The Evolution of Motion Simulators in the Automotive Industry
Motion simulators have come a long way in the automotive industry. Gone are the days of simple screens, fake steering wheels, and pedals. Today’s state-of-the-art simulators, such as the Dynisma Motion Generator (DMG) by Dynisma, offer an immersive experience that replicates the sensations of driving a real car on the road or track.
The Complexity of Modern Cars and the Benefits for Manufacturers
For manufacturers like Dynisma and Ansible Motion, the complexity of modern road cars presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The increasing complexity of today’s vehicles makes it difficult for manufacturers to design them effectively. However, this complexity also opens up new possibilities for motion simulators in developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for road cars.
The Role of Software and Mechanics in Motion Simulators
Motion simulators rely on a combination of complex software and mechanics to create a realistic driving experience. The software creates a virtual world outside the simulator using a sophisticated computer model, while the mechanics generate the movement that simulates the sensations a driver would feel in a real car. However, one challenge that simulator designers face is latency, which refers to the delay between the visuals on the screen and the driver’s expected sensations.
The Importance of Latency in Simulators
Latency is a crucial factor in motion simulators. In a real car, there is no latency between what the driver sees and feels. However, even a tiny delay in a simulator can affect the driver’s ability to accurately gauge how a real car would react to their inputs. For example, when a car oversteers, a delay in the simulator’s response can make it challenging for the driver to make a corrective action. Additionally, latency can also cause drivers to feel queasy, making the simulator experience less enjoyable.
The Importance of Low Latency in Formula 1 Simulators
In Formula 1, where precision and split-second decisions are crucial, the requirement for motion simulators is incredibly demanding. The F1 standard for latency is less than four milliseconds, and Dynisma’s DMG claims to meet this requirement. A response time of less than four milliseconds is virtually instantaneous, allowing for accurate simulation and development of ADAS features like lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping, and autonomous emergency braking.
Expanding the Applications of Motion Simulators
Beyond ADAS, motion simulators have the potential to be used in various other areas of vehicle development. For example, Dynisma is exploring the complex question of the handover from autonomous driving to human driving. Simulators provide a safe environment to evaluate different scenarios quickly, helping manufacturers design effective systems for a smooth transition between autonomous and manual driving modes.
Motion simulators can also be used to assess passenger comfort in various scenarios. Additionally, they have applications in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, noise, vibration, harshness, control systems, human-machine interface, and user experience. The versatility of motion simulators makes them invaluable tools for automotive manufacturers.
Future Regulations and the Role of Motion Simulators
Looking ahead, motion simulators like the DMG may play a crucial role in meeting future regulations. For example, a new European small-series type approval regulation coming into effect next year will require small-volume manufacturers to adopt ADAS in their vehicles. Motion simulators can help these manufacturers develop and test ADAS features efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining high standards of safety and performance.
In conclusion, motion simulators have evolved significantly in the automotive industry. They offer an immersive and realistic driving experience, enabling manufacturers to develop advanced driver assistance systems and tackle the challenges posed by modern vehicle complexity. With their ability to provide low-latency responses and their versatility in various aspects of vehicle development, motion simulators are poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of the automotive industry.