Driving simulator validates latest automotive megatrends

The new Theta C driving simulator offers OEMs, Tier 1s, research institutes and industry bodies a more immersive and car-like, environment than is currently available from other compact simulators. It also avoids the complexity and facility challenges typically associated with automotive test equipment of this accuracy and calibre.

Ansible Motion’s principle of clean-sheet design and innovation has fueled the introduction of the most immersive environment ever for a compact Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulator, whilst making the practical operation much easier. The key engineering class componentry required for human immersion is presented with meticulous attention to detail inside an approximately 2x2x2m cube.

The Theta C brings a higher quality of simulation to those who have been restricted by space or cost. It incorporates a panoramic projection system, detailed vehicle interior, Ansible Motion’s renowned immersion technologies for driver touch points, active steering torque and seat loading systems, foot pedal and gear select emulation, along with a surround sound audio system. Its integrated form and internal sound isolation mean it can be used in standard office spaces.

“Vehicle complexity continues to increase, putting pressure on development timescales and resources. More companies and departments now need access to human-in-the-loop simulation technologies to validate hardware and software solutions,” said Kia Cammaerts, Founder of Ansible Motion.

“As the most innovative driving simulator company in the market, we identified that some current DIL simulators offer the required fidelity but also require permanent installations. This means a high capital expenditure to cover the simulator itself as well as the facility. Theta C is different. The cube analogy is apt as Theta C is a fundamental building block for connecting real people with automotive simulations, anywhere in the world. We have optimised complexity, quality, and time-to-deploy. You can wheel it in, plug in and start work. It can be operated stand-alone, or it can connect with external Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.”

Combining versatility and ease-of-integration with customers’ existing development processes, Theta C is compatible with all leading vehicle modelling and scenario tools, including those from Dassault, MSC, AVL, Mechanical Simulation, and more. Complex traffic and actor scripting, together with sensor integration, make Theta C suitable for validating scenarios for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), active safety and autonomy.

“The Theta C simulator is a direct response to our interactions with OEMs and Tier 1s, who are seeking dependable, rapid, and powerful validation tools. There is an unprecedented demand being driven by megatrends in autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and driver assistance,” added Cammaerts.

Acknowledging this steep rise in vehicle technological developments and validation, Reportlinker analysts predict that the driving simulator market will reach $2.4bn by 2025. Ansible Motion has ensured each element of its Theta C product line is scalable in terms of both hardware and software aspects in order to keep pace with the automotive industry’s technology progression.

Ansible Motion began production of the Theta C driving simulator after favourable responses were received from its initial exhibit at the JSAE 2019 Congress in Yokohama, Japan, in May 2019. The first production units will be delivered to customers in Q4 2019.

Theta C is part of Ansible Motion’s driving simulator range, which includes the flagship Delta dynamic simulator. The same computing and software architecture is used throughout, allowing simulation programmes to be scaled between the different simulators.

Interested parties can contact Ansible Motion directly to learn more about the Theta C driving simulator.