The 'Road to Virtual World (RVW) 2024' conference, organised by SAE Northern India Section (SAE-NIS), explored key technological advances in the automotive industry, with a strong emphasis on simulation and virtual testing.
The conference's central theme, the power of simulation for engineering, set the tone for discussions on the transformative impact of the enormous wave of digital technologies on every aspect of automotive engineering.
Empowering AI & Virtual Testing In Automotive Innovation
Central to the event was the discussion of AI-driven simulations which have become crucial in reducing product development cycles, enhancing efficiency, and improving overall safety. AI-led simulations, particularly in digital twins, autonomous systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), were highlighted as key to bringing down development costs and accelerating time-to-market for new automotive products.
AI-led simulation technology allows for virtual testing of vehicles and components, replacing traditional physical tests with sophisticated software models. This shift has not only cut costs but has significantly increased efficiency. Virtual simulations can replicate real-world conditions and test scenarios without requiring physical prototypes, offering manufacturers a way to fine-tune safety features and optimise performance in a controlled environment. This approach is beneficial for developing vehicles, tyres, and other automotive components, including software systems that must meet strict safety standards.
The conference covered a broad spectrum of emerging topics crucial to the modern automotive landscape. Key focus areas included AI and machine learning in intelligent mobility, digital twins, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, vehicle electronics, and software integration. Autonomous systems, active safety controls, ADAS, and simulations for vehicle dynamics, powertrain electrification, and alternative fuels were also in the spotlight.
Notable presentations addressed the use of digital twins in creating virtual models of physical systems, enabling manufacturers to predict performance, diagnose problems, and optimise designs. This approach significantly reduces the reliance on physical prototypes and enables real-time monitoring of system behaviours. Experts also discussed advancements in algorithms, programming, and automotive research, focusing on how digital technologies are redefining the automotive industry’s approach to design, testing, and deployment.
AI-led testing and simulations were underscored as vital tools for the industry allowing for the development of vehicles that meet safety and regulatory standards while reducing overall costs. The role of AI in simulating crash tests, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), as well as in assessing vehicle durability and aerodynamics, was particularly emphasised.
Virtualised Testing & Its Impact On Automotive Software Development
Another significant theme at the conference was the shift towards virtualised testing, especially in automotive software. As vehicle software becomes increasingly complex, with diverse features integrated into modern cars, testing environments need to adapt. Virtualised software testing, including software-in-the-loop (SIL) solutions, enables developers to test software components in a simulated environment before integrating them into physical hardware. This reduces errors and enhances the overall quality of software-defined vehicles.
AI-led virtual testing allows manufacturers to simulate a range of conditions that vehicles may face, from extreme weather to complex driving scenarios. These simulations are especially relevant for testing ADAS technologies, which require extensive validation to ensure accuracy and safety. The conference highlighted that AI-led simulations not only reduce the time required to bring products to market but also provide a more accurate understanding of how vehicles perform under various conditions.
Brenton Jude Pereira, Senior Manager at dSPACE, discussed the company's SIL solutions, explaining how virtualised testing helps accelerate software development and improves validation processes. These methods ensure that software-defined vehicles (SDVs) meet both legal and brand standards while focusing on safety, quality, and cybersecurity. Experts noted that virtualised testing enables the industry to keep up with rapid technological changes without compromising on reliability or performance.
Reducing Product Development Times & Enhancing Safety
Simulations have made it possible to detect design flaws early in the development process, significantly lowering costs associated with late-stage errors. AI has also enhanced safety features by simulating complex scenarios and allowing manufacturers to test vehicle responses in critical situations. This proactive approach is especially important for ADAS systems, where safety is paramount.
By using AI-based simulations, the automotive industry is not only creating safer vehicles but also optimising components like tyres, batteries, and powertrains. The simulation of aerodynamics, heat transfer, and vehicle dynamics using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulations has become standard practice. This technology allows for a more efficient use of materials, improving both vehicle performance and sustainability.
Collaboration In Automotive Innovation
The RVW 2024 conference provided a platform for collaboration between industry experts, technology providers, and academic researchers. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of partnerships in driving automotive innovation, particularly in AI, machine learning, and simulation technologies. These collaborations are essential in navigating the challenges of integrating new technologies into the automotive sector while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
The event concluded with a focus on the future, as industry leaders emphasised the need to keep pace with evolving technologies and consumer expectations. As the automotive landscape shifts towards greater electrification, automation, and connectivity, AI-led simulations are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the vehicles of tomorrow.
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