Watch the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit virtually and learn how automotive industry leaders are moving away from physical prototypes.
The need for increased speed, reduced costs and greater efficiency in vehicle design is driving the automotive industry away from physical prototypes and toward a simulation-based development process. Simulations allow engineers and designers to perform much of their testing and development work virtually, avoiding the time and expense of building and evaluating physical models.
Additionally, physical prototypes require significant energy and resources to build, along with fuel, tires and transportation for testing, often involving international shipping, which adds to inefficiency and emissions. In contrast, simulators offer a more sustainable solution where virtual models can be tested locally, then shared digitally with teams around the world, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint, cost and time.
“The vision is to have a validation prototype be the first vehicle off the line,” said Dave Bogema, senior director of product management at VI-grade. “You want something that you can test, but that car should ideally be a saleable vehicle at that point. The aviation industry has gotten there to a large degree, so the idea for the auto industry is to get to the point where they can simulate virtually everything and then have a vehicle that’s right when they build it.”
Real-time, multi-attribute simulators create a realistic experience
VI-grade specializes in simulations that involve human interaction — areas where subjective human experience is essential to evaluation. This includes vehicle dynamics (how a car handles, rides and responds to road conditions), NVH (noise, vibration and harshness,) and the human-machine interface (HMI), which includes screens, buttons and other input systems in the vehicle. Although measurable in some objective ways, these elements ultimately depend on human perception to determine if the vehicle feels responsive, comfortable and engaging.
To support these evaluations, VI-grade develops a variety of specialized simulators. These range from large, room-sized simulators for vehicle dynamics (capable of simulating physical motion, such as lane changes or braking), to NVH simulators for accurate acoustic and vibration reproduction, to HMI simulators that replicate the vehicle’s interface. These tools allow engineers and decision-makers to immerse themselves in realistic scenarios, experiencing how a car performs and feels long before production.
One of VI-grade’s advancements is the development of multi-attribute simulation. Traditionally, automotive testing and simulation have been siloed — engineers would assess vehicle dynamics in one simulator, then move to another setup to evaluate NVH, and yet another for HMI. VI-grade’s integrated approach combines these aspects into a single, cohesive simulation experience. This integration is critical because these vehicle attributes often interact — for example, a vehicle’s vibration can affect how the HMI is perceived, or NVH might influence handling performance.
“For our vehicle dynamics models, we take what would be a traditional multibody model and simplify it as a real-time model,” said Bogema. “VI-grade’s sister company is Concurrent Real-Time, and their focus is on building real-time computers. So, the core of our simulators is this real-time computer that enables you to drive in real time as you would a real car.”
Simulating a vehicle involves integrating multiple specialized modeling techniques — such as multibody dynamics, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While many companies focus on individual components or specific simulation types, such as gearbox noise or wind acoustics, VI-grade’s strength lies in combining these diverse inputs into a unified environment that replicates the full complexity of a vehicle, enabling evaluation of interactions between systems such as road noise, wind and the entire powertrain without relying on physical prototypes.
“We stitch everything together and give you that realistic experience,” said Bogema.
The company has a global network of SimCenters, with its flagship location in Udine, Italy. These centers are used for product demonstrations and function as collaborative spaces where clients can undertake specific projects, conduct proof-of-concept work or simply gain hands-on experience with simulators. Staffed by technical experts, the SimCenters offer education and practical support, enabling customers to explore new ideas, test innovations and advance their development goals in a high-tech, guided environment.
Watch the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit virtually
VI-grade will host its annual Zero Prototypes Summit, May 13–15, 2025, at its SimCenter in Udine, Italy, so that industry professionals can gather, discuss technology advancements and learn from each other. Registration remains open to attend the in-person event, and livestream options are available through LinkedIn.
“The Zero Prototypes Summit is unique in that it’s put on by Vi-grade but has turned into an industry event. It’s very similar to a conference where customers are giving presentations and learning from each other. It’s not all about VI-grade — it’s about the technology in the industry and how people are pushing forward this idea of zero prototypes,” said Bogema.
The event fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing around the common goal of reducing physical prototypes and accelerating development through improved simulation methods. The first half of each day is dedicated to hands-on experiences with driving simulators, including the company’s newest HMI and full-spectrum simulators, which integrate motion, vibration and sound for multi-attribute testing. Virtual reality is also featured as a growing simulation tool. Alongside live software demos and interactive displays, a large exhibition area hosts VI-grade’s simulation and service partners, offering a comprehensive view of the simulation ecosystem. The event also typically includes product launches — this year showcasing a new motion simulator and new software solutions — for attendees to gain insights and a broader understanding of the field, with contributions from industry leaders and university researchers.
Online attendance is free of charge and includes the following high-level customer presentations that attendees can register for separately:
- Session 1, featuring Bridgestone EMIA, Ferrari, Porsche Engineering, Lamborghini and EDAG Group.
- Session 2, featuring TRE, Brembo, Horiba Mira & CATL, Honda R&D, as well as an engaging podium discussion on AI.
- Session 3, featuring Alpine, Pirelli & MegaRide, Aston Martin Lagonda, S&VL & Subaru, Applus+ IDIADA & Hyundai METC, HBK nCode and Volvo Cars.
- Session 4, featuring ASC-S, Multimatic, Stellantis & Meccanica 42, Ferrari, Hyundai METC and Ford Werke.
Those who register will receive an email with links to videos and a recap of the event.
Can’t make it to Udine? Let’s meet in Novi
For those in North America, particularly near Detroit, who cannot attend the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit in person this year, VI-grade is hosting a 2025 North American Zero Prototypes Day on June 12, 2025, at the Multimatic SimCenter in Novi, Michigan. This regional event will mirror Udine’s vibes, knowledge-sharing and collaborative nature with live demonstrations, software stations, presentations and networking.
Registration is open and free of charge, with more information to come.
To learn more about VI-grade, visit vi-grade.com.
