Partnership Enhances Virtual Vehicle Development

AVL Mobility Technologies and Ansible Motion have partnered to combine real-time vehicle simulation software with driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulators, enabling faster and more efficient virtual vehicle development for manufacturers and suppliers.

Context: Increasing reliance on virtual engineering
Automotive development is shifting toward virtual validation to reduce reliance on physical prototypes, shorten development cycles, and control costs. Simulation tools are increasingly used to model vehicle behaviour, but integrating human feedback into these environments remains a challenge.

The collaboration between AVL and Ansible Motion addresses this by linking system-level simulation with immersive driver interaction.

Technical solution: Integrating simulation and driver feedback
At the core of the partnership is the integration of AVL’s Vehicle Simulation Model (VSM) software with Ansible Motion’s driver-in-the-loop simulators.

AVL VSM enables real-time modelling of vehicle components, subsystems, and complete vehicles. Engineers can evaluate vehicle dynamics, performance, and system interactions under a wide range of simulated conditions.

When combined with DiL simulators, engineers can conduct virtual test drives, allowing subjective and objective evaluation of parameters such as chassis dynamics, powertrain behaviour, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and active safety functions.

Development impact: Earlier validation and reduced prototyping
The integrated platform allows manufacturers to move validation processes earlier in the development cycle. By testing multiple scenarios virtually, engineering teams can reduce the number of physical prototypes and test iterations required.

The system enables high-throughput scenario testing, supporting evaluation across varied conditions, surfaces, and driving events. This contributes to shorter development timelines and reduced engineering costs.

Deployment: Integrated simulation environment
AVL has implemented the combined solution at its technical centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where customers can evaluate vehicle models using an Ansible Motion Theta Seat simulator.

The platform can be integrated with additional AVL validation tools, including Software-in-the-Loop (SiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), and Virtual Test Bed (VTB) systems. This creates a continuous development workflow from early simulation to system-level validation.

Applications and use cases
The solution supports a range of automotive development activities, including:

By combining simulation accuracy with driver input, the system enables more comprehensive validation of vehicle performance and behaviour.

Conclusion: Accelerating simulation-driven development
The partnership between AVL and Ansible Motion reflects a broader shift toward integrated virtual development environments in the automotive sector. By combining real-time simulation with driver interaction, the solution supports faster, more efficient vehicle engineering while reducing reliance on physical testing.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.

www.ansiblemotion.com