Simulators are an important part of today's research and development landscape.
We can help you design and implement the right simulator for your needs, and get all the relevant components, such as custom steering wheels, up and running.
Simulators are an indispensable tool in modern vehicle development. The advantages of simulators include the ability to easily control test situations, test purely virtual prototypes, and test with end users without risk. To take full advantage of these benefits, a simulator should be used that is appropriate for the task at hand.
Often, components to be tested must be integrated into the simulators, such as human-machine interfaces (HMI) or steering wheels that are still in the prototype stage. We support you in the design, construction and commissioning of your individual simulator solution as well as in the integration of all necessary components. If required, different simulators can as well be integrated in one shared virtual environment. Benefit from our years of experience!
- 01SIMULATOR DESIGN The right tool
A simulator is a research tool. We can help you find the right tool to solve your tasks. Compact seat box or semi-vehicle? Motion system or static setup? Projectors or VR glasses? We have the answers and the optimum driving simulator solution for you.
The variety of driving simulators available today is almost unmanageable. However, the decisive factor for successful use in research and development is the suitability of the simulator for the respective problem – in technical terms: task-specific validity.
In order to measure the distraction potential of a new steering wheel control, the range of functions and the real-world positioning of the steering wheel, as well as the representation of the operating tasks, are crucial. Vestibular stimulation by a large motion system is of secondary importance.
Together with you, we analyze your requirements, design your individual simulator solution or optimize existing simulators. We take care of material procurement, installation, commissioning and competent on-site instruction and training.
- 02SYSTEM INTEGRATION From keystroke to display
The interfaces of mechatronic systems in the vehicle environment are manifold. We ensure seamless integration of your (prototype) system into the vehicle or simulator environment, regardless of hardware and software specifications.
A major advantage of simulators is the flexible adaptation and experience of prototype vehicle components in driving operation. We make sure that your (prototype) component is fully integrated into the respective simulator.
We ensure the communication of different mechatronic systems, e.g., steering wheels, with the simulator infrastructure and offer interfaces to common BUS systems (LIN, CAN) and communication protocols (Bluetooth, TCP/UDP, etc.).
We are also happy to program microcontrollers specifically for your application. You can use our expertise in system integration when designing new simulators as well as when upgrading existing simulators or integrating them into real vehicles.
- 03PROTOTYPING Bringing prototypes to life
Virtual product development is an essential standard in many areas of development. With rapid prototyping, virtually designed elements can be experienced and tested in order to approve or release a product for further development. We design, manufacture and deploy prototypes according to your requirements.
Even in the age of virtual product development, it is necessary to bring a prototype to life, use it, and test it to ensure that everything works as intended. We can help you bring your prototype to life.
Our in-house rapid prototyping enables us to design everything from the circuit board to the housing using modern CAE tools, e.g., 3D printing (FDM), and to manufacture them in our workshop for assembly. For more complex metal and wood fabrications, we have a network of competent manufacturing partners in the area. This enables us to test prototypes, e.g., for innovative display and operating concepts, under realistic conditions.
- 04VEHICLE INTEGRATION From the road to simulation
The advantages of driving simulation are to be used for certain topics, but there is no simulator that can, for example, reliably reproduce the complex infotainment concept to be investigated in the interior with sufficient accuracy. The solution here can be the integration of an existing real vehicle into a SILAB environment simulation.
Sometimes a study needs to be conducted on an existing vehicle, but a real-world test is not efficient enough or too risky.
For example, a distraction measurement on a particularly complex infotainment system with multiple displays and ambient lighting concepts that could only be integrated into an existing simulator mock-up at great expense.
In the motorcycle sector, the same principle can be used to carry out certain user tests on prototypes during the development phase in order to streamline the development process. As a solution, we offer the integration of complete vehicles in the virtual test environment. For research, demonstrations, or trade show set-ups, vehicles can be mocked up in the simulator today and driven in real traffic or on the proving ground tomorrow.
Are you interested in the simulators we use at the WIVW?
- Interested in car / truck research?
At the center: the human in the vehicle
Our research analyzes the driving behavior and driving experience of car and truck users - from assistance systems to vehicle-driver interaction.
GO TO THE RESEARCH TOPICS - Interested in motorcycle research?
Motorcycle research redefined
With a unique infrastructure, we research the behavior of motorcyclists and optimize safety and riding experience.
GO TO THE RESEARCH TOPICS - Interested in bicycle research?
The future of bicycle mobility
With our bicycle simulator, we are researching how infrastructure, safety and behaviour in cycling can be optimized.
GO TO THE RESEARCH TOPICS - Interested in pedestrian research?
Safe interaction in road traffic
Our pedestrian simulator explores, for example, how gestures, glances and signals can improve communication with road users and automated vehicles.
GO TO THE RESEARCH TOPICS