What is ISO 21448:2019?

ISO 21448:2019, also known as "Road vehicles - Safety of the intended functionality" is an international standard that provides guidelines for the development and assessment of safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF) in automated and autonomous vehicles. SOTIF refers to the functional safety requirements beyond the scope of ISO 26262, which primarily focuses on mitigating random hardware failures and systematic software faults.

The Importance of ISO 21448:2019

In recent years, there has been a major shift towards the development of automated and autonomous vehicles. While these technological advancements promise improved mobility and safety, they also raise concerns about potential risks and hazards. ISO 21448:2019 addresses this issue by highlighting the importance of ensuring safety not only in the functional components but also in the intended functionality of these vehicles.

Key Principles of ISO 21448:2019

ISO 21448:2019 introduces several key principles that need to be considered during the development and assessment of SOTIF. These include identifying the operational domain, analyzing the reasonably foreseeable misuse, determining the necessary risk reduction measures, focusing on the external factors and interaction with other road users, and monitoring the performance and effectiveness of the intended functionality over the lifespan of the vehicle.

Implementing ISO 21448:2019

Implementing ISO 21448:2019 requires collaboration between different stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, system providers, regulatory authorities, and testing organizations. It involves a comprehensive analysis of the intended functionality, identification of potential hazards, and the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Regular assessments, verification, and validation processes are essential to ensure compliance with the standard and to continuously improve the safety of automated and autonomous vehicles.