In a significant advancement for automotive engineering, Ansible Motion, a leader in Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulation environments, has formalized a partnership with MdynamiX, a specialist in real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) solutions. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the development of steering, braking, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), empowering engineers to evaluate vehicle systems in a more integrated and efficient manner.
A Response to Market Demands
The agreement comes at a pivotal moment for Ansible Motion, which is currently witnessing unprecedented demand for its sophisticated driving simulators from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers spanning China, Korea, the USA, and Europe. The versatility and immersive capabilities of Ansible Motion’s DIL simulators allow for earlier and more frequent testing, enabling engineers to define, refine, and validate vehicle features at a stage when changes are not only possible but also cost-effective.
As the availability of physical prototypes diminishes, the automotive industry is increasingly turning to simulation and virtual development spaces. This shift has driven innovations aimed at expanding the potential use cases for comprehensive simulations, thereby enhancing virtual vehicle assessment capabilities. To stay competitive, it is essential for development processes to maintain seamless workflows across various simulation environments, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), as well as advanced HIL and DIL simulations, ultimately culminating in rigorous physical vehicle testing.
Seamless Integration for Enhanced Development
The collaboration with MdynamiX is particularly timely, as it addresses the pressing need for engineers to experience and calibrate real steering and braking systems, especially when access to physical vehicles is limited. Dan Clark, Managing Director of Ansible Motion, emphasizes this challenge: “Prototype vehicles often arrive too late in a development program, or with restrictive scheduling constraints that limit the time available for fine-tuning the attributes that are crucial to establishing brand identities.”
With MdynamiX as a partner, Ansible Motion is poised to leverage its extensive installation base of dynamic DIL simulators. This unique perspective on applications, use cases, and customer requirements allows for the integration of MdynamiX’s HIL solutions with Ansible Motion’s DIL simulators. “We are creating an expanded set of digital product development tools,” says Clark, highlighting the potential for joint projects that will significantly benefit customers in the automotive sector.
Elevating Simulation to New Heights
MdynamiX brings to the table comprehensive steering and wet braking solutions that offer dynamic real-time HIL capabilities, seamlessly integrated into Ansible Motion’s DIL simulator environments. This integration provides development and testing engineers with an innovative simulation environment, facilitating both subjective and objective evaluations of complete vehicle dynamics in a virtual setting. Furthermore, it allows for the preliminary calibration and implementation of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) systems in a human-centric manner.
Professor Bernhard Schick, CEO of MdynamiX, articulates the importance of this collaboration: “We are taking a further step in our close partnership with Ansible Motion, one of the world’s leading simulator manufacturers.” Schick emphasizes the value of their end-to-end MIL/SIL/HIL simulation and test driving capabilities, particularly in areas such as steering, chassis, vehicle dynamics, comfort, and user experience (UX)/Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
The emphasis on creating the “world’s best steering feel” is central to this partnership. Schick notes that “good steering feel in the driving simulator is essential for acceptance and good results,” underscoring the significance of subjective impressions in the development process. By leveraging real components, the driving simulator generates substantial advantages that lead to better decision-making and accelerated development cycles.
As the automotive landscape becomes increasingly complex, the partnership between Ansible Motion and MdynamiX heralds a new era of simulation technology. By merging cutting-edge DIL and HIL solutions, these industry leaders are setting the stage for transformative advancements in vehicle system development. This collaboration not only streamlines engineering workflows but also enhances the ability to create vehicles that meet the evolving demands of the market, ensuring that the automotive industry continues to innovate at a rapid pace.
