The automotive industry is in the midst of a profound transformation, driven by a convergence of technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. As the demand for safer, more efficient, and environmentally conscious vehicles grows, automakers are facing unprecedented challenges. This is why virtual testing and state-of-the-art software tools are coming to the fore.
VI-grade, a global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, offers an extensive suite of software tools tailored to the automotive industry. The company’s pioneering Zero Prototypes process is a virtual engineering methodology specifically developed to enable development engineers to replace physical prototypes with virtual, functional prototypes.
This innovative approach empowers automotive manufacturers to optimise vehicle performance, reduce development timelines and costs, and enhance overall product quality by conducting exhaustive design testing and validation in a virtual environment before the physical production stage. With a deep understanding of engineering dynamics and decades of individual engineering experience, VI-grade has earned a global reputation as a trusted partner for the automotive industry.
Virtual precision, realistic driving: VI-CarRealTime
VI-CarRealTime, an innovative real-time vehicle simulation environment, operates with a singular simplified vehicle model, delivering a compelling solution to the growing demand for enhanced performance optimisation. This powerful software facilitates swift and effortless execution of extensive Design of Experiments (DOE) and multi-objective optimisation studies.
Engineers can scrutinise a wide array of critical vehicle performance metrics, all within a realistic simulation environment available at an early stage of development. This realistic environment also allows OEMs and suppliers to employ simulation more extensively across a spectrum of applications. For example, diverse driving scenarios can be easily simulated, including predefind manoeuvres, custom file-driven events, MaxPerformance and others.
Where the virtual environment meets real innovation: VI-WorldSim
Within VI-WorldSim, a state-of-the-art simulation platform that creates immersive virtual environments for traffic testing and validation, engineers can gain an exceptional vantage point to explore the intricate nuances of vehicle behaviour across a multitude of scenarios. From varying weather conditions to an assortment of road surfaces and terrains, VI-WorldSim opens doors to a boundless realm of possibilities. Moreover, this versatile platform seamlessly integrates a spectrum of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras.
Bringing NVH data to life: VI-NVHSim
In the realm of acoustics, understanding and translating vehicle sound characteristics from abstract metrics such as targets, CAE results, and component-level measurements is a complex challenge. Effectively conveying the implications of NVH design decisions to stakeholders and crafting an optimal soundscape that reflects the vehicle’s brand DNA brings additional intricacies.
VI-NVHSim is designed to bring NVH data to life by enabling a tangible experience of sound and vibration. Powering a spectrum of VI-grade NVH driving simulators, VI-NVHSim serves as an open platform, seamlessly integrating with diverse third-party applications for sound design and vehicle performance models.
Conclusion
By enabling engineers to optimise vehicle performance through virtual simulations, VI-grade’s software offerings reduce development time and costs while ensuring optimal results. With its wide range of applications, from vehicle dynamics analysis to advanced technology development, VI-grade’s suite of simulation solutions is dedicated to meeting – and exceeding – the rapidly evolving needs of the automotive sector.
The integration of driving simulators enhances the overall experience, enabling human-in-the-loop testing and in-depth evaluations of vehicle behaviour and driver interactions. Adopting VI-grade software solutions and utilising them in concert with VI-grade’s driving simulators will accelerate, streamline and elevate vehicle development. Thanks to virtual testing and simulation software tools, the gap towards achieving Zero Prototypes is rapidly shrinking.
Find out more on the VI-grade website.
