The new partnership aims to develop optimized simulation systems by combining respective software and hardware capabilities.

Automotive driving simulation software, hardware and services provider VI-grade recently announced that it has acquired real-time computational hardware and software solutions company Concurrent Real-Time, Inc. VI-grade shared in a press release that the company purchased 100 percent of outstanding shares from Boston-based private equity investment firm Battery Ventures for approximately $166.7 million in cash. Concurrent Real-Time’s solutions include software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HiL), and people-in-the-loop (PIL). The company is expected to bring its expertise in further developing VI-grade’s simulation and control platforms. The acquisition is reportedly part of the tech company’s current plans to grow its simulator platform ventures while also working to integrate HiL technology into its products.
HiL is used in test simulation technology where a controller is hooked up to a reality simulator and deploys signals that serve as various functions and I/O types. This process tricks the controller into assuming that it’s already operating within an assembled component, making it appear as if it’s performing in a real-world space. Users can then test as many possible scenarios without needing to conduct physical tests, minimizing test costs while speeding up to time to market. HiL is typically used in aerospace and automotive applications and allows companies to simultaneously utilize both hardware and software in simulations that can successfully interact with various kinds of I/O.
This can help optimize the simulation process considering the number of tests done in a product’s development cycle. VI-grade currently offers an extensive portfolio of driving simulators such as its advanced VI-WorldSim where test designers can place cars in different environments such as tracks or cities and include real-world elements like traffic pedestrians, bicycles and animals.
“You can then interact with the traffic, and so on, as you’re driving the vehicle. You can establish scenarios, and you can establish standard ones. There are regulatory standards—some include external factors, and some don’t. I think we will see an expansion of those regulatory standards and the customers will make other ones,” shared Tony Spagnuolo, VI-grade’s vice president of Business Development.
Through VI-grade’s collaboration with Concurrent Real-Time, the two organizations will be establishing a new virtual simulation and testing company that will focus mainly on the research and development market within the automotive and aerospace industries. Their work will primarily build on VI-grade’s present simulation technologies and aim to enhance its dynamic performance, broaden its product portfolio, and improve its delivery capability and market reach.
The acquisition is also part of VI-grade’s parent company, Hottinger Brüel & Kjӕr’s (HBK), global strategy to complement its physical test and measurement offerings with end-to-end virtual testing. The deal is expected to close sometime in Q2 2021 while the companies await pending regulatory review and approvals.
For more information, visit http://www.vi-grade.com.