Udine, Italy, May 22nd, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the successful conclusion of its 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit. Held from May 13 – 15 at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy, the event attracted over 1,500 participants – nearly 300 attending in person and more than 1,200 joining via livestream – marking the largest and most impactful Summit to date.
Now in its fourth edition at VI-grade’s main technology hub, the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit has become a global benchmark point for innovation in virtual vehicle development. In a year of transformation across the automotive industry, the 2025 Summit provided a vital platform for collaboration - bringing together representatives from 24 major automotive OEMs, 17 Tier 1 suppliers and engineering service providers, 6 academic and research institutions, and supported by 27 industry sponsors. This diverse and engaged participation highlights the Summit’s growing importance in uniting all key stakeholders around a common vision for simulation-driven development. The official after movie, capturing the spirit of the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, is available at this link.
The proven event format once again combined hands-on demonstrations, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, resulting in 989 hands-on demo sessions delivered across VI-grade’s software, driving simulators, and HiL solutions. In parallel, 24 customer presentations highlighted real-world applications of VI-grade technology, featuring speakers from companies including Alpine, Applus+ IDIADA & Hyundai METC, Aston Martin Lagonda, Automobili Lamborghini, Brembo, Bridgestone EMIA, CATL & HORIBA MIRA, EDAG Group, Ferrari, Ford Werke, HBK nCode, Honda R&D, Multimatic, Pirelli & MegaRide, Porsche Engineering, S&VL & SUBARU, Stellantis & Meccanica 42, T.R.E Team Rosberg Engineering, the Automotive Solution Center for Simulation (ASCS), and Volvo Cars.
The Summit featured two major product launches:
HexaRev, VI-grade’s most advanced motion system to date, delivers smoother, more precise, and immersive driver-in-the-loop experiences. With a novel mechanical design that eliminates belts, gears, and ball-screws, HexaRev offers a significantly expanded and more efficient motion envelope, particularly during complex, multi-axis maneuvers.
VI-DataDrive Cloud, a new cloud-based simulation and data processing ecosystem, drastically reduces run times for high-fidelity vehicle models while supporting scalable and collaborative workflows. As a core pillar of VI-grade’s “Zero Prototype Lab” vision, VI-DataDrive Cloud enables efficient engineering at scale through AI-powered digital twins.
To reach a wider audience, VI-grade will gradually release proceedings and session recordings on its website and YouTube channel. Additionally, follow-up webinars on Mobex and SAE are scheduled for May 28, and will highlight presentations and discussions.
“In times of change, the industry’s commitment to advancing simulation-first development is stronger than ever,” said Gabriele Ferrarotti, Sr. Marketing Director at VI-grade. “The success of this year’s ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is not only reflected in record-breaking attendance, but also in the quality of engagement, the collaborative spirit on display, and the shared belief that virtual development is the way forward. We are proud to see the Summit evolving into a global benchmark showing how simulation-driven development can unite innovation, resilience, and collaboration on a worldwide scale.”
Building on the success of the flagship event in Italy, VI-grade will expand the ZERO Prototypes vision to other key regions:
Udine, Italy, April 16, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric, simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the final agenda for the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, taking place May 13–15, 2025, at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy. The summit will bring together leading voices from across the automotive industry to explore the future of simulation-driven vehicle development. With the full agenda now available online, this year’s event promises a broader, more immersive experience for both on-site and remote participants.
More than 20 confirmed speakers will take the stage, representing a diverse range of OEMs, Tier
1 suppliers, and technology partners, including Alpine, Applus+ IDIADA & Hyundai METC, Aston Martin Lagonda, Automobili Lamborghini, Brembo, Bridgestone EMIA, CATL & HORIBA MIRA, EDAG Group, Ferrari, Ford Werke, HBK nCode, Honda R&D, Multimatic, Pirelli & MegaRide, Porsche Engineering, S&VL & SUBARU, Stellantis & Meccanica 42, T.R.E Team Rosberg Engineering, the Automotive Solution Center for Simulation (ASCS) and Volvo Cars.
A highlight of the summit will be a dynamic panel discussion on “The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Shaping the Future of Car Technology”, where industry thought leaders will unpack how emerging technologies are driving the evolution of software-defined vehicles, ADAS, and development workflows.
Attendees joining in person will benefit from a rich, hands-on program that includes:
Complimentary Software Training: Targeted training sessions will be offered for both new and experienced users, covering VI-CarRealTime, VI-WorldSim, VI-NVHSim, VI-Driver, VI-DriveSim, and SIMulation Workbench.
Hands -On Live Demo Experiences: Participants will explore the latest in simulator and Hardware-in-the-Loop technologies through 12 dedicated demo stations, including VI-grade’s DiM dynamic simulators and AutoHawk XiL platform.
Interactive User Group Meetings: Back by popular demand, VI-grade will host user group sessions focused on NVH and driving simulation, facilitating a vital exchange of knowledge and insights between customers and product teams.
For those unable to attend the event in-person, all presentations will be streamed live on LinkedIn, building on the successful remote participation format from previous years. The livestream is divided into four individual sessions, each of which requires separate registration. Online attendance is free-of-charge and registration is via LinkedIn.
VI-grade is pleased to again confirm media partnerships with ATZ, Automotive Testing Technology International, Vehicle Dynamics International, and SAE Media Group, further extending the reach of the event to the global automotive engineering community.
“We’re proud that the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit has established itself as a landmark event within the virtual vehicle development community,” said Alessio Lombardi, Vice President Sales EMEA and North America at VI-grade. “With a broader speaker lineup, extended demonstration offerings, and a full schedule of complimentary software training sessions, this year’s edition promises even greater value for professionals looking to accelerate innovation and reduce reliance on physical prototypes.”
VI-grade gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit sponsors:
Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer Institut ITWM, Gamma Technologies, New Eagle, project: syntropy, Rohde & Schwarz, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, MOOG
Registration for the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is open at this link. 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.
このソリューションは、ブッシュ、サブフレーム、ボディシステムなど、従来は後期のテストまで検証が困難であった、リードタイムが長く構造的に重要なコンポーネントの最適化に特に有効です。
VI-gradeのVice President Sales EMEA and North America であるAlessio Lombardi氏は、次のように述べています。
Darmstadt, Germany, February 20, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the preliminary lineup of speakers and sponsors for its 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, taking place from May 13-15, 2025, at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy. In addition, registration for the event is now open at this link, with an Early-Bird Discount of 20% available for registrations made before March 21st.
Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit provides exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are being utilized by industry leaders to accelerate development and tackle the Zero Prototypes challenge. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Alpine Cars, Applus+ IDIADA, EDAG Group, Honda R&D, HORIBA MIRA, MegaRide, Multimatic, TRE and Volvo. More contributions from leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to gaining insights into the latest virtual development practices, attendees will have the opportunity to experience VI-grade's comprehensive portfolio of simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) technologies through hands-on demo sessions. These sessions will also showcase the recently launched COMPACT HMI Simulator, along with a new driving simulator that will be unveiled exclusively during the summit.
To maximize the value of their visit to the SimCenter, participants are invited to join complimentary training sessions on VI-grade's software products, including VI-CarRealTime, VI-WorldSim, and VI-NVHSim. These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the software's functionalities and capabilities, catering to both newcomers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced users looking to deepen their expertise.
Additionally, dedicated user group meetings will be held for driving simulator and NVH customers, offering a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and provide direct feedback to VI-grade's product development teams. As in previous years, the summit will feature multiple networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with industry peers, gain new perspectives, and prepare for emerging challenges in the automotive sector.
“We’re excited to unveil the first lineup of speakers and sponsors for our 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit,” said Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. “In an era of increasing complexity, cost pressures, and the demand for faster time-to-market, our summit offers a platform for companies to explore how virtual testing – through simulation software, driving simulators, and HiL solutions – can drive resilience and growth. We are excited to once again welcome global industry leaders to our SimCenter in Udine, empowering them to push boundaries and innovate with confidence.”
VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer Institut ITWM, New Eagle, project: syntropy, Rohde & Schwarz, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, MOOG
Registration for the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is open at this link. An exclusive Early Bird Discount of 20% is available for registrations made before March 21st. 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.
Please complete the following form to register. Registration will grant you access to the reserved area.
At the end of the registration you will receive an e-mail containing your registration data.
I consent VI-grade to contact me via email and accept the privacy policy