Darmstadt, Germany, September 17, 2026 – VI-grade and HBK today announced a new partnership with MOVEdot, a provider of AI Agents for automotive testing, simulation & validation, to integrate artificial intelligence and agentic workflows into automotive simulation and testing. The partnership combines VI-grade’s simulation technologies, HBK’s physical testing and measurement solutions and MOVEdot’s AI-powered engineering platform, connecting simulator, offline simulation, physical test and engineering data within a unified AI-enabled workflow. This allows engineers to analyze information across different stages of vehicle development and move more efficiently from raw data to engineering insights and decisions.

MOVEdot uses AI agents that reason across test data, simulation results and engineering documents, interact with engineering tools and surface relevant information in minutes. The platform connects data across files, databases, lakehouses and APIs and operates established engineering environments, including simulation software and MATLAB/Simulink.

Through the partnership, HBK and VI-grade can offer MOVEdot technology alongside their existing solutions, providing customers with a coordinated commercial, integration and technical support path. The collaboration creates a differentiated, exclusive AI ecosystem around VI-grade driving simulators, while extending the benefits of MOVEdot’s AI capabilities across offline simulation and physical testing workflows. By making simulation, test and telemetry data searchable, comparable and actionable, the integrated approach helps engineers identify patterns, summarize findings and accelerate analysis and interpretation. Enterprise-focused governance, security and deployment options further support adoption within established engineering organizations.

“Our customers are generating increasing amounts of data across simulation and physical testing, and the real value comes from being able to connect and interpret that information efficiently,” said Guido Bairati, Vice President Global Sales, In Simulation and Validation at HBK. “Combining MOVEdot’s AI technology with VI-grade’s simulation solutions and HBK’s testing capabilities creates a powerful end-to-end workflow that helps engineers turn complex data into actionable engineering decisions faster.”

“Engineering teams increasingly need to reason across simulation, test and other engineering data rather than analyze each source in isolation,” said Girish Radhakrishnan, CEO and Co-Founder of MOVEdot. “Together with HBK and VI-grade, we can bring AI agents directly into these workflows, helping engineers connect information across tools and data sources and reach meaningful conclusions faster.”
 

Tokyo, Japan, September 1st, 2026 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that KYB Corporation has adopted the COMPACT Full Spectrum Simulator (FSS) to support its vehicle ride comfort and NVH development activities. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, KYB is a global technology company recognized for its expertise in shock absorbers, suspension systems, and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) technologies – and the COMPACT FSS now plays a central role in its virtual development strategy.

The COMPACT FSS gives KYB an advanced Human-in-the-Loop platform that combines highly accurate motion, vibration and sound reproduction, pairing objective simulation data with subjective driver feedback to speed decision-making early in the design process. Powered by VI-grade's AutoHawk real-time computer and enhanced with VI-NVHSim software, the COMPACT FSS delivers full-spectrum simulation from 0.5 Hz to 20 kHz, letting KYB engineers evaluate how suspension and steering technologies affect overall vehicle performance as they develop next-generation ride comfort and refinement solutions.

"Understanding the multiple attributes of handling, ride comfort, and NVH performance is essential in the development of suspension and steering systems. The COMPACT FSS provides an environment where multiple vehicle characteristics can be evaluated simultaneously by combining objective measurements with subjective feedback from drivers. This functionality supports our ongoing research and development efforts to improve the value our products offer.”, commented Yoshiaki Kitamura, Advanced Technology R&D Center Engineering Div., KYB Corporation. 

"We are honored that KYB Corporation, a world-leading supplier of suspension components and steering technology, has adopted VI-grade's COMPACT FSS. This implementation further proves how VI-grade's full-spectrum simulator technology can push the boundaries of product development at KYB Corporation and powerfully support the development work of automotive suppliers.”, commented Toru Yoshii, Japan Country Manager at VI-grade.

Novi (MI), US, July 8th, 2026 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, together with HBK, today announced the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 – North America, taking place on September 15–16, 2026, at the Multimatic Vehicle Dynamics Center in Novi, Michigan. Building on the success of the inaugural Smart Prototypes Summit held in Italy earlier this year, HBK and VI-grade are bringing the Smart Testing experience to North America. Attendance is free of charge, and registration is now open.

The North American edition builds on the momentum of the Summit debut in Italy, which drew more than 320 in-person attendees from across the automotive, motorsport, commercial vehicle, tire, and technology sectors. Under the theme "Beyond Zero: Welcome to the Smart Era," the two-day event showcases the latest innovations in Smart Testing through customer presentations, technical sessions, live demonstrations, and networking – all focused on one question: how simulation and physical testing, working together, enable faster and more confident engineering decisions. The venue is a draw in its own right. The Multimatic Vehicle Dynamics Center houses one of North America's leading Driver-in-the-Loop simulation facilities, featuring the DiM250 DYNAMIC Driving Simulator, recently upgraded with VI-grade's HyperDock cockpit for Full Spectrum Simulation. Attendees will see the facility in action alongside live demonstrations of HBK's durability and reliability solutions – a rare opportunity to evaluate these technologies firsthand rather than simply reading about them on a spec sheet.

Day one focuses on VI-grade's simulation-driven vehicle development technologies, with live demonstrations, technical presentations, and customer success stories spanning vehicle dynamics, NVH, Hardware-in-the-Loop, Driver-in-the-Loop simulation, and ADAS. The day concludes with an informal networking reception where attendees can exchange ideas with peers and industry experts. Day two features dedicated HBK nCode and ReliaSoft User Group sessions, bringing together engineers specializing in durability, fatigue analysis, reliability engineering, and product validation to share practical applications and best practices for improving engineering efficiency and strengthening test-to-simulation correlation.

"The Smart Prototypes Summit was created to be more than a showcase of technology; it's about bringing together the engineering community to shape the future of testing," said Guido Bairati, Vice President Global Sales, Simulation & Validation Business Unit at HBK. "What we witnessed in Italy confirmed that Smart Testing is no longer a vision for the future; it's already transforming how vehicles are developed today. By bringing the Summit to North America, we're creating another opportunity for OEMs, suppliers, technology partners, and research organizations to share experiences, connect virtual and physical testing, and accelerate the transition toward smarter, more data-driven engineering."

Attendance is free of charge, but seating is limited and early registration is recommended. For more information and to register, visit the event landing page.

Udine, Italy, July 2nd, 2026 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the availability of the 2026.2 release of its flagship software suite, introducing significant enhancements across VI-CarRealTime, VI-DriveSim, VI-NVHSim, and VI-WorldSim. The latest release further strengthens the VI-grade simulation ecosystem with new capabilities for real-time vehicle dynamics simulation, immersive Driver-in-the-Loop testing, NVH engineering, and high-fidelity virtual environment development. Designed to improve simulation fidelity, streamline engineering workflows, and accelerate virtual vehicle development, the 2026.2 release is now available for download through the reserved area of the VI-grade website.

Among the key enhancements, VI-CarRealTime introduces a new thermal braking model that accurately represents brake temperature and friction behavior, together with brake pedal force modeling for increased driver realism. The release also expands support for Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs), extends optimization capabilities, and further enhances suspension compliance modeling and actuator functionality.

VI-DriveSim expands Full Spectrum Simulation capabilities with new FIR filters for real-time fine-tuning. Engineers also benefit from web-based session reporting, simplified simulator project management, new dashboard layouts and test environments cloning function from the UI, expanded hardware compatibility, and tighter integration with VI-WorldSim.

The latest VI-NVHSim release introduces the new Target Analyser, providing engineers with an integrated environment for recording comparison, validation and status reporting. Additional enhancements include improved On-Road Simulator workflows, expanded sound design capabilities through Audiokinetic Wwise Automotive integration, enhanced Harman Halosonic support, and significant improvements to data preparation, including new order validation and RPM autotracking capabilities.

For VI-WorldSim, the 2026.2 release upgrades the platform to Unreal Engine 5.7.4, delivering improved rendering quality and performance. A new Event Manager introduces more flexible scenario scripting with advanced conditions and actions, while additional improvements include higher-fidelity traffic simulation, enhanced sensor editing tools, visible racing trajectories for Driver-in-the-Loop applications, support for non-standard display configurations, and compatibility with the latest RoadRunner release.

The VI-grade 2026.2 software release, along with a comprehensive list of new features and enhancements, is now available for download. Registered users can access it by logging into the reserved area of the VI-grade website.

Udine, Italy, June 3rd, 2026 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, together with HBK, today announced the successful conclusion of the 2026 Smart Prototypes Summit, held from May 19–22 at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy.

Uniting the global mobility ecosystem around the theme “Beyond Zero: Welcome to the Smart Era,” the 2026 edition marked the successful launch of the first Smart Prototypes Summit – the next evolution of VI-grade’s long-established Zero Prototypes Summit series. Developed jointly by HBK and VI-grade, the new Summit format reflects the industry’s transition from isolated simulation workflows toward fully integrated Smart Testing ecosystems combining virtual simulation, physical testing, AI-supported engineering, and connected data intelligence. 

The first Smart Prototypes Summit welcomed more than 320 in-person attendees from over 100 global companies across the automotive, motorsport, commercial vehicle, tire, and technology sectors, with an additional 1500 attendees following the livestream online. Across four days, attendees experienced 40 keynote and technical presentations spanning six dedicated technology tracks, 25 live technology demonstrations, user group sessions, networking events, and globally streamed conference sessions focused on the future of simulation-driven vehicle development and Smart Testing. To relive the spirit of SPS2026, watch the official event recap video at https://youtu.be/N4LLL1rbRU8. 

A recurring theme throughout SPS2026 was the growing convergence of virtual and physical testing into connected engineering workflows already being deployed in real-world development programs today. Presentations and live demonstrations showcased how the industry is moving beyond experimentation toward scalable, intelligent execution environments capable of accelerating development while improving correlation, efficiency, and engineering insight.

“The question is no longer whether to simulate or physically test,” said Guido Bairati, Vice President Sales at HBK and Managing Director of VI-grade. “The real challenge today is how to intelligently combine both worlds. Smart Testing is the answer to that challenge, and SPS2026 demonstrated that this vision is already becoming reality.”

Tanneke Reinders, Executive Vice President – Simulation and Validation at HBK, added: “The first Smart Prototypes Summit showed how simulation, validation, AI, and data intelligence are converging into one connected engineering ecosystem. By connecting the physical and virtual worlds, we can help customers accelerate development cycles and bring products to market faster.”

Post-event proceedings, including presentation PDFs, and selected video recordings, are continuously being released on the official SPS2026 website at https://conference.vi-grade.com 

The official event photo gallery is available at: 
https://vi-gradegmbh.pixieset.com/2026smartprototypessummit/

Attendees and online participants can also access the recordings of all seven livestream sessions, including the official Smart Testing launch presentation by Tanneke Reinders and Guido Bairati, together with all customer keynote and technical presentations delivered throughout the Summit. Registration-based access to the livestream recordings remains available online.

Udine, Italy, March 5th, 2026 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, together with HBK, today announced the preliminary line-up of speakers for the upcoming Smart Prototypes Summit 2026, taking place from May 19-21, 2026, at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy. The event will conclude on May 22 with interactive, discipline-specific user group sessions focused on sharing expertise and best practices across Ride & Handling, NVH and Durability & Reliability. 

Following strong interest from the global automotive engineering community, the Smart Prototypes Summit has already received more than 40 presentation proposals, underlining the relevance of smart prototypes as a unifying approach to virtual and physical vehicle development. Based on this response, VI-grade and HBK are pleased to share an extended list of confirmed contributing organizations.

Confirmed speakers to date include representatives from Automobili Lamborghini, Apollo Tyres, Applus+ IDIADA, Bridgestone in collaboration with Volkswagen, Bugatti Rimac, Cetim, Cosin Scientific Software, Ferrari Performance, Iveco, Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with MdynamiX, Michelin SIMIX in collaboration with EDAG Group, Multimatic, Nissan in collaboration with HORIBA MIRA, Pirelli in collaboration with MegaRide, S&VL in collaboration with Mazda, Stellantis Europe in collaboration with STEP Lab, the University of Salento in collaboration with Nardò Technical Center – Porsche Engineering, Valeo, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars.

Presentations will cover real-world applications of smart prototypes across key development domains, including vehicle dynamics, ride, NVH, ADAS, durability and reliability, and electrified powertrains. Additional speakers and sessions will be announced as the technical program continues to take shape.

Alongside the technical program, attendees will experience live SimCenter demonstrations illustrating how smart prototypes are built and operated in real-world practice. These hands-on sessions will combine simulation software, professional driving simulators, Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms, and physical test solutions into integrated workflows, demonstrating how virtual and physical development environments can operate as one.

VI-grade and HBK would like to thank the industry partners supporting the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026:

• MAIN: cosin scientific software, HORIBA MIRA
• PLATINUM: Applus+ IDIADA, EDAG Group, Hexagon, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, Rebel Dynamics, SAGInoMIYA, STEP Lab
• GOLD: Concurrent Real-Time, ICT, MdynamiX, Michelin SIMIX, Multimatic, project: syntropy
• SILVER: 3D Mapping Solutions, Barco, openDAQ™, VTT – Virtual Tire Technologies (a spin-off of Fraunhofer ITWM)
• BRONZE: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, Moog

The Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is supported by leading media partners, including ATZ, Automobil Industrie, Automotive Testing Technology International, engineering.com, SAE Media Group, and Vehicle Dynamics International.

Registration for the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is open with a 25% Early Bird Discount available for registrations made before March 15th, 2026. Additional information about the technical program and event experience will be published as it becomes available.