts from the Czech Republic and Germany and presented the latest technologies connecting real and virtual testing environments. Thanks to the integration of ViL methodologies, even statistically rare or dangerous situations can be simulated and subsequently verified in a physical environment.
Specialised infrastructure for the cars of the future
The proving ground features infrastructure elements designed specifically for testing ADAS and autonomous systems. The ADAS track enables simulation of both typical and specific traffic scenarios – from emergency braking to responses to dynamic objects. Environmental simulations and modular scenarios test sensors under various lighting and weather conditions. The site also includes V2X communication, supporting the validation of cooperative systems such as warning messaging, predictive braking, and intersection monitoring.
This combination ensures a fully controlled, repeatable, and certifiable environment in which manufacturers can test and optimise the behaviour of their vehicles and systems.
Development and execution of complex test scenarios
The AUREL Proving Ground provides the development and execution of complex test scenarios across all levels of autonomy – from project management through testing and measurement to optimisation and design recommendations. Test scenarios include dynamic obstacles and various types of objects such as pedestrians, vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. Particular emphasis is placed on scenarios with limited visibility, interactions involving multiple vehicles simultaneously, and exceptional or edge-case situations that are critical for the safety of autonomous operation.
Technologies for validating sensors, software and decision-making algorithms
Testing at the AUREL Proving Ground combines physical tracks with virtual validation, making it possible to repeat critical situations and increase the number of tested scenarios. Tests cover sensors such as cameras and radars, sensor calibration, software validation, and data processing support. Virtual testing using a digital twin further expands validation capabilities while significantly reducing the financial and time demands of testing.
Decision-making algorithms – the brain of an autonomous vehicle – determine vehicle behaviour, such as when to slow down, brake, change lanes, or react to pedestrians or obstacles. They combine rule-based systems and artificial intelligence to enable fast and reliable real-time responses. For this reason, the AUREL Proving Ground tests not only sensors and software, but also the decision-making algorithms themselves, contributing to safer development of autonomous mobility.
A safer future for mobility
The AUREL Proving Ground positions itself as a key partner for automotive manufacturers and development centres working on autonomous technologies. It combines cutting-edge infrastructure, experienced experts, ViL methodology, and support for complex scenarios. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to ensuring that autonomous mobility is innovative, safe, and reliable.
The autonomous future is not created in a laboratory. It is born where reality meets data – and this is where the AUREL Proving Ground plays a key role. Come and see it for yourself “on your own wheels”.
