Vehicle component validation using adverse event simulation

Abstract

Validating a component of an autonomous vehicle may comprise determining, via simulation, a likelihood that operation of the component will result in an adverse event. Such simulations may be based on log data developed from real world driving events to, for example, accurately model a likelihood that a scenario will occur during real-world driving. Because adverse events may be exceedingly rare, the techniques may include modifying a probability distribution associated the likelihood that a scenario is simulated, determining a metric associated with an adverse event (e.g., a likelihood that operating the vehicle or updating a component thereof will result in an adverse event), and applying a correction to the metric based on the modification to the probability distribution.