Validation with simulation reduces the integration burden on the engineer.
Hexagon has announced the next step in the automotive industry’s journey towards a zero-prototype future with the validated compatibility of Adams Real Time with VI-grade physical driving simulators. Engineers use Adams Real Time to convert an Adams Car simulation into a model usable by hardware-in-the-loop simulation systems. So, by combining these tools engineers will be able to feel how their vehicle designs would drive on a driving simulator, instead of needing to build physical prototypes to function as the hardware-in-the-loop.
“The combination of VI-grade’s simulator platform and high-fidelity Adams vehicle physics empowers our customers to leverage a common vehicle model for both their offline development and connected real-time applications,” said Chris Baker, Head of System Dynamics software at Hexagon. “This single-model development paradigm multiplies the productivity, cost reduction and product performance value that Adams provides today to enable more reliable end-to-end processes and improve collaboration. The VI-Certified program is a stamp of approval for the robustness, reliability and accuracy of Adams Real Time, and Hexagon is proud to work with VI-grade to enable a future of zero prototypes.”
Improving productivity, cost reduction and product performance, as Baker said, is important as the automotive industry is under constant strain to meet market demands rapidly with smaller budgets. So, instead of using that budget on a physical prototype, engineers can instead build a virtual one that, with Adams Real Time, can be integrated with VI-grade simulators in a hardware-in-the-loop setup. This means that as engineers tweak designs, they no longer need to wait for a physical prototype to try it out. They can plug it into the simulator and give it a spin. These models can then also be used and reused as needed to evaluate various changes to the car design.
“We are excited to have Hexagon as part of the VI-Certified partner program,” said Tony Spagnuolo, VP of Business Development at VI-grade. “The program will reduce the integration burden on our customers by ensuring that the best of our third-party partner software tools work seamlessly on our simulators. Customers can be confident that we have validated the software they are looking to use on our simulators. They also have the assurance of regular product updates and dedicated customer support. Through our partnership, Hexagon and VI-grade are providing a valuable, time-saving solution that makes it easier for our customers to use virtual prototyping with confidence to save cost and get safe, compelling products to market on time.”
