REHEARSE-3D: A Multi-modal Emulated Rain Dataset for 3D Point Cloud De-raining

Sensor degradation poses a significant challenge in autonomous driving. During heavy rainfall, the interference from raindrops can adversely affect the quality of LiDAR point clouds, resulting in, for instance, inaccurate point measurements. This, in turn, can potentially lead to safety concerns if autonomous driving systems are not weather-aware, i.e., if they are unable to discern such changes. In this study, we release a new, large-scale, multi-modal emulated rain dataset, REHEARSE-3D, to promote research advancements in 3D point cloud de-raining. Distinct from the most relevant competitors, our dataset is unique in several respects. First, it is the largest point-wise annotated dataset, and second, it is the only one with high-resolution LiDAR data (LiDAR-256) enriched with 4D Radar point clouds logged in both daytime and nighttime conditions in a controlled weather environment. Furthermore, REHEARSE-3D involves rain-characteristic information, which is of significant value not only for sensor noise modeling but also for analyzing the impact of weather at a point level. Leveraging REHEARSE-3D, we benchmark raindrop detection and removal in fused LiDAR and 4D Radar point clouds. Our comprehensive study further evaluates the performance of various statistical and deep-learning models. Upon publication, the dataset and benchmark models will be made publicly available at: https://sporsho.github.io/REHEARSE3D.

TWICE Dataset: Digital Twin of Test Scenarios in a Controlled Environment

Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of autonomous vehicles under adverse weather remains a significant challenge. To address this, we have developed a comprehensive dataset composed of sensor data acquired in a real test track and reproduced in the laboratory for the same test scenarios. The provided dataset includes camera, radar, LiDAR, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and GPS data recorded under adverse weather conditions (rainy, night-time, and snowy conditions). We recorded test scenarios using objects of interest such as car, cyclist, truck and pedestrian -- some of which are inspired by EURONCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme). The sensor data generated in the laboratory is acquired by the execution of simulation-based tests in hardware-in-the-loop environment with the digital twin of each real test scenario. The dataset contains more than 2 hours of recording, which totals more than 280GB of data. Therefore, it is a valuable resource for researchers in the field of autonomous vehicles to test and improve their algorithms in adverse weather conditions, as well as explore the simulation-to-reality gap. The dataset is available for download at: https://twicedataset.github.io/site/