aiMotive and NI collaborate to integrate NI Veristand with aiMotive’s automated driving simulator (aiSim) to create an end-to-end Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) set-up for automated driving systems for even the most complex sensor configurations.

Budapest, Hungary, July 1, 2021 – One of the biggest challenges to validating an automated driving system is the real-time simulation of the entire end-to-end system, with all sensors modelled accurately in a realistic 3D environment. aiMotive, a technology leader in automated driving (AD) technology and NI collaborated to integrate NI Veristand with aiMotive’s AD simulator (aiSim) in an end-to-end HIL test set-up that models multiple high-definition cameras, physics accurately, in real-time, with real frame rate and time-synced with radar simulation. 
 
With the recently announced aiSim 3.0, aiMotive is solving the challenge of modelling high-fidelity sensor setups for real-time HiL testing. With the help of unique features, such as multi-node capability, aiSim can now distribute the sensor simulation across multiple server nodes. Furthermore, aiSim’s sensor simulation engine, built on the Khronos Group’s Vulkan API, provides a single interface towards the GPUs for all tasks required for the physics-based simulation of sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, radars and ultrasonics.  
 
These features are complemented by integrating NI Veristand, which allows the testing of ECUs or even complete vehicles equipped with complex sensor set-ups required for advanced automated driving. Alongside traditional HiL functions such as analyzing timing issues, simulating sensor failures and fault injection testing, the integrated solution enables complex scenario-based verification, including perception in real-time environments creating a new method for virtual validation. 
 
Designing ADAS and AD systems is a complex task, as technology and requirements continue to evolve rapidly. Automotive innovators need test systems that are open, adaptable and streamline the transition between simulation, lab-based and physical test environments to create safer vehicles ultimately. Today, disparate tools cause siloed processes, time-to-market delays and lead to higher costs that reduce the pace of innovation and hinder the quality of advanced technologies. 
 
“At NI, it is our goal to create a connected ADAS and AD validation workflow by bringing together people, ideas and technology to maximize product quality and speed up development. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the best solutions from agile subject matter experts like aiMotive up to IT infrastructure and cloud technology giants,” said Nicholas Keel, Offering Manager for ADAS Validation at NI.  
 
“NI’s 40+ years of industry experience and their open attitude was key for us to be able to develop a state-of-the-art solution for central automated driving ECU testing,” said Szabolcs Jánky, Product Manager of aiSim. “We are sure that no one will be able to solve the complex problem of virtual validation alone – that’s why partnerships like ours with NI is vital to move the industry forward,” he added.  
 
aiSim 3.0 is now available; check the complete feature list here

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