Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division today announced that its Adams Real Time multi-body dynamic simulation software has been validated to run on VI-grade driving simulators, enabling Tier 1 automakers and OEMs to efficiently develop safe driving experiences without physical prototyping.
The automotive industry is under constant pressure to meet rapidly changing market demands in resource-constrained engineering environments. Rapid product development times are compounded by budget restrictions associated with physical prototypes, necessitating greater reliance on simulation. Automotive engineers rely on Adams to build their virtual vehicle prototypes, and on Adams Real Time hardware-in-the-loop (Hil) capabilities to speed up the testing phase. The high-fidelity simulations they develop are used to evaluate their engineering decisions against ride, handling and durability objectives to produce safe, comfortable cars.
Provider of driving simulation technologies, VI-grade helps engineers accelerate automotive innovation by enabling physical testing of computer-aided engineering (CAE) models, without the need to build prototype systems or vehicles. Adams Real Time is now validated by the company through its VI certification program, including only third-party solutions that pass rigorous real-time reliability and safety tests. Hexagon is building on its long-standing collaboration with VI-grade to bring high-fidelity physics to VI-grade's experimental driving platforms, facilitating the reproduction of on-road experiences in the manufacturer's test facilities where engineers and focus groups improve future vehicles.
Companies using Adams benefit from a significant return on investment. Simulation models routinely created for vehicle dynamics and handling can now be used for real-time test and validation tasks performed on VI-grade simulators simply by applying Adams Real Time parameters. Using a consistent, high-fidelity Adams vehicle model throughout the product development cycle delivers significant productivity gains, reducing costs and enabling engineering teams to improve the quality and performance of the final product.
With Adams Real Time, users can now extend the use of their existing models directly into the HIL or Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) test and validation phases. Unlike other approaches, the topology and parameters of the vehicle model are preserved when Adams Real Time is used in real-time applications, enabling engineers to explore and adjust different vehicle configurations seamlessly, and stakeholders in adjacent departments to collaborate more effectively. Standardization on a single model throughout the product lifecycle also eliminates unproductive and error-prone translations between different simulation software.
" The combination of the VI-grade simulation platform and Adams high-fidelity vehicle physics gives our customers the ability to leverage a common vehicle model for their offline development and real-time connected applications. This single model development paradigm enhances the productivity, cost reduction and product performance that Adams delivers today to enable more reliable end-to-end processes and improve collaboration. ", explains Chris Baker, Head of the System Dynamics Software Unit at Hexagon. " The VI certification program is a hallmark of Adams Real Time's robustness, reliability and accuracy, and Hexagon is proud to be working with VI-grade to move towards a future without prototypes. "
" We are delighted that Hexagon has joined the VI Certified Partner Program. ", says Tony Spagnuolo, VP Business Development at VI-grade. " The program will reduce the integration burden on our customers by ensuring that the best software tools from our partners run perfectly on our simulators. Customers have the assurance that we have validated the software they are looking to use on our simulators. They are also guaranteed regular product updates and dedicated customer support. Thanks to their partnership, Hexagon and VI-grade provide a valuable and fast solution that makes it easier for customers to use virtual prototyping with confidence to cut costs and bring safe, convincing products to market on time. "