Sensoric Solutions Optic and Motion, based in Wetzlar, Germany, a specialist in optical sensor technology for real-time measurement of vehicle motion and dynamics, is preparing to launch a new measurement system that captures full dynamic wheel kinematics.
The technology, named the WVS (Wheel Vector System), measures wheel position in X, Y and Z as well as camber angle, steer angle and toe, providing a complete picture of wheel motion relative to the vehicle body. The WVS will be launched at Automotive Testing Expo, which is taking place at Messe Stuttgart, Germany this week (23-25 June).
Complete wheel kinematics in a single system
While some measurement technologies for wheel kinematics require multiple separate systems or deliver only partial data, the WVS is designed to combine all relevant parameters in a compact package. Five optical encoders capture wheel motion relative to the vehicle body, and a parallelogram mechanism maintains constant horizontal alignment of the sensors, regardless of steering input or driving conditions.
Wheel-mounted sensors such as camber measurement systems or wheel speed encoders remain unaffected by steering motion. All the sensor signals are synchronised and processed through an integrator box, and then outputted via CAN or Ethernet.
The WVS is installed on the test vehicle using suction cup mounts on the body and a bearing-mounted hub adapter on the wheel, which is secured via wheel bolts using studs or clamps. Custom wheel adapters are available for special applications, such as truck wheels with stud-piloted hubs.
The building block of a modular system
Sensoric Solutions says the WVS works as a standalone system, but reaches its full potential when combined with other sensors in its product range. When paired with optical-inertial OMS sensors (speed, vehicle sideslip angle and tyre-slip angle) and the laser-based HMS system (ride height, camber, pitch and roll), it forms a fully synchronised measurement system for complete vehicle and axle dynamics testing. A single integrator box supports up to four wheels simultaneously.
All sensors are configured through the browser-based Sensoric Software Suite, with no installation or additional licence required. Data output is time-synchronised via CAN, CAN-FD or Ethernet (PTP), and integrates with existing data acquisition systems through a standardised DBC file.
You can find more details of the system in the May issue of Vehicle Dynamics International.
A wide range of applications
Key target customers for the WVS are vehicle development engineers, chassis teams and test departments that need deeper insight into wheel kinematics under real driving conditions. Typical applications include wheel kinematics analysis, suspension validation, dynamic compliance measurement, tyre development, and providing reference data for simulation and hardware-in-the-loop systems.
In motorsport, the WVS enables detection of dynamic changes in axle geometry and elastokinematics, measurement of toe and camber compliance, and comparison between static setup geometry and actual on-track geometry.
“The WVS closes the last gap in our sensor portfolio,” said Kai Gilbert, CEO of Sensoric Solutions Optic and Motion GmbH. “Our customers can now capture complete vehicle dynamics – from speed and sideslip angle to full wheel kinematics – with a single, synchronised system from one vendor. That eliminates the effort of combining and synchronising systems from multiple suppliers.”
Now available
The WVS is now available to order, with first customer deliveries scheduled for August 2026. Delivery time will be eight weeks.
Sensoric Solutions is exhibiting the WVS at Automotive Testing Expo (booth 1532).
