Darmstadt, Germany, March 6th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the preliminary roster of speakers and sponsors for its 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, to be held on May 14-16, 2024, at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy.
Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit promises exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are revolutionizing the automotive development landscape. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Applus+ IDIADA, Bugatti Rimac / RSengineering, EDAG Group, Honda R&D, HORIBA MIRA, Mercedes AMG and Multimatic Inc. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
New in 2024: Interactive Podium Discussions:
VI-grade will debut a series of compelling podium discussions, bringing together experts and automotive thought leaders for insightful conversations about their adoption of the Zero Prototypes vision. Topics to be discussed include:
The Future of the Customer Experience in Automotive Technology
Building Synergies Between Automotive OEMs and Suppliers
Advancing ADAS through Driving Simulator Calibration
Hands-On Technical Sessions and User Groups:
Attendees are invited to participate in a series of demo sessions for specific automotive applications to experience first-hand the value VI-grade's advanced simulation tools bring to the development process.
On May 17, VI-grade will host complimentary user group sessions for its driving simulator and NVH customers, providing an opportunity to interact directly with product development teams. In addition, VI-grade is convening the motorcycle community at the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit on May 14th with a dedicated user group session focused on VI-Motorcycle, the dedicated simulation environment specifically for motorcycle design and testing.
VI-grade is also proud to announce strategic media partnerships with renowned publishers including ATZ, Automotive Testing Technology International, SAE Media Group and Vehicle Dynamics International, which will amplify the event's reach and impact.
“We are excited to unveil the first lineup of speakers and sponsors for our highly anticipated 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade.“These presentations will provide our valued customers, partners and followers with exclusive insights into how key players in the global automotive industry are currently using VI-grade’s cutting-edge simulation and driving simulators to accelerate the development of new vehicles, thus bringing them ever closer to virtual sign-off.”
VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
Sponsors will be present in the exhibition area where they’ll showcase their technologies and solutions.
Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is open at this link. An exclusive Early Bird Discount of 20% is available for registrations made before March 31st. Further discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization, universities etc. are available upon request. Additional details about the event will be added to the VI-grade website as they become available.
Darmstadt, Germany, February 8th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, and Varjo, a world leader in professional VR (Virtual Reality) and XR (Extended Reality) technology, today announced a collaboration aimed at advancing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development in the automotive industry. The collaboration leverages Varjo’s state-of-the-art headsets to further enhance the immersive experience of VI-grade’s professional driving simulators.
This cooperation between VI-grade and Varjo represents a union of industry leaders. Both companies are recognized for excellence in their respective domains, making the collaboration a natural fit. VI-grade's expertise in automotive driving simulator solutions complements Varjo's reputation for high-end XR headsets, resulting in a pioneering collaborative relationship to drive innovation in automotive HMI development.
Driving simulators have become integral to the automotive development process, allowing manufacturers to make informed design decisions and improve vehicle performance from a human-centric perspective. VI-grade's driving simulators offer a state-of-the-art immersive experience and are renowned for their effectiveness in applications such as Ride & Handling, NVH, ADAS, and HMI. Varjo's XR technology brings a distinct advantage to VI-grade's simulators by providing unmatched realism, including dynamic motion, sound, and lifelike visuals. By integrating Varjo's XR headsets into its simulation ecosystem, VI-grade’s driving simulators are significantly enhancing the user’s driving experience with a greater sense of realism and immersion.
One of the key features of this collaboration is the integration of Varjo's XR-3 and XR-4 headsets with VI-grade's standard virtual environment, VI-WorldSim. This combination enhances the simulator's capability, incorporating realistic, multi-agent AI traffic behavior and sensor fusion. The Varjo XR-3 headset model will be supported starting with VI-WorldSim version 2024.1, with support for Varjo XR-4 headsets coming shortly thereafter through the OpenXR framework in Unreal Engine 5.
“I am excited to announce our collaboration with Varjo. Supporting high-quality Mixed Reality solutions in professional driving simulators expands the scope of our driving simulators to include more advanced HMI applications: one more step on the multidisciplinary journey!” commented Roberto De Vecchi, Head of Product Development at VI-grade.
“Varjo and VI-grade share a vision of driving more efficient and sustainable practices in the automotive industry. By transitioning workflows to immersive virtual environments, we eliminate the need for traditional, resource-intensive methods, paving the way for a more streamlined future for prototyping. We are proud to deepen our collaboration with VI-grade with the introduction of VI-WorldSim support for our new generation of devices, the Varjo XR-4 Series,” said Seppo Aaltonen, Chief Commercial Officer at Varjo.
For further insights into the integration of XR and VR technology in professional driving simulators, VI-grade and Varjo have collaborated on a joint blog article, available at this link.
Darmstadt, Germany, February 1st, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced its upcoming 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit. This annual flagship event is slated to take place May 14-16, 2024, at VI-grade’s SimCenter facility in Udine, Italy – the company’s main development hub featuring the complete spectrum of technologies helping to propel the automotive industry towards achieving Zero Prototypes.
Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit promises exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are revolutionizing the automotive development landscape. Industry leaders, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, universities, and research centers, will share their experiences, showcasing how they leverage VI-grade's tools to attain virtual sign-off and reduce dependence on physical prototypes.
Key Highlights of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
Two-Day Conference: The Summit will feature curated keynote and technical presentations by representatives from major automotive companies around the world who will share their experiences, insights and best practices using VI-grade's software, driving simulator and HiL solutions. EDAG Group, this year’s Diamond Sponsor, will set the tone for the conference with their keynote presentation detailing EDAG’s new Zero Prototypes Lab. Currently under construction in Wolfsburg, Germany, this unique, state-of-the-art lab features VI-grade’s Cable Driven DiM500 Simulator at its core. VI-grade will also host an engaging series of compelling panel discussions throughout the conference, bringing together automotive thought leaders for insightful conversations about their adoption of the Zero Prototypes vision.
Hands-On Technical Sessions: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a series of demo sessions tailored to specific automotive applications. This lets attendees experience for themselves the value that VI-grade’s cutting-edge simulation tools bring to the development process.
User Group Sessions: On May 17th, VI-grade will host complimentary User Group sessions for its Driving Simulator and NVH customers. Attendees will get an up-close look at the latest advancements, with an opportunity to interact directly with VI-grade's product development teams.
New in 2024: VI-grade is bringing together the motorcycle community for the first time at the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit on May 14th with a dedicated user group meeting focused on VI-Motorcycle – VI-grade's specialized simulation environment for motorcycle design and testing.
“I'm excited to announce the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit and soon welcome the global automotive community to our SimCenter Udine for this exceptional event," commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. "Our ZERO PROTOTYPES Summits have become a highly relevant and interactive forum where automakers and suppliers can demonstrate real, tangible success in bridging the gap between CAE simulation and physical testing on the road to zero prototype sign-off."
VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
Gold: Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, HBK, Moog, Multimatic Inc.
Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, domeprojection, Fraunhofer ITWM, Smart Eye
Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, rFpro
Sponsors will be present in the exhibition area where they’ll showcase their technologies and solutions.
Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is now open at this link. An exclusive Early Bird Discount of 20% is available for registrations made before March 31st. Further discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization, universities etc. are available upon request. Additional details about the event will be added to the VI-grade website as they become available.
Milan, Italy, December 13th, 2023 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, announced today that it was honored with the prestigious 2023 Pirelli Innovation Supplier Award. The award was presented during the annual Pirelli Supplier Day, a distinguished event where Pirelli recognizes the outstanding contributions made by its top suppliers in the areas of sustainability, quality, innovation, performance, and service.
Out of Pirelli's extensive network of 15,000 suppliers worldwide, VI-grade emerged as one of the five suppliers that significantly contributed to the achievement of Pirelli's objectives throughout the year. The Supplier Day, held at Pirelli's headquarters in Milan, saw the participation of over 70 strategic suppliers from 18 countries, representing approximately 40% of the Group's global annual purchases.
Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman at Pirelli, commented: “Our company always sets itself ambitious goals that would not be possible without the support of those who work alongside us. Sharing our company values and targets with the entire supply chain allows us to constantly improve, particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation which are key, strategic elements that underpin our global leadership in the High Value Segment and sustainability indices.”
Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I was thrilled to have the honor of receiving the 2023 Pirelli Innovation Supplier Award on behalf of VI-grade. This award recognizes the VI-grade team's commitment to providing simulation software and simulators that help automotive companies develop vehicles and key components efficiently. It's a great achievement that belongs to every VI-grade employee who contributes to our mission of reducing costs and physical prototyping during the vehicle development process."
The 2023 Pirelli Supplier Day highlighted the alignment of VI-grade's goals with Pirelli's focus on Innovation, Sustainability, Growth, and Competitiveness. In his speech, Guido Bairati underscored VI-grade's dedication to creating innovative and sustainable products. He stated, "Every year our simulators are driven over 9,000,000 kilometers worldwide, saving tons of CO2 emissions annually.”
Darmstadt, Germany, December 7th, 2023 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that its newest driving simulator, the DiM300, has been selected as the 2023 Development Tool of the Year by Vehicle Dynamics International. This prestigious award recognizes the latest tools that empower vehicle dynamics engineers to evaluate their designs and setups for automotive excellence. VI-grade's DiM300 stood out in this category, underscoring the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in simulation-driven vehicle development solutions.
The DiM300, an evolution of the highly acclaimed DiM DYNAMIC Driving Simulator Technology, introduces cutting-edge features that include an extended operating range and higher tripod velocity, giving development engineers new and expanded levels of realism and versatility to be employed in vehicle development. This simulator represents a significant advancement in VI-grade's large-scale simulation technology and builds on the success of the previous DiM150 and DiM250 models, of which 26 are installed and operational worldwide.
Officially launched in November 2023, the DiM300 has already had a significant market impact. The first unit was successfully adopted by Honda Japan in late 2023, with a second unit scheduled for operational deployment in 2024 at Japanese Engineering Service Provider Progress Technologies Group.
“We are excited that our latest innovation, the DiM300, has been honored as Vehicle Dynamics Tool of the Year”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “This latest model represents a significant leap forward in our large-scale driving simulation technology, and we believe it will be instrumental in advancing our customers' development efforts. Its enhanced features and larger movement area will undoubtedly once again improve the way engineers approach vehicle development. “
Darmstadt, Germany, November 21st, 2023 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that EDAG Group, a globally leading, independent engineering services provider, is set to inaugurate the first-ever EDAG Zero Prototype Lab, featuring VI-grade’s Cable Driven DiM500 Simulator at the core. This innovative facility is currently under construction at EDAG's development center in Wolfsburg, Germany, and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2024.
EDAG Group will employ the DiM500 simulator for all of its global engineering services, with a special focus on OEMs services in critical domains such as Vehicle Dynamics and New Mobility, including ADAS and autonomous vehicles. With this strategic investment in VI-grade's state-of-the-art simulator technology, EDAG Group is significantly expanding its virtual development and testing capabilities, ensuring to be one step ahead of the competition. Notably, EDAG Group will be the inaugural engineering service provider globally to include the DiM500 Cable-driven Simulator in its comprehensive service portfolio. In addition to VI-grade’s DiM500 Cable-driven simulator, the EDAG Zero Prototype Lab will also feature VI-grade’s COMPACT Full Spectrum Simulator (FSS) and an additional AutoHawk Hardware-in-the-Loop platform to connect driving simulators to its existing and future hardware-in-the-loop rigs. This comprehensive suite of tools will empower EDAG Group in pushing the boundaries of engineering services on a global scale, thus turning the Zero Prototypes vision into a reality.
“At EDAG, we are dedicated to merging our core competencies of engineering excellence with the latest technology, solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the global mobility industry. The integration of VI-grade's state-of-the-art simulator technology into our new Zero Prototype Lab exemplifies our shared commitment to innovation, set to make a substantial impact on the future of engineering services worldwide”, commented Jonas Grötzinger, Senior Expert – Vehicle Motion at EDAG Group.
“We are excited to report the adoption of our DiM500 Cable-Driven Simulator at EDAG’s Zero Prototype Lab”, added Michael Hoffmann, Senior Expert Simulation Driven Development at VI-grade. "With the DiM500, our most powerful large-scale simulator to date based on a unique cable drive system, EDAG is taking its engineering service offering to an unprecedented level. The integration of this simulator into the newly established EDAG Zero Prototypes Lab, places the company at the forefront of the paradigm shift towards prototype-free development, giving the company a significant competitive advantage. I eagerly anticipate the remarkable customer projects that will come to life in this groundbreaking facility, shaping the mobility of tomorrow.”
Darmstadt, Germany, November 16th, 2023 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today proudly announced the successful sale of its state-of-the-art COMPACT NVH Simulator to Škoda Auto a.s., one of the automotive industry's pioneers based in the Czech Republic. The deal was completed in August 2023, marking a significant milestone for VI-grade. Škoda Auto has chosen VI-grade's COMPACT NVH Simulator as a pivotal tool in advancing their Vehicle NVH development, enabling precise assessments of Secondary Ride Comfort and Noise.
Škoda Auto's decision to choose VI-grade's COMPACT NVH Simulator over competitors was rooted in VI-grade's unique technology. The simulator allows precise evaluation of vehicle and powertrain sound and vibration attributes. Designed to faithfully reproduce real driving conditions in a laboratory environment, including roadway visualization, the COMPACT NVH Simulator stood out for its ability to simulate the vibroacoustic behavior of a virtual prototype. This functionality simplifies data interpretation and actively involves the customer's perspective in the decision-making process, making it a key asset for vehicle development through virtual techniques.
Tomáš Beneš, NVH Manager at Škoda, emphasized, "Our strongest reason for choosing VI-grade as a supplier is the possibility of sharing know-how within the VW Group. VI-grade has proven to be a performing and reliable partner for NVH advanced applications."
Furthermore, VI-grade's COMPACT NVH Simulator was recommended to Škoda engineers by its counterparts at Bentley and Volkswagen, reinforcing VI-grade's reputation as an industry leader in NVH simulation solutions.
Giorgio Adriano, NVH Simulator Account Manager EMEA at VI-grade, commented, “VI-grade, in partnership with local distributor SVMTech, is honored to support Škoda Auto's pursuit of NVH excellence, bringing innovative solutions and expertise to Škoda's engineering initiatives.”
Darmstadt, Germany, November 9th, 2023 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the launch of the DiM300 Driving Simulator, an extended version of its highly acclaimed DiM DYNAMIC Driving Simulator Technology. This new, advanced simulator represents the latest evolution of VI-grade’s large-scale simulators, building on the success of the award-winning DiM150 and DiM250 models.
“The DiM300 introduces a host of cutting-edge features, including an extended operating range and higher tripod velocity” commented Kazunori Aizu, Executive Officer, Saginomiya Seisakusho. “The simulator demonstrates an impressive ability to perform large planar displacements with virtually no motion cueing, providing engineers with an unprecedented level of realism and versatility.”
VI-grade has been at the forefront of driving simulation technology since 2011, forging a long-term partnership with SAGInoMIYA to develop state-of-the-art motion platforms. The DiM150, introduced in 2012, set the foundation for the next generation approach to system-level simulation. Building on this success, VI-grade unveiled the DiM250 in 2018, featuring extended linear actuators for increased travel of the tripod and longer steady-state accelerations.
Today, 26 DiM150 and DiM250 simulators have been installed and are in operation worldwide. Employing these state-of-the-art simulators has allowed leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers, motorsport teams and research centers to experience unprecedented levels of realism and a high degree of versatility, which are essential for bridging the gap between testing and simulation and achieving the “Zero Prototypes vision”.
"We are thrilled to introduce the DiM300 to our customers. This latest model represents a significant leap forward in our large-scale driving simulation technology, and we believe it will be instrumental in advancing our customers' development efforts," commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. "The DiM300's enhanced features and larger movement area will undoubtedly once again improve the way engineers approach vehicle development.”
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