Zhang Cheng (right) and his colleague Zhang Shuai test an intelligent connected vehicle at an automobile inspection center in North China's Tianjin. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Zhang Cheng has a driving ambition. He is one of the pioneering engineers in China dedicated to safety testing and the establishment of standards and regulations for intelligent driving.
Zhang, a graduate with a master's degree in automotive engineering from the Dresden University of Technology in Germany, now serves as director of the National Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Tianjin).
Zhang and his team place connected vehicles into various test categories — driving-related, cockpit, and networked terminal and information security.
Testers measure the distance between an intelligent connected vehicle and a scooter during door safety tests in Tianjin. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
"The more comprehensive the test scenarios, the more scientifically sound the improvement suggestions for smart connected vehicles will be," Zhang says.
Zhang and more than 40 testers in his department have gained a stronger sense of professional identity as their work has taken on a wider scope.
"The system functions and performance of intelligent connected vehicles are directly related to the safety of passengers, other road users and pedestrians. The new profession further clarifies the potential of intelligent driving in the future smart mobility field. I believe our work will bring more possibilities for the promotion and application of smart connected vehicles," Zhang says.
Zhang Cheng installs a braking system in a smart vehicle before a test in Tianjin. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Zhang's dedication to enhancing the safety and efficiency of intelligent connected vehicles reflects the country's commitment to advancing technology in the automotive industry, ensuring a safer and more connected future on the roads. Thanks to advances in electrification, networking and intelligent transformation, along with progress in autonomous driving technologies, self-driving vehicles are gradually becoming a reality.
The concept of connected vehicles can be traced back to the 1990s. At the 1996 Chicago Auto Show, General Motors announced Project Beacon — later renamed OnStar — which was enabled by onboard sensors, and multiple intelligent algorithms.
However, the connection only allowed information flow between vehicles and operation centers. Empowered by leaps in technology, connected cars are now embarking on a new era of intelligent transport.
At the driving stimulation laboratory, Zhang Cheng (right) discusses test results with colleagues. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
This involves next-generation vehicles utilizing advanced technologies such as chips, big data and artificial intelligence. This will facilitate highly effective, safe, comfortable and energy-efficient driving, according to the National Innovation Center of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles.
As the industry develops, more professionals are becoming self-driving vehicle testers. The profession was listed as one of 19 new careers by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security earlier this year.
Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show that China has built 17 national intelligent connected vehicle testing zones and seven vehicle networking pilot zones. The country has opened more than 32,000 kilometers of test roads, issued more than 7,700 test licenses and logged more than 120 million km in testing.
Intelligent connected vehicle tester Wang Juan adjusts a mirror before a road test in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Staff members give the thumbs-up at the National Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Tianjin). [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Wang prepares for a road test in Wuhan. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Intelligent connected vehicle tester Li Cheng gives a training session in Wuhan to new employees. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
Li checks a vehicle after a road test. [Photo by SUN FANYUE AND WU ZHIZUN/XINHUA]
