Summary: Virtual simulations are transforming the way connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are tested and developed. The Area X.O research and development complex in Ottawa offers a simulation portal that allows companies to reduce time, cost, effort, and risk in bringing their innovative CAV technologies to market. Powered by Ansys software, the simulation model provides companies with access to various software options for autonomous cars, cameras, satellites, and electronic systems. Through virtual simulations, engineers can assess the performance of their CAV technologies under different conditions and refine algorithms to ensure appropriate reactions to rare, potentially fatal situations. Simulations also enable the testing of new hardware, such as lidar technologies and sensor fusion techniques, by creating virtual environments that mimic real-world conditions. Just as pilots have been trained using simulators for decades, CAV technologies can be developed and tested in virtual environments before they are deployed on the road. Companies can now take advantage of the Area X.O Simulation Discovery Portal for free until March 31, 2024, to accelerate the development and validation of their CAV innovations.
Now, cars will learn to drive like pilots
Virtual simulations are redefining the testing and development process for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Area X.O, a renowned research and development complex in Ottawa, is revolutionizing this approach with its simulation portal, transforming how companies bring innovative CAV technologies to market. The simulation model, powered by Ansys software, enables engineers to assess the performance of their CAV technologies and refine algorithms to ensure appropriate reactions to rare, potentially fatal situations. Just as pilots are extensively trained using flight simulators, CAV technologies can now be trained and tested in virtual environments before hitting the road.
Unlocking the potential of virtual simulations
By leveraging virtual simulations, companies can reduce testing time, cost, effort, and risk associated with developing CAV technologies. The simulation portal offers access to a range of software options, including autonomous car and sensor simulations, camera and optics simulations, satellite and drone simulations, and electronic system simulations. These simulations allow engineers to evaluate the behavior of CAV technologies in various scenarios, such as different weather conditions and on-road obstacles. Moreover, virtual simulations enable the creation of software-only analogs to trial new hardware, such as lidar technologies and sensor fusion techniques.
Accelerating development with virtual miles
Virtual simulations offer significant advantages in terms of mile coverage and efficiency compared to physical driving tests. It is estimated that eight billion miles of driving experience are necessary to make a machine learning model safer than a human driver. With simulations, companies can create virtual environments that provide “virtual miles” indistinguishable from real-world driving conditions. Waymo, for example, tested their vehicles on over 20 million miles of actual driving, but achieved 750 times more coverage with 15 billion miles of simulated miles. This allows for repeated tests and refinement of self-driving systems, ensuring proper reactions to rare and potentially fatal situations.
Embracing the virtual revolution
Simulation projects are not limited to visual images. They also involve mapping sensors, such as lidar, thermal, and radar, with point-cloud simulations that replicate these sensors’ behavior in a virtual environment. This enables the trial and evaluation of new hardware technologies within a simulated setting. With the success of pilot training in virtual environments, it is now time for CAVs to undergo the same testing and development process. Companies can take advantage of the Area X.O Simulation Discovery Portal, which offers access to simulation engineers and customized solutions, free of charge until March 31, 2024, to accelerate their CAV innovations to market.