COVER STORY
isn’t a more dynamic or capable simulator in existence.” He also notes that the performance
of the Delta S3 extends beyond motion dynamics: “It is a turnkey sensory immersion system, with everything required for convincing virtual test driving – including a 360°, 48K wrap- around projection screen with detailed world-space scenarios, quick-change cabin environments, and full integration of hardware- and software-in-the-loop elements. The idea is to provide test drivers and vehicle evaluators with a laboratory-based experience that matches real-world test driving as closely as possible.” So, can automotive OEMs expect
to have their development cycle accelerated by using Ansible Motion’s simulators? “Absolutely. Bringing sophisticated products to market faster than competitors, while simultaneously improving quality and reducing environmental impact is vitally important to automotive manufacturers,” answers Haigh. “One of our automotive OEM customers reports that simulator testing made it possible to halve its time to market and reduce the number of physical prototypes by 40%. But beyond the numbers, our DIL simulators are a way to invite early and often human contact into the vehicle design process – and this may be the real value proposition.” Expanding on that latter point,
Haigh says: “Manufacturers are able to learn a huge amount from real human interaction far earlier in the development process, providing opportunities to make significant improvements sooner rather than later, thereby avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring marketplace acceptance of new concepts that can provide a competitive edge.”
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Given that many of Ansible Motion’s customers come from the world of racing it’s no surprise that Haigh alludes to the competitive edge as a key benefit that DIL simulators can deliver. “We have 15 years’ experience working with some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, and at every level of professional motorsport including F1, WRC, WEC,
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www.engineerlive.com
DIL simulation offers engineers a risk-free space to explore new concepts
NASCAR, INDYCAR and Formula E,” he details. “Since 2011, Honda’s engineers have relied upon our Delta DIL simulators to develop the brand’s automotive tech. When developing the Mustang Mach-E, our simulators helped Ford fine-tune the car’s suspension and tyre compounds long before physical prototypes were necessary.” He adds: “We also work with BMW Motorsport, Michelin, Continental, Chevrolet, DS Penske, General Motors, Lotus, University College London, Deakin University and many more.” Naturally, Ansible Motion’s hardware
must be able to work alongside its customers’ own software. So, how does the firm approach this side of things? “We understand that some
automotive manufacturers have deeply integrated in-house simulation and
software solutions. This represents a considerable investment, and it can also mean that there is embedded intellectual property (IP) and know- how that needs to be protected,” Haigh observes. “As such, all of our simulator products are designed from the outset with a modular and open computational architecture to be adaptable and work in harmony with other toolsets. This seamless approach to driving simulator integration is largely made possible by our distributed data bus (DDB) real-time environment. Customers can continue to use their preferred hardware and software, with us providing all required integration connections. For customers without in-house software, we have the experience to recommend trusted solutions that have proved successful in-field applications. For example, our
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