s ADAS/AD systems evolve, so do the expectations for
safety and reliability. Traditional verification and valida-
tion (V&V) strategies, which relied mainly on real-world
mileage and pre-SOP testing, are no longer sufficient to ensure
functional safety, behavioral robustness, and regulatory com-
pliance.
To statistically prove the safety of higher-level automation
functions, more than 8 billion kilometers of test driving would
be required, a volume far beyond the capabilities of even the
most advanced fleets. And even such mileage would not cover
all rare edge cases or enable generalization to scenarios that
have not yet occurred. The conclusion is evident: physical
mileage remains relevant, but it can no longer carry the burden
alone.
Validation Needs to Be Smarter and Scalable
As new or updated functionalities can be added beyond SOP
throughout the entire lifecycle, modern validation must be
continuous, reproducible, and scenario-based – a paradigm
shift for the automotive industry. Different test environments
and methodologies need to be combined within a coordinated
strategy. A multi-pillar approach, built on Software-in-the-
Loop (SiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop
(ViL), proving ground, and real-world testing, has become the
central framework for functional development, validation, and
homologation.
Each pillar has its role. Real-world testing remains vital for as-
sessing environmental complexity, sensor behavior, and long-
term durability. Virtual testing, in contrast, is indispensable for
Verification & Validation for ADAS/AD:
A Multi-Pillar Approach
for Safe and Scalable
Mobility
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