TASS International acquisition propels Siemens to forefront of automated driving solutions engineering

Bruce Jenkins, Ora Research

Siemens announced an agreement to acquire TASS International, a global provider of simulation software and related engineering and test services primarily to the automotive industry focused on autonomous driving, integrated safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and tire modeling. Based in Helmond, The Netherlands, TASS has developed what Siemens terms “a rich family of solutions that will further strengthen Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software portfolio, and add to its position as the leading supplier of systems-driven product development offerings for the global automotive industry.” The combined offerings, Siemens says, will provide “a fully integrated solution to frontload verification and validation of automated driving systems.”

This move puts Siemens PLM Software squarely in the vanguard of the industry’s accelerating trend of deep investment in technology platforms for engineering modeling and simulation of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, especially their onboard sensing and decision-making systems. See for example our VIRES acquisition by MSC Software accelerates Hexagon’s simulation portfolio and autonomous X strategy, and ESI Pro-SiVIC 2016 models how sensors perceive scenes and smart products make decisions.

TASS PreScan model of autonomous emergency braking system in Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) test scenario.

“The automotive industry is a core focus for Siemens, and our acquisition of TASS International is another example of our commitment to offer a complete Digital Enterprise solutions portfolio, enabling automotive companies to realize their digital transformation and fully benefit from all opportunities of digitalization,” said Dr. Jan Mrosik, CEO of Siemens’ Digital Factory Division. “TASS International is a proven leader in both integrated safety and autonomous driving, two fields of engineering that are increasingly important for the industry. By combining its strengths with Siemens’ PLM offerings, we are able to respond even better to today’s challenges in the automotive industry.”

Goal: “Integrated toolchain for verification and validation of complex automotive functions” to benefit automotive industry and government organizations worldwide

With active safety and ADAS features increasingly becoming the norm in the automotive industry, Siemens observes, “the compelling trends of connected and autonomous driving vehicles set new requirements for virtual and physical validation and verification of automotive vehicles.”

TASS MADYMO human model.

“The Siemens PLM Software portfolio offers a significant opportunity for TASS International and its customers to accelerate the development of safety-critical applications in the field of automated and connected driving,” said TASS International CEO Jan van den Oetelaar. “Our engineering and test services will reach a larger audience through the extensive Siemens global footprint. The integration of TASS International into the Siemens organization is expected to create a stable long-term environment and allow access to a vast knowledge base. This can help to build an integrated toolchain for verification and validation of complex automotive functions that should benefit both the automotive industry as well as government organizations worldwide.”

Products: PreScan traffic scenario modeling, virtual validation of driving systems; MADYMO occupant safety modeling; Delft-Tyre tire modeling for vehicle dynamics/ride/handling simulations

TASS International is focused on automated driving solutions and integrated (active/passive) safety, primarily for the automotive industry. With its PreScan software, car manufacturers, suppliers and government agencies can simulate complex traffic scenarios and virtually validate automated driving solutions and advanced driver assistance systems. With its leading MADYMO software for occupant safety modeling, TASS International can simulate the impact of a car crash on the human body. TASS International’s Delft-Tyre software provides highly accurate tire models for vehicle dynamics and ride and handling simulations.

Tire model creation in TASS Delft-Tyre.

TASS International’s simulation software will be combined with Siemens’ Simcenter portfolio of advanced simulation offerings, and its electronic design automation (EDA) solutions from the recently acquired Mentor Graphics organization. See our Mentor Graphics acquisition positions Siemens to become mechatronics engineering powerhouse. The combination, says Siemens, “will provide a unique, fully integrated solution to frontload the verification and validation of ADAS and autonomous driving systems, providing Siemens with the world’s most complete systems-driven product development offering for autonomous vehicles.”

Siemens will acquire 100 percent of the share capital of TASS International and integrate the business into its PLM Software Business Unit, part of Siemens’ Digital Factory Division. TASS International has some 200 employees and annual revenue of €27 million. Financial terms were not disclosed. Closing is expected early this month.

TASS International

Simcenter

Siemens PLM Software

Euro NCAP