VI-grade reports new adoption of DiM250 at major German automotive OEM
Mercedes-AMG, performance and sports car brand of Mercedes Benz, to utilize revolutionary dynamic driving simulation technology by VI-grade to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of their passenger vehicles
Marburg (Germany) April 5th, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Mercedes-AMG chose the newly developed motion platform named DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The driving simulator, equipped with an AMG car cockpit, will be installed at the Mercedes-AMG site in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in the second half of 2018 and will be used to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of all passenger vehicles developed and marketed by Mercedes-AMG.
“We are extremely excited to report the installation of our new DiM250 driving simulation technology at Mercedes-AMG”, said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, which has successfully used our VI-grade software solutions for several years already.”
Mercedes-AMG visited VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy several times before they decided to use the DiM technology. They tried the DiM technology on the Nordschleife circuit with a professional driver on an outgoing car project which is currently in the development phase.
“One of the main aspects that led to our decision to adopt the driving simulator DiM250 was that our driver was able to reproduce almost the same lap time on the simulator as in reality. We will use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics applications, therefore evaluating and optimizing the performance of our cars not only on proving grounds and racing circuits, but also on the simulator earlier in the process”, said Tobias Moers, CEO, Mercedes-AMG.
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation and is based on a patented, revolutionary design that has nine actuators. The resulting 9 degrees of freedom configuration enables to go beyond the basic six actuators design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace whilst maintaining high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as for high frequencies, as appearing in automotive chassis design. Therefore, the DiM platform enables to investigate both vehicle dynamics and ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
The DiM250 configuration provides an extended workspace with respect to the standard DiM150 configuration already installed 9 other times all over the world, guaranteeing an improved driving experience, still within the compact dimensions that characterize all DiM driving simulators.
About DiM (Driver-in-Motion)
The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is called Driver in Motion (DiM) and its kinematics has been designed, for the first time in history of motion platforms, to implement in the best possible way the motion cueing technology that has been developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators is based on a much more compact and much less expensive driving simulator architecture with respect to conventional simulators with similar workspace. Moreover, these solutions are fully scalable, meaning that it is possible to upgrade from static to dynamic simulator, reusing all components that have been already purchased. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade. For further information, please visit www.driverinmotion.com
About Saginomiya
Saginomiya is the leading provider of automatic controls and test systems in Japan as and is very highly reputed throughout the world for the quality of its products. Saginomiya started developing, manufacturing and selling test systems in 1964, expanding in several business fields such as civil engineering and construction, industrial machinery, railway services, power generation, aviation and automotive. Saginomiya’s “Dynamic Servo” has been developed as the ideal test systems utilizing state-of-the-art core technologies such as electric and hydraulic hybrids as well as a next-generation simulator. Saginomiya is highly committed to serve the needs of the most technically advanced customers in the global market. For further information, please visit http://www.saginomiya.co.jp/eng.
About VI-grade
VI-grade is the leading provider of best-in-class software products and services for advanced applications in the field of system level simulation. Together with Saginomiya, leading provider of automatic controls and test systems, and a network of selected partners, VI-grade also provides revolutionary turnkey solutions for static and dynamic driving simulation. Established in 2005, VI-grade delivers innovative solutions to streamline the development process from concept to sign-off in the transportation industry, mainly automotive, aerospace, motorcycle, motorsports and railways. With office locations in Germany, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Japan, China, and the USA, and a worldwide channel network of 20 trusted partners, VI-grade is a dynamic and growing company with a highly skilled technical team. For further information about VI-grade please visit http://www.vi-grade.com.
Caption:
Major German automotive OEM chooses DiM250, the revolutionary dynamic driving simulation technology by VI-grade, to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of their passenger vehicles.
The VI-grade Logo and all VI-grade product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of VI-grade GmbH
For further information on Mercedes-AMG, please visit https://www.mercedes-amg.com/en.html
Contact:
Gabriele Ferrarotti - Industry Manager
VI-grade Srl ▪ Via S. Francesco D'Assisi 22 ▪ 10121 Torino ▪ Italy
Phone: +39 011 19781926 ▪ Mobile: +39 349 5458021
E-Mail: gabriele.ferrarotti@vi-grade.com ▪ Skype: gabriele.ferrarotti1971
Marburg (Germany) April 5th, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Mercedes-AMG chose the newly developed motion platform named DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The driving simulator, equipped with an AMG car cockpit, will be installed at the Mercedes-AMG site in Affalterbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in the second half of 2018 and will be used to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of all passenger vehicles developed and marketed by Mercedes-AMG.
“We are extremely excited to report the installation of our new DiM250 driving simulation technology at Mercedes-AMG”, said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, which has successfully used our VI-grade software solutions for several years already.”
Mercedes-AMG visited VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy several times before they decided to use the DiM technology. They tried the DiM technology on the Nordschleife circuit with a professional driver on an outgoing car project which is currently in the development phase.
“One of the main aspects that led to our decision to adopt the driving simulator DiM250 was that our driver was able to reproduce almost the same lap time on the simulator as in reality. We will use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics applications, therefore evaluating and optimizing the performance of our cars not only on proving grounds and racing circuits, but also on the simulator earlier in the process”, said Tobias Moers, CEO, Mercedes-AMG.
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation and is based on a patented, revolutionary design that has nine actuators. The resulting 9 degrees of freedom configuration enables to go beyond the basic six actuators design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace whilst maintaining high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as for high frequencies, as appearing in automotive chassis design. Therefore, the DiM platform enables to investigate both vehicle dynamics and ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
The DiM250 configuration provides an extended workspace with respect to the standard DiM150 configuration already installed 9 other times all over the world, guaranteeing an improved driving experience, still within the compact dimensions that characterize all DiM driving simulators.
About DiM (Driver-in-Motion)
The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is called Driver in Motion (DiM) and its kinematics has been designed, for the first time in history of motion platforms, to implement in the best possible way the motion cueing technology that has been developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators is based on a much more compact and much less expensive driving simulator architecture with respect to conventional simulators with similar workspace. Moreover, these solutions are fully scalable, meaning that it is possible to upgrade from static to dynamic simulator, reusing all components that have been already purchased. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade. For further information, please visit www.driverinmotion.com
About Saginomiya
Saginomiya is the leading provider of automatic controls and test systems in Japan as and is very highly reputed throughout the world for the quality of its products. Saginomiya started developing, manufacturing and selling test systems in 1964, expanding in several business fields such as civil engineering and construction, industrial machinery, railway services, power generation, aviation and automotive. Saginomiya’s “Dynamic Servo” has been developed as the ideal test systems utilizing state-of-the-art core technologies such as electric and hydraulic hybrids as well as a next-generation simulator. Saginomiya is highly committed to serve the needs of the most technically advanced customers in the global market. For further information, please visit http://www.saginomiya.co.jp/eng.
About VI-grade
VI-grade is the leading provider of best-in-class software products and services for advanced applications in the field of system level simulation. Together with Saginomiya, leading provider of automatic controls and test systems, and a network of selected partners, VI-grade also provides revolutionary turnkey solutions for static and dynamic driving simulation. Established in 2005, VI-grade delivers innovative solutions to streamline the development process from concept to sign-off in the transportation industry, mainly automotive, aerospace, motorcycle, motorsports and railways. With office locations in Germany, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Japan, China, and the USA, and a worldwide channel network of 20 trusted partners, VI-grade is a dynamic and growing company with a highly skilled technical team. For further information about VI-grade please visit http://www.vi-grade.com.
Caption:
Major German automotive OEM chooses DiM250, the revolutionary dynamic driving simulation technology by VI-grade, to virtually optimize the dynamic behavior of their passenger vehicles.
The VI-grade Logo and all VI-grade product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of VI-grade GmbH
For further information on Mercedes-AMG, please visit https://www.mercedes-amg.com/en.html
Contact:
Gabriele Ferrarotti - Industry Manager
VI-grade Srl ▪ Via S. Francesco D'Assisi 22 ▪ 10121 Torino ▪ Italy
Phone: +39 011 19781926 ▪ Mobile: +39 349 5458021
E-Mail: gabriele.ferrarotti@vi-grade.com ▪ Skype: gabriele.ferrarotti1971
Honda R&D adopts DiM250, the revolutionary driving simulator from VI-grade and Saginomiya
Marburg, Dec 4th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced that Honda R&D selected the newly developed motion platform named DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The new dynamic platform for the driving simulator will be installed in the second half of 2018 at the Honda R&D Europe site in Offenbach, Germany.
“We expect to use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics and ride applications, as well as using it as a crucial tool to develop and test our ADAS, HMI, powertrain and autonomous driving technologies earlier in the design process”, said Yasunori Oku, Executive Vice President, Honda R&D Europe Deutschland. “The DiM250 technology will provide an ideal common development platform for our research and development activities, where all teams involved can work together in one single collaborative environment.”
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation and is based on a patented, revolutionary design that has nine actuators. The resulting 9 degrees of freedom configuration enables to go beyond the basic six actuators design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace whilst maintaining high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as for high frequencies, as appearing in automotive chassis design. Therefore, the DiM platform enables to investigate both vehicle dynamics and ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
The DIM solution as an ADAS simulation environment will support Honda R&D with a new way of developing vehicles and active control systems: it is possible to frontload activities in the development cycle when prototypes are not yet available. SIL and HIL applications are meeting each other when a driving simulator is used in the vehicle development process.
“We are delighted to report the first installation of our new DiM250 driving simulation technology at Honda R&D Europe”, said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous and successful usage of our technology at Honda R&D, helping the company to develop even better cars in a shorter time, while providing us with precious feedback to further improve our driving simulation solutions.”
The DiM250 configuration provides an extended workspace with respect to the standard DiM150 configuration already installed 9 other times all over the world, guaranteeing extended workspace and an improved driving experience, still within the compact dimensions that characterize all DiM driving simulators.
Read the press release on the Honda corporate website at this link: http://world.honda.com/worldnews/2017/4171204Driving-Simulator-Future.html
About DiM (Driver-in-Motion)
The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is called Driver in Motion (DiM) and its kinematics has been designed, for the first time in history of motion platforms, to implement in the best possible way the motion cueing technology that has been developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators are based on a much more compact and much less expensive driving simulator architecture with respect to conventional simulators with similar workspace. Moreover, these solutions are fully scalable, meaning that it is possible to upgrade from static to dynamic simulator, reusing all components that have been already purchased. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade. For further information, please visit www.driverinmotion.com
About Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH
Honda R&D Europe, with locations in Germany, Italy and England, is an integral part of the Honda organization in Europe. As part of its independent organizational structure, Honda R&D Europe cooperates with Honda's distribution centers and production facilities for the automotive and motorcycles product lines in an equal partnership. The European Honda network unites a common goal: tailor-made products for the benefit of European customers. At Honda R&D Europe, predominantly European employees develop mobility concepts for the regional markets. Conception and design of new models as well as extensive driving tests on European roads produce products with independent appearance and advanced technology. The German division of Honda R&D Europe, located in Offenbach, researches and develops technologies for cars, motorcycles, and outboard motors on a worldwide basis.
About Saginomiya
Saginomiya is the leading provider of automatic controls and test systems in Japan as and is very highly reputed throughout the world for the quality of its products. Saginomiya started developing, manufacturing and selling test systems in 1964, expanding in several business fields such as civil engineering and construction, industrial machinery, railway services, power generation, aviation and automotive. Saginomiya’s “Dynamic Servo” has been developed as the ideal test systems utilizing state-of-the-art core technologies such as electric and hydraulic hybrids as well as a next-generation simulator. Saginomiya is are highly committed to serve the needs of the most technically advanced customers in the global market. For further information, please visit http://www.saginomiya.co.jp/eng.
“We expect to use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics and ride applications, as well as using it as a crucial tool to develop and test our ADAS, HMI, powertrain and autonomous driving technologies earlier in the design process”, said Yasunori Oku, Executive Vice President, Honda R&D Europe Deutschland. “The DiM250 technology will provide an ideal common development platform for our research and development activities, where all teams involved can work together in one single collaborative environment.”
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation and is based on a patented, revolutionary design that has nine actuators. The resulting 9 degrees of freedom configuration enables to go beyond the basic six actuators design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace whilst maintaining high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as for high frequencies, as appearing in automotive chassis design. Therefore, the DiM platform enables to investigate both vehicle dynamics and ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
The DIM solution as an ADAS simulation environment will support Honda R&D with a new way of developing vehicles and active control systems: it is possible to frontload activities in the development cycle when prototypes are not yet available. SIL and HIL applications are meeting each other when a driving simulator is used in the vehicle development process.
“We are delighted to report the first installation of our new DiM250 driving simulation technology at Honda R&D Europe”, said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous and successful usage of our technology at Honda R&D, helping the company to develop even better cars in a shorter time, while providing us with precious feedback to further improve our driving simulation solutions.”
The DiM250 configuration provides an extended workspace with respect to the standard DiM150 configuration already installed 9 other times all over the world, guaranteeing extended workspace and an improved driving experience, still within the compact dimensions that characterize all DiM driving simulators.
Read the press release on the Honda corporate website at this link: http://world.honda.com/worldnews/2017/4171204Driving-Simulator-Future.html
About DiM (Driver-in-Motion)
The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is called Driver in Motion (DiM) and its kinematics has been designed, for the first time in history of motion platforms, to implement in the best possible way the motion cueing technology that has been developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators are based on a much more compact and much less expensive driving simulator architecture with respect to conventional simulators with similar workspace. Moreover, these solutions are fully scalable, meaning that it is possible to upgrade from static to dynamic simulator, reusing all components that have been already purchased. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade. For further information, please visit www.driverinmotion.com
About Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH
Honda R&D Europe, with locations in Germany, Italy and England, is an integral part of the Honda organization in Europe. As part of its independent organizational structure, Honda R&D Europe cooperates with Honda's distribution centers and production facilities for the automotive and motorcycles product lines in an equal partnership. The European Honda network unites a common goal: tailor-made products for the benefit of European customers. At Honda R&D Europe, predominantly European employees develop mobility concepts for the regional markets. Conception and design of new models as well as extensive driving tests on European roads produce products with independent appearance and advanced technology. The German division of Honda R&D Europe, located in Offenbach, researches and develops technologies for cars, motorcycles, and outboard motors on a worldwide basis.
About Saginomiya
Saginomiya is the leading provider of automatic controls and test systems in Japan as and is very highly reputed throughout the world for the quality of its products. Saginomiya started developing, manufacturing and selling test systems in 1964, expanding in several business fields such as civil engineering and construction, industrial machinery, railway services, power generation, aviation and automotive. Saginomiya’s “Dynamic Servo” has been developed as the ideal test systems utilizing state-of-the-art core technologies such as electric and hydraulic hybrids as well as a next-generation simulator. Saginomiya is are highly committed to serve the needs of the most technically advanced customers in the global market. For further information, please visit http://www.saginomiya.co.jp/eng.
VI-grade Announces the 2018 Edition of the Virtual Formula Competition
Marburg, Nov 24th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced the 2018 edition of the Virtual Formula competition.
The Virtual Formula competition is built upon the rules and regulations of the popular Formula SAE and Formula Student. The competition, now at its 9th edition, is based on the usage of VI-Motorsport, VI-grade’s interactive simulation environment for motorsport vehicle modeling and dynamic analysis. All registered teams will be granted access to a complete state-of-the-art racing simulation software to find the best set-up for their car.
The participating teams will be challenged to optimize the performance of a virtual Formula Student racecar, minimizing the lap time during a set of SAE compliant dynamic events. The competition will be won by the team that will score the overall best ranking on the given circuit.
In order to fully support all different vehicle configurations, and in line with the rules and regulations of the Formula Student events, this year's Virtual Formula edition will feature two different competitions, one reserved to combustion engines and one dedicated to electric drivetrain.
The team results will be evaluated by a technical committee formed by vehicle dynamicists. The winning team will be awarded with a complete software package including multiple user access to the VI-Motorsport technology. Additional prizes will be announced soon.
More information about the vehicle model, rules and regulations and the timewise alignment with our next Users Conference in May 2018 will be announced separately on the dedicated website https://virtualformula.vi-grade.com as well as on the dedicated Facebook page available at this link: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualFormula
The Virtual Formula competition is built upon the rules and regulations of the popular Formula SAE and Formula Student. The competition, now at its 9th edition, is based on the usage of VI-Motorsport, VI-grade’s interactive simulation environment for motorsport vehicle modeling and dynamic analysis. All registered teams will be granted access to a complete state-of-the-art racing simulation software to find the best set-up for their car.
The participating teams will be challenged to optimize the performance of a virtual Formula Student racecar, minimizing the lap time during a set of SAE compliant dynamic events. The competition will be won by the team that will score the overall best ranking on the given circuit.
In order to fully support all different vehicle configurations, and in line with the rules and regulations of the Formula Student events, this year's Virtual Formula edition will feature two different competitions, one reserved to combustion engines and one dedicated to electric drivetrain.
The team results will be evaluated by a technical committee formed by vehicle dynamicists. The winning team will be awarded with a complete software package including multiple user access to the VI-Motorsport technology. Additional prizes will be announced soon.
More information about the vehicle model, rules and regulations and the timewise alignment with our next Users Conference in May 2018 will be announced separately on the dedicated website https://virtualformula.vi-grade.com as well as on the dedicated Facebook page available at this link: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualFormula
VI-grade Announces 2018 Edition of its Users Conference
MARBURG (Germany), November 15th, 2017 – VI-grade, the leading provider of best-in-class products and services to bridge the gap between real world testing and technical simulation, today announced the 2018 edition of its International Users Conference.
The event, dedicated to executive managers and experienced engineers belonging to the main automotive and transportation companies, universities and research centers from all over the world, will be held on May 8th-9th, 2018 at the LA PISTA conference center and proving ground, located in the city of Lainate, Italy (in the outskirts of Milan).
The conference will offer to the VI-grade international users community the possibility of discussing the latest simulation trends related to system-level virtual engineering, hardware-in-the-loop, controls and driving simulation. Particular attention will be once again given to VI-grade’s current solutions and development plans for real-time simulation, HIL, SIL, traffic simulation and ADAS, autonomous driving, vehicle energy efficiency and tire modeling. The event will offer keynote and technical papers, podium discussions and workshops, as well as an interesting technical showcase area in which VI-grade and its partners will present their solutions.
The 2018 event will also feature an Ice Breaker social event in the afternoon of May 7th in the same location, where all customers/partners will be invited for an informal get-together and to learn more about the new and forthcoming driving simulation technologies provided by VI-grade and partners.
“Building up on the success of the previous events, we are extremely happy to announce the 2018 edition of our Users Conference, confirming our intent of organizing for our user’s community one major event per year” said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to providing to our international users the chance of sharing their latest projects and advancements with our simulation solutions in front of an experienced audience.”
“After a very successful 2017 edition in the city of Turin, Italy, which marked for the first time the milestone of over 200 participants, we are proud of having the chance to host the 2018 edition of our Users Conference once again in Italy” said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “The selected location, featuring a proving ground embedded in the conference venue, will provide an ideal setting for all presenters and participants to elaborate on our corporate vision of “bridging the gap” between testing and simulation. We are looking forward to welcoming in Milan a growing number of participants!”
Additional details on the conference program, workshops, location and registration for the event as well as the call for papers will be progressively published at this link: www.vi-gradeUC.com
The event, dedicated to executive managers and experienced engineers belonging to the main automotive and transportation companies, universities and research centers from all over the world, will be held on May 8th-9th, 2018 at the LA PISTA conference center and proving ground, located in the city of Lainate, Italy (in the outskirts of Milan).
The conference will offer to the VI-grade international users community the possibility of discussing the latest simulation trends related to system-level virtual engineering, hardware-in-the-loop, controls and driving simulation. Particular attention will be once again given to VI-grade’s current solutions and development plans for real-time simulation, HIL, SIL, traffic simulation and ADAS, autonomous driving, vehicle energy efficiency and tire modeling. The event will offer keynote and technical papers, podium discussions and workshops, as well as an interesting technical showcase area in which VI-grade and its partners will present their solutions.
The 2018 event will also feature an Ice Breaker social event in the afternoon of May 7th in the same location, where all customers/partners will be invited for an informal get-together and to learn more about the new and forthcoming driving simulation technologies provided by VI-grade and partners.
“Building up on the success of the previous events, we are extremely happy to announce the 2018 edition of our Users Conference, confirming our intent of organizing for our user’s community one major event per year” said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to providing to our international users the chance of sharing their latest projects and advancements with our simulation solutions in front of an experienced audience.”
“After a very successful 2017 edition in the city of Turin, Italy, which marked for the first time the milestone of over 200 participants, we are proud of having the chance to host the 2018 edition of our Users Conference once again in Italy” said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “The selected location, featuring a proving ground embedded in the conference venue, will provide an ideal setting for all presenters and participants to elaborate on our corporate vision of “bridging the gap” between testing and simulation. We are looking forward to welcoming in Milan a growing number of participants!”
Additional details on the conference program, workshops, location and registration for the event as well as the call for papers will be progressively published at this link: www.vi-gradeUC.com
VI-grade signs agreement with Applus+ IDIADA to deliver virtual proving ground data for offline and online simulations
Marburg, Nov 13th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced an agreement with Applus+ IDIADA, leading company specializing in providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services to the automotive industry, to model and distribute on a worldwide basis their Virtual Proving Ground. Thanks to this agreement, it will be possible to use road data files and graphic scenarios both for offline (on software products such as VI-CarRealTime from VI-grade for real-time vehicle dynamics simulation as well as MSC Adams) and online (on all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade) simulations.
In detail, the test tracks that have already been laser scanned by Applus+ IDIADA will be converted by VI-grade in road data files and high resolution graphic files, in order to be seamlessly used with software products VI-CarRealTime and MSC Adams as well as with VI-GraphSim, the graphic engine of VI-grade’s driving simulators (compact, static and DiM).
“Thanks to this technical and commercial partnership, we expect to further increase our competitiveness in the field of both offline and online automotive simulations” said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “This partnership provides yet another classic example of our mission of bridging the gap between testing and simulation and therefore fits very well with our corporate strategy. Customers can now work with Applus+ IDIADA to prepare their vehicle tests on virtual tracks on driving simulators: the same tests can then be executed on real proving ground for further validation. We are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with Applus+ IDIADA!”
“Having the possibility to offer to our customers also a virtual version of our Proving Ground will open up new business opportunities for Applus+ IDIADA” said Javier Gutierrez, Project Manager. “Simulation tools and driving simulators are becoming more and more instrumental in the vehicle development process and we, at Applus+ IDIADA, are always keen to offer to our leading customers top-edge technologies to support them in their development and testing activities.”
About Applus+ IDIADA
Applus+ IDIADA offers design, testing, engineering, and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide. Its reputation is founded on the expertise of an international team of more than 2,200 engineers and technical experts, first class facilities, client focus and a constant drive towards innovation. An international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries ensures that customers receive a fast and personalized service. The company supports its clients in their product development activities by providing them with engineering, testing and homologation services that fit their needs.
In detail, the test tracks that have already been laser scanned by Applus+ IDIADA will be converted by VI-grade in road data files and high resolution graphic files, in order to be seamlessly used with software products VI-CarRealTime and MSC Adams as well as with VI-GraphSim, the graphic engine of VI-grade’s driving simulators (compact, static and DiM).
“Thanks to this technical and commercial partnership, we expect to further increase our competitiveness in the field of both offline and online automotive simulations” said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “This partnership provides yet another classic example of our mission of bridging the gap between testing and simulation and therefore fits very well with our corporate strategy. Customers can now work with Applus+ IDIADA to prepare their vehicle tests on virtual tracks on driving simulators: the same tests can then be executed on real proving ground for further validation. We are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with Applus+ IDIADA!”
“Having the possibility to offer to our customers also a virtual version of our Proving Ground will open up new business opportunities for Applus+ IDIADA” said Javier Gutierrez, Project Manager. “Simulation tools and driving simulators are becoming more and more instrumental in the vehicle development process and we, at Applus+ IDIADA, are always keen to offer to our leading customers top-edge technologies to support them in their development and testing activities.”
About Applus+ IDIADA
Applus+ IDIADA offers design, testing, engineering, and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide. Its reputation is founded on the expertise of an international team of more than 2,200 engineers and technical experts, first class facilities, client focus and a constant drive towards innovation. An international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries ensures that customers receive a fast and personalized service. The company supports its clients in their product development activities by providing them with engineering, testing and homologation services that fit their needs.
VI-grade releases v18.0 product suite
Marburg, Sep 26th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced the release of v18.0 of its software product suite. The release includes major product features and several usability enhancements in the following products: VI-CarRealTime and VI-Driver (real-time software); VI-DriveSim and VI-GraphSim (driving simulation solutions); and VI-Automotive, VI-Rail, VI-Aircraft, VI-MxMount (vertical products). The v18.0 release of VI-Motorcycle and VI-BikeRealTime, the software products dedicated to motorcycle design, as well as VI-Driver for Matlab, will follow in the incoming weeks.
Selected new features of VI-CarRealTime v18.0 include:
The new releases, developed on top of Adams2017 and Adams2017.1, are available on the completely revamped VI-grade download area at the link: https://www.vi-grade.com/en/reserved_area/software_download. A complete list of new features and enhancements can be found in the Release Notes documents available for download at the same link.
Selected new features of VI-CarRealTime v18.0 include:
- Modeling enhancements:
- Extended driveline model with more modeling options like automatic transmission, dual clutch and torque converter via an intuitive and modular user interface
- Improved support for electric and hybrid vehicles
- New wizard for building models from K&C data
- Solver enhancements:
- Parallel tire computation, allowing for more sophisticated road contact models in real-time
- Support for new version of MF-Tyre MF-Swift 7.1, specifically designed for real-time applications
- Improved VI-Driver Human model with reduced computation time (better support of real-time applications)
- Stability improvements of high-end tire models (FTire and MF-Swift).
- Adams/Car plugin enhancements:
- Full support of Adams Car 2015.1, 2016, 2017 and 2017.1
- Support for Google KML file format
- Improvement of road mesh materials visualization and export
- Creation of driver line by hand-picking way points
- OpenCRG support improvements
- Driver line offset tool through dedicated panel
- Enhanced graphic visualization of the suspension
- new embedded log widget showing simulation messages
- Variable spring/damper connection for DoubleWishBone with Pushrod and U-Bar suspension
- Customized lighting (ambient, diffuse and specular components)
- Toolbar to simplify the creation of calculated component expression
- Graphical Interface:
- Reworked parameters panels for active seat, active belts and steering feedback
- Handling of test shutdown time (SimulationWorkBench only)
- New panel for choosing extra VI-CarRealTime user inputs from vehicle model (SimulationWorkBench only)
- VI-CarRealTime interface:
- Integrated with VI-CarRealTime v.18.0
- Support for multithreaded tires calculation with fixed CPU affinity
- Automatic steer feedback parameters calculation and deploy
- New unified channel for steer feedback
- User inputs for vehicle model could be added and mapped to RTDB items
- New 'Tire Scrub' plugin based on VI-TireLimits
- VI-GraphSim interface
- Enforced checks to avoid streaming NaNs
- EtherCat interface
- Added support for air muscle based belt tensioner
- Support for up to 32 analog and 32 digital I/O channels
- VI-MotionCueing
- New SAFE WAIT mode in case of workspace limits over passing
- Improved vertical high pass filtering
- Offline test can load .csv from iodb_csv directly
- Offline test can deal with different data frequencies
- Offline test now available also as a Matlab object
- Data Logging (iodb_csv)
- Data stream to Wintax now supports high precision lap time
- Improved lap time splitting
- Replay module (iodb_res_replay)
- Added support for road materials if present
- Sound module (iodb_bk)
- Support for up to 64 road materials
- Stream model is now UDP unicast
- Support for all SimSound custom triggers
- Acquisition devices
- Added support for Logitech G920
- Added support for Fanatech ClubSport
- Miscellaneous
- New module to animate with .res data extra cars/objects in the same scene in VI-GraphSim
- Added alternative synchronization mechanism with no CPU overhead (Windows only)
- User defined force elements are now available in Template Builder
- Possibility to specify different rolling radii for wheels
- Improved contact point visualization
- Possibility to define track irregularities using a generic PSD function.
- General enhancements of VI-Rail Wear and VI-FlexTack toolkits
- Introduced snubber in equation based single and double stage air-spring
- Various enhancements in the NASA T-TR 64 Tire Model
- Option to provide stiffness exponent for tie forces in Tiedown Analysis
- Reviewed and enhanced tutorials and documentation
- UDE definition for replacing Adams Car bushings and create/modify new bushings in Adams/View models
- UDE initialization from property file bushing dialog
The new releases, developed on top of Adams2017 and Adams2017.1, are available on the completely revamped VI-grade download area at the link: https://www.vi-grade.com/en/reserved_area/software_download. A complete list of new features and enhancements can be found in the Release Notes documents available for download at the same link.
Volvo Car Corporation installs active seat and active belts from VI-grade on DiM Driving Simulator
Marburg, Apr 13th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced that Volvo Car Corporation upgraded the revolutionary motion platform named DiM® (Driver in Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya, already in use at their premises in Torslanda, Sweden, with the newly developed active seat and belts from VI-grade.
“Since its installation back in 2015, we have been using DiM extensively to complement our tool chain, allowing us to physically experience our simulation models using human test drivers” says Carl Sandberg, Vehicle Dynamics Concept Engineer at Volvo Car Corporation. “Through the adoption of the brand new active seats and belts from VI-grade, we expect to further enhance the overall driving experience on our simulator, allowing driving dynamics and active safety systems to be experienced in an even more realistic environment right from the start of the development process.”
“Our active seats are based on cushions inflated by compressed air that apply different levels of pressure on different portions of the body; the effect of the active seat is combined with a proper tensioning of the active belts during braking and helps to better feel steady-state accelerations, which are always limited on driving simulators” said Diego Minen, Technical Director, VI-grade. “We are now fine tuning a new revolutionary Multi-Cueing technique to harmonize platform motions and somato-sensory cues in order to expand the virtual immersion to an unprecedented level of realism. We are looking forward to cooperate with Volvo in order to further improve our driving simulation technology!”
Volvo has announced back in October 2015 the installation of the revolutionary 9 degrees-of-freedom DiM® platform developed by VI-grade and its partners and has since then used it extensively in the development process of new vehicles, such as the S90. The DiM® concept enables the extension of the motion envelope and the separation of low and high frequency contributions, which makes this type of motion platform unique and suitable for both vehicle dynamics and ride studies.
The YouTube video of DiM installed at Volvo is available at this link.
About VI-DriveSim / DiM
The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. VI-DriveSim provides the ability of "feeling" the results of your simulations in a totally immersive environment starting from early phases of the development process. Our driving simulation solutions are available in two different configurations: static and dynamic. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade.
Würzburg Institute for Traffic Sciences (WIVW) develops advanced motorcycle riding simulator relying on VI-grade technology
Marburg, January 10th, 2017 – VI-grade today announced that the Würzburg Institute for Traffic Sciences (WIVW), Bayern-based company providing services in the field of human factors, developed an advanced motorcycle riding simulator, relying on VI-grade technology. The development of this dynamic motorcycle riding simulator was part of the ZIM funded project DESMORI, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (KF 2012453RP3; partners: TU Darmstadt (FZD) and BMW Motorrad). In particular, the simulator is taking advantage of the real-time VI-BikeRealTime motorcycle simulation software from VI-grade and, besides for HMI-design, it will be used for rider training as well as research on rider behavior in a broader sense (e.g. hazard perception or implementation of an autonomous brake assist).
“The first motivation to develop an advanced motorcycle riding simulator at WIVW was the implementation in the human factors research and development process” said Sebastian Will, Project manager focusing on powered two-wheeler research, WIVW. “The simulator as research tool allows assessing human-machine interfaces for powered two wheelers in a safe and controlled environment. This extends WIVW’s long-standing human factors experience from the automotive to the motorcycle sector.”
“Generally, driving simulation in human factors research is a powerful tool to investigate relevant research questions early in the development process” added Will. “The safe and fully controllable environment combined with an adaptable mockup in terms of user interface, control units, etc. is a perfect framework for human factors research. This methodology is already well-established in the automotive sector since decades. Recent developments in the motorcycle area (such as board computers, electronic ride mode and suspension adjustment, Bluetooth connection) call for new display and control units: by constructing the DESMORI dynamic motorcycle simulator, WIVW provides best conditions to deal with these upcoming research questions.”
“In order to draw appropriate conclusions from simulator studies, the riders shall find conditions in the laboratory that support them in showing naturalistic behavior: therefore, a simulator needs to meet the riders’ expectations in terms of riding dynamics” concluded Will. “WIVW has chosen VI-BikeRealTime 2016 with a Co-simulation with Matlab/Simulink to solve this. The VI-grade software made it easy to de-couple the VI-rider model from the simulated motorcycle in order to feed the model with the real riders’ input, whereas the Matlab/Simulink co-simulation offered variability regarding additional controller implementation (e.g. stabilization systems, input determination and motion cueing).”
“We are extremely happy to report this activity at WIVW, because it clearly shows the versatility of our software solutions as well as our competence as a team in supporting the development of real-world simulators, not only for the automotive industry”, said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to further supporting WIVW and their partners in their exciting and challenging activity.”
WIVW will present a technical paper related to their advanced motorcycle riding simulator in occasion of the 2017 International VI-grade Users Conference, to be held on May 10th – 11th 2017 in Turin, Italy.
About VI-BikeRealTime
VI-BikeRealTime is a modeling, post processing and real-time analysis environment for motorcycle models which allows designers, analysts and track engineers to take into account effects from the motorcycle itself as well as from the road profile and the rider. VI-BikeRealTime is also the ideal platform to perform software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop activities on a motorcycle model. This is made possible thanks to the interface with MATLAB Simulink and with most widely used HIL platforms. In this way, engineers can first develop reliable control systems in a safe environment and then test them checking how real ECUs interact with the virtual model. ECUs durability under realistic working conditions can be tested as well. VI-BikeRealTime is interfaced with VI-Motorcycle, the ADAMS-based multibody solution for detailed motorcycle models, and therefore real-time models can be automatically derived from detailed multibody models. This approach, already proven to be successful in the automotive industry, allows users to decrease modelling time, to increase confidence in results and to maintain only one database. VI-BikeRealTime has been proven to deliver reliable results in several different projects with leading motorcycle manufacturers. Despite of the fact that the model is simplified, results match very well experimental measurements.
About SILAB
SILAB is a driving simulation software that allows driver-in-the-loop testing of vehicle components in a realistic virtual environment. It offers tools to design traffic scenarios by modelling complex road networks and traffic behavior. The scenarios can be flexibly combined to form reproducible test tracks. During simulation, high quality image rendering and a realistic sound simulation create an immersive impression for the driver. The software supports simulator setups starting from simple desktop systems up to driving simulators with multiple image channels, motion systems and real vehicles as mockups. User defined software and hardware components can be integrated into the driving simulation via common communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, CAN-Bus) or by using a flexible SDK. Thereby, SILAB offers detailed access to information on all aspects of the virtual world, e.g. road data, simulated traffic and surrounding objects. All data that is created or measured by the software can be recorded time synchronously. SILAB is used in the fields of R&D, training, medical diagnostics and rehabilitation.
About WIVW
The Würzburg Institute for Traffic Sciences (WIVW) is a company providing research services in the field of human factors. The focus lies on the interaction between humans and technical systems, especially addressing issues arising from the automotive sector. In addition to its research services, WIVW develops and distributes the SILAB driving simulation software. Our long-standing clients in both divisions include private companies and public organizations. WIVW GmbH was founded in 1997. The company employs an interdisciplinary team of research and development specialists. Our team members hold academic qualifications in fields such as psychology, ergonomics, engineering and computer sciences.