VI-grade reports adoption of DiM150 at Audi Motorsport
Audi Motorsport specializes in producing high-performance race cars and components along with purchaser-specified customizations with the aim of utilizing revolutionary dynamic driving simulation technology from VI-grade for the virtual fine tuning of their race vehicles’ dynamic performance
Marburg (Germany), October 2, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Audi Motorsport has chosen the dynamic driving simulation solution DiM150 (Driver-in-Motion). The driving simulator, equipped with a Formula E and DTM car cockpit, is currently being installed at the Audi Motorsport site in Neuburg, Bavaria (Germany) and will be used for the virtual fine tuning of the dynamic performance of the vehicles developed and marketed by Audi Motorsport as well as for professional driver training.
“We are delighted to report on the installation of our driving simulation solution at Audi Motorsport, which is already a long-standing customer for our solutions,” said Alessio Lombardi, Key Account Manager, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to the successful use of DiM at Audi Motorsport. It will help the company to improve their vehicles even more as well as supporting the virtual training of their professional drivers on different circuits.”
“We have been using the static driving simulation solutions by VI-grade for almost three years now, and we are convinced of their value for our engineering process. We are looking forward to further expanding the use of driving simulation, which adds more realism and detail to this activity with the support of the DiM150 platform and contributes to a further improvement of the driving experience,” said Joachim Hausner, Coordination Driving Simulator Audi Motorsport.
“Through a steadily increasing focus on the needs of motorsport customers, we at VI-grade keep on adding software- and hardware-specific functionalities to our solutions in order to address such a demanding market. The precious comments and feedback collected from professional drivers is of great help to continuously improve the realism of sensorial immersion in `at-the-limit´ driving conditions,” said Diego Minen, CTO, VI-grade.
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path to driving simulation and is based on a patented revolutionary design with nine actuators. The resulting configuration with its 9 degrees of freedom enables us to go beyond the basic six-actuator design of a simple hexapod, thus providing a larger workspace while maintaining a high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as high frequencies, both of which occur in automotive chassis design. For this reason, the DiM platform enables us to investigate vehicle dynamics as well as ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
Marburg (Germany), October 2, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Audi Motorsport has chosen the dynamic driving simulation solution DiM150 (Driver-in-Motion). The driving simulator, equipped with a Formula E and DTM car cockpit, is currently being installed at the Audi Motorsport site in Neuburg, Bavaria (Germany) and will be used for the virtual fine tuning of the dynamic performance of the vehicles developed and marketed by Audi Motorsport as well as for professional driver training.
“We are delighted to report on the installation of our driving simulation solution at Audi Motorsport, which is already a long-standing customer for our solutions,” said Alessio Lombardi, Key Account Manager, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to the successful use of DiM at Audi Motorsport. It will help the company to improve their vehicles even more as well as supporting the virtual training of their professional drivers on different circuits.”
“We have been using the static driving simulation solutions by VI-grade for almost three years now, and we are convinced of their value for our engineering process. We are looking forward to further expanding the use of driving simulation, which adds more realism and detail to this activity with the support of the DiM150 platform and contributes to a further improvement of the driving experience,” said Joachim Hausner, Coordination Driving Simulator Audi Motorsport.
“Through a steadily increasing focus on the needs of motorsport customers, we at VI-grade keep on adding software- and hardware-specific functionalities to our solutions in order to address such a demanding market. The precious comments and feedback collected from professional drivers is of great help to continuously improve the realism of sensorial immersion in `at-the-limit´ driving conditions,” said Diego Minen, CTO, VI-grade.
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path to driving simulation and is based on a patented revolutionary design with nine actuators. The resulting configuration with its 9 degrees of freedom enables us to go beyond the basic six-actuator design of a simple hexapod, thus providing a larger workspace while maintaining a high stiffness. This leads to a system suitable for low as well as high frequencies, both of which occur in automotive chassis design. For this reason, the DiM platform enables us to investigate vehicle dynamics as well as ride and comfort on the same motion platform.
Spectris plc acquires VI-grade
Marburg (Germany), Jul 26th, 2018 – Spectris plc announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire VI-grade (www.vi-grade.com) as part of its continuing expansion into PLM and into ADAS vehicle development, testing, and simulation. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant merger clearance authorities.
Spectris is embracing the combination of hardware, software, and services to accelerate development of advanced electromechanical products. The rapid advancement of mechatronics and autonomous systems has forced the convergence of physical and virtual testing: the fast expansion of vehicle platforms (gasoline, electric, fuel cell, hybrid, etc.) and vehicle mechatronics (for ADAS and Autonomous Driving) has created a strong market need for VI-grade solutions and fueled their significant corporate growth (over 20%) over the past few years. Market projections indicate that the pace of investment in these simulation areas will only accelerate in the next five years.
“VI-grade represents an exciting opportunity for us to move further into the simulation segment of vehicle testing, which is expected to see significant growth in coming years on the back of ADAS and AV development and the proliferation of models” says John O’Higgins, Chief Executive, Spectris plc. “It is closely related to our existing instrumentation businesses and, as such, the acquisition is an important step forward in the realization of the Group's strategy to provide our customers with differentiated solutions that incorporate a combination of hardware, software and services. Supported by Spectris' global reach and expertise, the combination of VI-grade's application and technical expertise in simulation software and hardware along with the testing equipment, services and software that already exists in other Spectris operating companies will help customers address the increasing complexities involved in product testing whilst reducing the time to market for new products. We believe that there is a significant opportunity for VI-grade to strengthen its market position and accelerate its growth to expand internationally and broaden its solutions offering both organically and through M&A.”
“This is a strategic move for VI-grade and we are very excited to be joining Spectris,” says Jürgen Fett, Managing Director at VI-grade. “There are many advantages to becoming part of this global group. The leadership team at Spectris has a strong interest in developing and investing in VI-grade’s capabilities and highly talented workforce. We also believe Spectris’ other portfolio companies will bring additional expertise and capabilities that will allow us to jointly offer innovative solutions to our customers. We expect to accelerate VI-grade’s growth through investment and expansion into key international markets. We will remain independent yet benefit from the stability that this change of ownership brings to the VI-grade Group.”
Spectris intends to establish VI-grade as an independent operating business within its Test & Measurement (T&M) business segment alongside Bruel & Kjaer, HBM (including nCode and ReliaSoft), ESG, and Millbrook Group (proving grounds & lab testing). The business will benefit from the investment and global network that come along with being part of Spectris. Spectris will retain VI-grade’s employees/sites and has a clear strategy to significantly invest in, and grow, the business.
VI-grade’s current management team will continue to drive the business’ future growth led by Bob Ryan, a software industry veteran, who has joined Spectris to lead its advance into simulation software solutions.
About Spectris
Spectris is a FTSE 250 listed global conglomerate with 2017 sales over $2B and 9,800 employees. The firm conducts business in four major segments: materials analysis, test & measurement, in-line instrumentation and industrial controls and serves a broad range of industries ranging from pharma, and electronics, to automotive, energy, mining, and aerospace. For further information, please visit http://www.spectris.com.
Spectris is embracing the combination of hardware, software, and services to accelerate development of advanced electromechanical products. The rapid advancement of mechatronics and autonomous systems has forced the convergence of physical and virtual testing: the fast expansion of vehicle platforms (gasoline, electric, fuel cell, hybrid, etc.) and vehicle mechatronics (for ADAS and Autonomous Driving) has created a strong market need for VI-grade solutions and fueled their significant corporate growth (over 20%) over the past few years. Market projections indicate that the pace of investment in these simulation areas will only accelerate in the next five years.
“VI-grade represents an exciting opportunity for us to move further into the simulation segment of vehicle testing, which is expected to see significant growth in coming years on the back of ADAS and AV development and the proliferation of models” says John O’Higgins, Chief Executive, Spectris plc. “It is closely related to our existing instrumentation businesses and, as such, the acquisition is an important step forward in the realization of the Group's strategy to provide our customers with differentiated solutions that incorporate a combination of hardware, software and services. Supported by Spectris' global reach and expertise, the combination of VI-grade's application and technical expertise in simulation software and hardware along with the testing equipment, services and software that already exists in other Spectris operating companies will help customers address the increasing complexities involved in product testing whilst reducing the time to market for new products. We believe that there is a significant opportunity for VI-grade to strengthen its market position and accelerate its growth to expand internationally and broaden its solutions offering both organically and through M&A.”
“This is a strategic move for VI-grade and we are very excited to be joining Spectris,” says Jürgen Fett, Managing Director at VI-grade. “There are many advantages to becoming part of this global group. The leadership team at Spectris has a strong interest in developing and investing in VI-grade’s capabilities and highly talented workforce. We also believe Spectris’ other portfolio companies will bring additional expertise and capabilities that will allow us to jointly offer innovative solutions to our customers. We expect to accelerate VI-grade’s growth through investment and expansion into key international markets. We will remain independent yet benefit from the stability that this change of ownership brings to the VI-grade Group.”
Spectris intends to establish VI-grade as an independent operating business within its Test & Measurement (T&M) business segment alongside Bruel & Kjaer, HBM (including nCode and ReliaSoft), ESG, and Millbrook Group (proving grounds & lab testing). The business will benefit from the investment and global network that come along with being part of Spectris. Spectris will retain VI-grade’s employees/sites and has a clear strategy to significantly invest in, and grow, the business.
VI-grade’s current management team will continue to drive the business’ future growth led by Bob Ryan, a software industry veteran, who has joined Spectris to lead its advance into simulation software solutions.
About Spectris
Spectris is a FTSE 250 listed global conglomerate with 2017 sales over $2B and 9,800 employees. The firm conducts business in four major segments: materials analysis, test & measurement, in-line instrumentation and industrial controls and serves a broad range of industries ranging from pharma, and electronics, to automotive, energy, mining, and aerospace. For further information, please visit http://www.spectris.com.
VI-grade presents Official Review of 2018 Users Conference
232 representatives of the worldwide VI-grade community attended this year’s event dedicated to the latest advancements in technology
Marburg (Germany), Jun 5, 2018 – VI-grade, the leading provider of best-in-class products and services for bridging the gap between real-world testing and technical simulation, today announced the official review of the 2018 edition of its International Users Conference.
232 engineers, managers and simulation experts from 91 automotive, motorsports, motorcycle and rail companies, universities and research centers based in 15 countries throughout the world came together to discuss the latest trends in simulation. The aim was to compare notes with other users of VI-grade technology during the event that took place on May 8th-9th, 2018 at the LA PISTA conference center and proving ground in the city of Lainate, Italy (on the outskirts of Milan).
The event took place under the motto “Bridging the gap between testing and simulation” and was rated as “very good” to “excellent” by 97% of the participants. It offered an extremely comprehensive agenda, featuring 35 presentations from renowned international companies such as 3D Mapping / Alfa Romeo / Applus+ IDIADA / Bertrandt / Concurrent Real-Time / cosin scientific software / Danisi Engineering / dSPACE / FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles / FCA Latam / Ferrari & Michelin / FEV / Fraunhofer ITWM / Hochschule Kempten / Honda R&D / HORIBA MIRA / MAGNA Steyr / MegaRide & Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II / MSC Software / Munich University of Applied Sciences / NIO / Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University / Saginomiya / Smart Eye / Technische Universität Darmstadt / thyssenkrupp Presta / TODEMA / Toyota InfoTechnology Center / Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia / Volvo Cars.
The location selected for this year’s event featured a proving ground embedded in the conference venue and provided an ideal setting for elaborating on our corporate vision of “bridging the gap” between testing and simulation. Some of our customers showed their cars in action on the proving ground: the relevant telemetry data was streamed to the conference room and used in real time on a static simulator installed on the podium.
Marco Fainello (Danisi Engineering / Addfor) presented a paper – which was also selected by the audience as “UC2018 Best Presentation” – entitled "Use of Simulation with HiL for Development of Advanced Vehicle Functions". This dealt with the use of a driving simulator in the development of a vehicle dynamics controller using cameras and sensor fusion for a different approach to stability control. Marco Carnà (Ferrari) and Mathieu Grob (Michelin) presented a paper entitled "From the Track to a Driving Simulator: a Journey of a Tire from a Component to a Model". This focused on combining a detailed vehicle model with a thermomechanical tire definition for the simulation of extreme performance aspects by means of a live demonstration of the car on track and on the driving simulator. Juergen Heit (NIO) presented a paper entitled "A Scalable and Fully-Integrated Simulation System for Automated Driving", which dealt with the extent to which the simulation stack implemented at NIO exhibits several vital characteristics of automated driving (AD) systems. These include HD maps, reconstructions of real-world environments and models of road user behavior.
During the conference, we also had the chance to award “UniNa Corse - Squadra Corse Federico II" and “Strohm und Söhne e.V. - Noris Motorsport” the First Prize of the 2018 edition of the Virtual Formula competition in the Internal Combustion and Electric Vehicle categories respectively. The teams have been awarded a full software package from VI-grade.
The 2018 event also featured an Icebreaker social event on the evening of May 7th in which all customers and partners got together informally to learn more about the forthcoming new driving simulation technologies provided by VI-grade and its partners.
“As usual, a very nice conference! Extremely well organized. Thank you for this great event.”; “Nice range of presentations. Informative and interesting aspects of engineering covered. Well done!”; “This was a great experience as it was my first time at the VI-grade Users Conference. I hope to return soon. I also hope that the continued and expanded use of DiL simulators and live demonstrations is realized for future conferences.”; “I'm satisfied and the event met my expectations. Having a simulator on the stage and a vehicle on track outside was very interesting…” - these are just a few of the comments left by selected participants.
The event was organized with the collaboration of Saginomiya (Platinum Sponsor), Danisi Engineering, MSC Software, Sim.Co.VR, ThyssenKrupp Presta (Gold Sponsors), 3D Mapping, Addfor, Barco, Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, domeprojection.com, dSPACE, FEV, Fraunhofer ITWM, Horiba Mira, Multimatic, Smart Eye and TODEMA (Silver Sponsors) and BE CAE & Test and MegaRide (Bronze Sponsors). To access more information about the event, view all the pictures or download selected proceedings, please go to www.vi-gradeUC.com.
Dates and location of the 2019 edition of our international event are soon to be announced! Stay tuned
Marburg (Germany), Jun 5, 2018 – VI-grade, the leading provider of best-in-class products and services for bridging the gap between real-world testing and technical simulation, today announced the official review of the 2018 edition of its International Users Conference.
232 engineers, managers and simulation experts from 91 automotive, motorsports, motorcycle and rail companies, universities and research centers based in 15 countries throughout the world came together to discuss the latest trends in simulation. The aim was to compare notes with other users of VI-grade technology during the event that took place on May 8th-9th, 2018 at the LA PISTA conference center and proving ground in the city of Lainate, Italy (on the outskirts of Milan).
The event took place under the motto “Bridging the gap between testing and simulation” and was rated as “very good” to “excellent” by 97% of the participants. It offered an extremely comprehensive agenda, featuring 35 presentations from renowned international companies such as 3D Mapping / Alfa Romeo / Applus+ IDIADA / Bertrandt / Concurrent Real-Time / cosin scientific software / Danisi Engineering / dSPACE / FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles / FCA Latam / Ferrari & Michelin / FEV / Fraunhofer ITWM / Hochschule Kempten / Honda R&D / HORIBA MIRA / MAGNA Steyr / MegaRide & Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II / MSC Software / Munich University of Applied Sciences / NIO / Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University / Saginomiya / Smart Eye / Technische Universität Darmstadt / thyssenkrupp Presta / TODEMA / Toyota InfoTechnology Center / Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia / Volvo Cars.
The location selected for this year’s event featured a proving ground embedded in the conference venue and provided an ideal setting for elaborating on our corporate vision of “bridging the gap” between testing and simulation. Some of our customers showed their cars in action on the proving ground: the relevant telemetry data was streamed to the conference room and used in real time on a static simulator installed on the podium.
Marco Fainello (Danisi Engineering / Addfor) presented a paper – which was also selected by the audience as “UC2018 Best Presentation” – entitled "Use of Simulation with HiL for Development of Advanced Vehicle Functions". This dealt with the use of a driving simulator in the development of a vehicle dynamics controller using cameras and sensor fusion for a different approach to stability control. Marco Carnà (Ferrari) and Mathieu Grob (Michelin) presented a paper entitled "From the Track to a Driving Simulator: a Journey of a Tire from a Component to a Model". This focused on combining a detailed vehicle model with a thermomechanical tire definition for the simulation of extreme performance aspects by means of a live demonstration of the car on track and on the driving simulator. Juergen Heit (NIO) presented a paper entitled "A Scalable and Fully-Integrated Simulation System for Automated Driving", which dealt with the extent to which the simulation stack implemented at NIO exhibits several vital characteristics of automated driving (AD) systems. These include HD maps, reconstructions of real-world environments and models of road user behavior.
During the conference, we also had the chance to award “UniNa Corse - Squadra Corse Federico II" and “Strohm und Söhne e.V. - Noris Motorsport” the First Prize of the 2018 edition of the Virtual Formula competition in the Internal Combustion and Electric Vehicle categories respectively. The teams have been awarded a full software package from VI-grade.
The 2018 event also featured an Icebreaker social event on the evening of May 7th in which all customers and partners got together informally to learn more about the forthcoming new driving simulation technologies provided by VI-grade and its partners.
“As usual, a very nice conference! Extremely well organized. Thank you for this great event.”; “Nice range of presentations. Informative and interesting aspects of engineering covered. Well done!”; “This was a great experience as it was my first time at the VI-grade Users Conference. I hope to return soon. I also hope that the continued and expanded use of DiL simulators and live demonstrations is realized for future conferences.”; “I'm satisfied and the event met my expectations. Having a simulator on the stage and a vehicle on track outside was very interesting…” - these are just a few of the comments left by selected participants.
The event was organized with the collaboration of Saginomiya (Platinum Sponsor), Danisi Engineering, MSC Software, Sim.Co.VR, ThyssenKrupp Presta (Gold Sponsors), 3D Mapping, Addfor, Barco, Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, domeprojection.com, dSPACE, FEV, Fraunhofer ITWM, Horiba Mira, Multimatic, Smart Eye and TODEMA (Silver Sponsors) and BE CAE & Test and MegaRide (Bronze Sponsors). To access more information about the event, view all the pictures or download selected proceedings, please go to www.vi-gradeUC.com.
Dates and location of the 2019 edition of our international event are soon to be announced! Stay tuned
VI-grade announces compatibility of VI-CarRealTime with TameTire® Powered by Michelin
Major European tire supplier collaborates with VI-grade to support integration and use of proprietary tire model for offline and online simulations
Marburg, May 29, 2018 – VI-grade today announced its collaboration with leading European tire manufacturer Michelin. The cooperation aims at integrating TameTire®, a thermomechanical simulator developed by Michelin on the basis of tire physics which is unique on the market, with VI-CarRealTime, VI-grade’s flagship product for real-time automotive simulations.
Tire modeling is an ever-growing field of interest for vehicles. This is because ever more efficient development processes in terms of time and resources are required, and vehicle simulations enable development teams to predict tire and vehicle performance before building a physical prototype. For this reason, Michelin has developed TameTire® on the basis of its motor sports research. The objective is to calculate a tire's thermal and transient state as well as its forces and torques in both offline and online real-time environments. Additionally, in order to better develop and fine-tune the functionalities of TameTire®, Michelin has acquired a static driving simulator from VI-grade and installed it at its premises in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
“The possibility of utilizing TameTire® and VI-CarRealTime together will satisfy the needs of our customers for reliable vehicle models and accurate tire models,” say Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade, and Mathieu Grob, TameTire and Driving Simulator Expert, Michelin. “As a result of this extended cooperation, Michelin and VI-grade are looking forward to delivering an advanced simulation solution to our customers with the aim of further improving the accuracy and completeness of our real-time automotive models.”
Marburg, May 29, 2018 – VI-grade today announced its collaboration with leading European tire manufacturer Michelin. The cooperation aims at integrating TameTire®, a thermomechanical simulator developed by Michelin on the basis of tire physics which is unique on the market, with VI-CarRealTime, VI-grade’s flagship product for real-time automotive simulations.
Tire modeling is an ever-growing field of interest for vehicles. This is because ever more efficient development processes in terms of time and resources are required, and vehicle simulations enable development teams to predict tire and vehicle performance before building a physical prototype. For this reason, Michelin has developed TameTire® on the basis of its motor sports research. The objective is to calculate a tire's thermal and transient state as well as its forces and torques in both offline and online real-time environments. Additionally, in order to better develop and fine-tune the functionalities of TameTire®, Michelin has acquired a static driving simulator from VI-grade and installed it at its premises in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
“The possibility of utilizing TameTire® and VI-CarRealTime together will satisfy the needs of our customers for reliable vehicle models and accurate tire models,” say Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade, and Mathieu Grob, TameTire and Driving Simulator Expert, Michelin. “As a result of this extended cooperation, Michelin and VI-grade are looking forward to delivering an advanced simulation solution to our customers with the aim of further improving the accuracy and completeness of our real-time automotive models.”
VIRTUAL VEHICLE chooses static driving simulator from VI-grade
Research center operating internationally selects revolutionary driving simulation solution from VI-grade for its site in Graz, Austria
Marburg, May 15, 2018 - VI-grade today announced that VIRTUAL VEHICLE, a leading international research and development center for the automotive and rail industries, has selected the newly developed static driving simulator designed by VI-grade. The new static platform for the driving simulator is to be installed at the VIRTUAL VEHICLE site in Graz, Austria by July 2018.
“We agreed to build up a strategic cooperation scheme for driving simulator technologies in conjunction with VI-grade and collaborate on related research activities. Our main goal is to develop technologies for cutting-edge demonstration platforms,” said Jost Bernasch, Managing Director, VIRTUAL VEHICLE. “In particular, we decided to install a static driving simulator at our Living Innovation Lab in order to explore new driving simulator technologies. Close cooperation with industry and the scientific community on national and EU projects is not just a tradition at VIRTUAL VEHICLE - it is also the foundation allowing us to deliver research and development results with determination and drive.”
“We are delighted to announce the installation of our driving simulator technology at VIRTUAL VEHICLE,” said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “The group was looking for a static driving simulator solution for performing research applications and services. We are proud of this opportunity to leverage our professional static driving simulator solutions in the context of the partnership.”
The Static Simulator by VI-grade is a professional solution allowing VIRTUAL VEHICLE to bridge the gap between physical testing and simulation in automotive engineering. The Static Simulator is based on the same VI-DriveSim software package used on Compact Simulators and DiM Dynamic Simulators from VI-grade. It is also fully compatible with third-party software solutions. This enables us to leverage previous investments and use the same toolchain both on the static simulator and on a dynamic one. HMI, Vehicle Dynamics, NVH and ADAS are some of the disciplines that can be investigated using a static simulator by VI-grade. Complementary technologies such as VI-ActiveSeat and VI-ActiveBelts, a cylindrical screen and a set of professional projectors are all to be featured in the simulator adopted by VIRTUAL VEHICLE. This will allow us to achieve extremely high levels of realism and a truly immersive driver experience. Thanks to the real-time hardware infrastructure, the Static Simulator is also suitable for software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop applications.
Please go to https://www.v2c2.at/revolutionary-simulator-gets-moving-takes-off/ for more information about this installation.
About VIRTUAL VEHICLE
VIRTUAL VEHICLE is a leading international research and development center for the automotive and rail industries located in Graz, Austria. The center focuses on the advanced virtualization of development. An essential element is the linking of numerical simulations and hardware testing, which allows a comprehensive hardware–software system design to be realized.
VIRTUAL VEHICLE’s international partner network consists of:
Marburg, May 15, 2018 - VI-grade today announced that VIRTUAL VEHICLE, a leading international research and development center for the automotive and rail industries, has selected the newly developed static driving simulator designed by VI-grade. The new static platform for the driving simulator is to be installed at the VIRTUAL VEHICLE site in Graz, Austria by July 2018.
“We agreed to build up a strategic cooperation scheme for driving simulator technologies in conjunction with VI-grade and collaborate on related research activities. Our main goal is to develop technologies for cutting-edge demonstration platforms,” said Jost Bernasch, Managing Director, VIRTUAL VEHICLE. “In particular, we decided to install a static driving simulator at our Living Innovation Lab in order to explore new driving simulator technologies. Close cooperation with industry and the scientific community on national and EU projects is not just a tradition at VIRTUAL VEHICLE - it is also the foundation allowing us to deliver research and development results with determination and drive.”
“We are delighted to announce the installation of our driving simulator technology at VIRTUAL VEHICLE,” said Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade. “The group was looking for a static driving simulator solution for performing research applications and services. We are proud of this opportunity to leverage our professional static driving simulator solutions in the context of the partnership.”
The Static Simulator by VI-grade is a professional solution allowing VIRTUAL VEHICLE to bridge the gap between physical testing and simulation in automotive engineering. The Static Simulator is based on the same VI-DriveSim software package used on Compact Simulators and DiM Dynamic Simulators from VI-grade. It is also fully compatible with third-party software solutions. This enables us to leverage previous investments and use the same toolchain both on the static simulator and on a dynamic one. HMI, Vehicle Dynamics, NVH and ADAS are some of the disciplines that can be investigated using a static simulator by VI-grade. Complementary technologies such as VI-ActiveSeat and VI-ActiveBelts, a cylindrical screen and a set of professional projectors are all to be featured in the simulator adopted by VIRTUAL VEHICLE. This will allow us to achieve extremely high levels of realism and a truly immersive driver experience. Thanks to the real-time hardware infrastructure, the Static Simulator is also suitable for software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop applications.
Please go to https://www.v2c2.at/revolutionary-simulator-gets-moving-takes-off/ for more information about this installation.
About VIRTUAL VEHICLE
VIRTUAL VEHICLE is a leading international research and development center for the automotive and rail industries located in Graz, Austria. The center focuses on the advanced virtualization of development. An essential element is the linking of numerical simulations and hardware testing, which allows a comprehensive hardware–software system design to be realized.
VIRTUAL VEHICLE’s international partner network consists of:
- 80+ international industrial partners (OEMs, Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers, software vendors)
- 40+ international scientific institutions
Subaru Corporation adopts Compact Driving Simulator from VI-grade
Engineering center of major Japanese automotive OEM to utilize revolutionary driving simulation solution by VI-grade for advanced vehicle development activities
Marburg, May 3rd, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Subaru Corporation adopted the Compact Driving Simulator solution designed by VI-grade. The new simulator, fully equipped with VI-grade dedicated software as well as with active seat, active belts and steering assembly, has been installed in Q1 2018 at the Subaru R&E Center site in Tochigi, Japan.
The Compact Simulator is the entry level solution in the range of driving simulators provided by VI-grade. It features a driver’s seat, a fully-adjustable steering wheel, dashboard, pedals, gear stick and screens and it can be placed directly in an engineering office. It is the perfect solution for those companies that want to start using a Driving Simulator to boost simulation activities and to test models in real-time, whilst getting a subjective feeling on the results.
“We have just completed the installation of the Compact Simulator from VI-grade at our premises in Tochigi, Japan” said Noritaka Hayashi, Manager of CAE Department, Subaru Corporation. “We will be using this driving simulator to perform all vehicle dynamics activities which fall under the Simulator Aided Engineering (SAE) definition, in particular for vehicle development in close combination with CAE. We expect to further expand the application of this technology to other areas of our vehicle development process.”
“We are delighted to report the installation of our driving simulator technology at Subaru Corporation”, said Toru Yoshii, Managing Director, VI-grade Japan. “The group was looking for a driving simulator solution for vehicle development applications and we are proud of having the chance to leverage our professional compact driving simulator solution at this important Japanese customer.”
About VI-grade’s Compact Simulator
The Compact Simulator from VI-grade is the ideal tool for automotive OEMs that wish to use a desktop technology to prepare models to be used for a more advanced simulator (both static and dynamic) and that need to quickly test specific components. The Compact Simulator is also an ideal solution for Tier 1 suppliers who need to make sure that their components will work well when included into a more complex vehicle model. This kind of simulator can also be used by universities and research centers, for example to develop and test dedicated control algorithms, as well to expose their students to driving simulator technologies. The Compact Simulator is equipped with the exact same software installed on Static and DiM simulators from VI-grade: this makes it very easy to upgrade from a Compact Simulator to a more advanced simulator, leveraging previous investments and experiences. Accessory technologies like VI-BioTelemetry, VI-ActiveSeat and VI-ActiveBelts are also fully compatible with the Compact Simulator from VI-grade. For further information, please visit https://www.vi-grade.com/en/products/compact-simulator
Marburg, May 3rd, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Subaru Corporation adopted the Compact Driving Simulator solution designed by VI-grade. The new simulator, fully equipped with VI-grade dedicated software as well as with active seat, active belts and steering assembly, has been installed in Q1 2018 at the Subaru R&E Center site in Tochigi, Japan.
The Compact Simulator is the entry level solution in the range of driving simulators provided by VI-grade. It features a driver’s seat, a fully-adjustable steering wheel, dashboard, pedals, gear stick and screens and it can be placed directly in an engineering office. It is the perfect solution for those companies that want to start using a Driving Simulator to boost simulation activities and to test models in real-time, whilst getting a subjective feeling on the results.
“We have just completed the installation of the Compact Simulator from VI-grade at our premises in Tochigi, Japan” said Noritaka Hayashi, Manager of CAE Department, Subaru Corporation. “We will be using this driving simulator to perform all vehicle dynamics activities which fall under the Simulator Aided Engineering (SAE) definition, in particular for vehicle development in close combination with CAE. We expect to further expand the application of this technology to other areas of our vehicle development process.”
“We are delighted to report the installation of our driving simulator technology at Subaru Corporation”, said Toru Yoshii, Managing Director, VI-grade Japan. “The group was looking for a driving simulator solution for vehicle development applications and we are proud of having the chance to leverage our professional compact driving simulator solution at this important Japanese customer.”
About VI-grade’s Compact Simulator
The Compact Simulator from VI-grade is the ideal tool for automotive OEMs that wish to use a desktop technology to prepare models to be used for a more advanced simulator (both static and dynamic) and that need to quickly test specific components. The Compact Simulator is also an ideal solution for Tier 1 suppliers who need to make sure that their components will work well when included into a more complex vehicle model. This kind of simulator can also be used by universities and research centers, for example to develop and test dedicated control algorithms, as well to expose their students to driving simulator technologies. The Compact Simulator is equipped with the exact same software installed on Static and DiM simulators from VI-grade: this makes it very easy to upgrade from a Compact Simulator to a more advanced simulator, leveraging previous investments and experiences. Accessory technologies like VI-BioTelemetry, VI-ActiveSeat and VI-ActiveBelts are also fully compatible with the Compact Simulator from VI-grade. For further information, please visit https://www.vi-grade.com/en/products/compact-simulator
VI-grade announces adoption of new DiM250 by Applus+ IDIADA
Leading company specializing in providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services for the automotive industry worldwide is to use revolutionary dynamic driving simulation technology from VI-grade to deliver high-quality engineering services to its customers.
Marburg, April 26th, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Applus+ IDIADA has chosen the newly developed motion platform DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The driving simulator is completely equipped with software developed by VI-grade and is to be installed at the Applus+ IDIADA site in Tarragona, Spain, where the company is to use it to deliver high-quality engineering services to its customers.
“We are extremely excited to report the adoption of our new DiM250 driving simulator at Applus+ IDIADA, marking the 3rd commercial success for a simulator of this kind in the last 5 months”, said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous collaboration with such an important partner, which provides engineering services to several major automotive companies worldwide.”
“The DiM250 driving simulator is a powerful tool that will play a major role in the chassis development projects IDIADA undertakes and will also complement our existing facilities in this area of expertise.” said Alexandre Català, Vehicle Dynamic and NVH Manager, Applus+ IDIADA. “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.”
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation based on a patented revolutionary design with nine actuators. The resulting configuration has nine degrees of freedom and allows users to go beyond the basic six-actuator design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace while maintaining a high degree of stiffness. The result is a system suitable for the high and low frequencies occurring in automotive chassis design. As a consequence, the DiM platform allows both vehicle dynamics and ride comfort to be analyzed on the same motion platform.
The DiM250 configuration has been adopted by two other major automotive OEMs and provides an extended workspace in comparison with the standard DiM150 configuration. It has been installed in nine instances worldwide and guarantees an improved driving experience while complying with the compact dimensions characterizing 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. This allows companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative moving platform with nine degrees of freedom, reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is known as Driver in Motion (DiM), and for the first time in the history of motion platforms, its kinematics have been designed to ensure the best possible implementation of the motion cueing technology developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators is based on a much more compact and considerably less expensive driving simulator architecture in comparison with conventional simulators with a similar workspace. In addition, the solutions are fully scalable, so it is possible to upgrade from a static to a dynamic simulator while re-using all components 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. Please go to www.driverinmotion.com for more information.
About Applus+ IDIADA
With over 25 years of history, Applus+ IDIADA is a leading engineering company providing 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 2,400 engineers and technical experts, first class facilities, client focus and a constant drive towards innovation The company has an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries which ensures that its clients get customized, added-value solutions.
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.
Marburg, April 26th, 2018 – VI-grade today announced that Applus+ IDIADA has chosen the newly developed motion platform DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) designed by VI-grade and engineered and manufactured by Saginomiya. The driving simulator is completely equipped with software developed by VI-grade and is to be installed at the Applus+ IDIADA site in Tarragona, Spain, where the company is to use it to deliver high-quality engineering services to its customers.
“We are extremely excited to report the adoption of our new DiM250 driving simulator at Applus+ IDIADA, marking the 3rd commercial success for a simulator of this kind in the last 5 months”, said Guido Bairati, International Sales Director, VI-grade. “We are looking forward to a continuous collaboration with such an important partner, which provides engineering services to several major automotive companies worldwide.”
“The DiM250 driving simulator is a powerful tool that will play a major role in the chassis development projects IDIADA undertakes and will also complement our existing facilities in this area of expertise.” said Alexandre Català, Vehicle Dynamic and NVH Manager, Applus+ IDIADA. “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.”
To reproduce vehicle movements and accelerations, the DiM solution takes a different path into driving simulation based on a patented revolutionary design with nine actuators. The resulting configuration has nine degrees of freedom and allows users to go beyond the basic six-actuator design of a simple hexapod, providing a larger workspace while maintaining a high degree of stiffness. The result is a system suitable for the high and low frequencies occurring in automotive chassis design. As a consequence, the DiM platform allows both vehicle dynamics and ride comfort to be analyzed on the same motion platform.
The DiM250 configuration has been adopted by two other major automotive OEMs and provides an extended workspace in comparison with the standard DiM150 configuration. It has been installed in nine instances worldwide and guarantees an improved driving experience while complying with the compact dimensions characterizing 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. This allows companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative moving platform with nine degrees of freedom, reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is known as Driver in Motion (DiM), and for the first time in the history of motion platforms, its kinematics have been designed to ensure the best possible implementation of the motion cueing technology developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators is based on a much more compact and considerably less expensive driving simulator architecture in comparison with conventional simulators with a similar workspace. In addition, the solutions are fully scalable, so it is possible to upgrade from a static to a dynamic simulator while re-using all components 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. Please go to www.driverinmotion.com for more information.
About Applus+ IDIADA
With over 25 years of history, Applus+ IDIADA is a leading engineering company providing 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 2,400 engineers and technical experts, first class facilities, client focus and a constant drive towards innovation The company has an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries which ensures that its clients get customized, added-value solutions.
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.
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.
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.