Automated Driving Simulator Creates Hardware-in-the-Loop Set-up for ADAS Development
Addressing real-time simulation of the entire end-to-end system, with all sensors modelled accurately in a realistic 3D environment, aiMotive and NI integrated NI Veristand with aiMotive’s AD simulator (aiSim). This creates an end-to-end HIL test set-up that models multiple high-definition cameras, with accurate physics, in real-time, with a frame rate time-synced with radar simulation. Features such as multi-node capability enables aiSim to distribute sensor simulation across multiple server nodes. In addition, aiSim’s sensor simulation engine, built on the Khronos Group’s Vulkan API, provides a single interface for all tasks required for the physics-based simulation of sensors, including cameras, LiDARs, radars, and ultrasonics.
Integrating NI Veristand allows the testing of ECUs or complete vehicles equipped with complex sensor set-ups, and alongside traditional HiL functions such as analyzing timing issues, can simulate sensor failures and perform fault injection testing, enable complex scenario-based verification, including perception in real-time environments for virtual validation.
“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.
