Darmstadt, Germany, December 12, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced its upcoming 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit. This annual flagship event is slated to take place May 13-15, 2025, at VI-grade’s SimCenter facility in Udine, Italy – the company’s main development hub featuring the full range of simulation software, driving simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop technologies. 

This flagship annual event brings together professionals from across the automotive industry to explore the latest advancements in virtual vehicle development. The 2025 summit will maintain its proven format, offering a blend of:

• Keynote and Technical Presentations: Industry leaders, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, universities, and research centers, will share their insights, experiences, and best practices in utilizing VI-grade technologies
• Hands-On Demonstrations: Attendees will have the opportunity to experience VI-grade’s innovative solutions through interactive sessions tailored to specific automotive applications
• Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Numerous opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts, enhancing professional growth and preparing for emerging challenges in the automotive sector. 

“The ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is a cornerstone event for fostering innovation and collaboration within the automotive industry,” said Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. “In an era of increasing complexity, cost pressures, and the demand for faster time-to-market, our summit offers a platform for companies to explore how virtual testing – through simulation software, driving simulators, and HiL solutions – can drive resilience and growth. We are excited to once again welcome global industry leaders to our SimCenter in Udine, empowering them to push boundaries and innovate with confidence.”

For more information about the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit and to pre-register to stay updated, please visit /en/about/events/users_conferences/2025-vi-grade-zero-prototypes-summit-udine-italy/

Udine, Italy, July 18^th , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground for VI-WorldSim.

The VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground is a comprehensive digital testing facility, meticulously designed to meet the diverse needs of automotive engineers and researchers. With its vast array of features and testing scenarios, it promises to significantly reduce development time and costs while enhancing the overall quality and safety of vehicles.

Key features of the VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground include:

• High-speed Ring: An 8.6 km track with four lanes and a maximum banking angle of 11 degrees, perfect for high-speed testing and aerodynamic evaluations.
• EU/USA Highways: A 2 km stretch simulating both European and American highway conditions, enabling cross-market vehicle development.
• Specialized Testing Areas: Including ride lanes with various surface types, a 3.2 km handling track, a 1.15 km rally track, and a 2.4 km country road based on real-world laser scan data.
• ADAS Testing: A dedicated area for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems evaluation, crucial for the development of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.
• Diverse Road Conditions: Featuring ramps with varying gradients, event lanes with different surface irregularities, and specialized areas for split friction coefficient testing and wet condition simulations.

"The VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground represents a significative advancement in virtual vehicle development," said Dave Bogema, Senior Director of Product Management, VI-grade. "By providing a comprehensive, highly realistic testing environment, we're enabling our clients to push the boundaries of innovation while significantly reducing the time and resources typically required for physical prototyping and testing."

The VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground is fully integrated with VI-WorldSim, the company's advanced simulation software, allowing for seamless implementation into existing development workflows. This integration ensures that automotive companies can leverage their current investments in VI-grade technologies while accessing this cutting-edge virtual proving ground.

The launch of the VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground comes at a critical time for the automotive industry, as manufacturers face increasing pressure to develop safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles in shorter timeframes. This virtual environment is expected to play a crucial role in meeting these challenges head-on.

For more information about the VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground, follow this link.
 

Darmstadt, Germany, July 3rd, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with STEP Lab, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of static, dynamic and impact testing machines. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive solution in Mechanical Hardware-in-the-Loop (mHiL) for shock absorbers in automotive applications.

The partnership between VI-grade and STEP Lab is designed to provide the market with a turnkey solution that addresses the challenges of integrating advanced technology into industrial applications. By combining the expertise of both companies, the collaboration aims to deliver a fully integrated mHiL solution for shock absorbers, streamlining the development process and reducing the complexity and time required for implementing advanced testing systems in the automotive industry. This comprehensive approach also includes active and semi-active suspension systems and advanced control strategies, leveraging VI-grade's real-time AutoHawk platform and robust software stack.

Key Benefits for Customers:

1. Time Efficiency: Customers will benefit from interacting with a single partner responsible for the entire system, significantly reducing development times compared to setting up the final solution with multiple partners.
2. Cost Efficiency: Project costs are optimized through a pre-existing, functional solution, eliminating the need for extensive individual setups.
3. Application Reliability: Having previously collaborated on similar solutions, VI-grade and Step Lab ensure a reliable and tested approach, enhancing overall project success.
4. Unified Project Leadership: Customers will interact with the same partner for all aspects of the project, from preliminary definition to final commissioning, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the process.

Ruggero Baesso, Owner and Founder of STEP Lab, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "Partnering with VI-grade marks a significant step forward in advancing Mechanical Hardware-in-the-Loop solutions for the automotive sector. Our goal with this partnership is to achieve a 30% reduction in time to market for automotive shock absorber systems, providing a notable advantage for manufacturers. Combining our mechanical testing expertise with VI-grade's simulation technology, we aim to deliver a comprehensive and efficient solution tailored to industry needs."

“We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with STEP Lab to provide a comprehensive Mechanical Hardware-in-the-Loop solution for automotive shock absorbers”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “This partnership will allow us to offer our customers a unique, integrated solution that enhances development efficiency and reduces time-to-market. By leveraging Step Lab's expertise in mechanical testing and our advanced software capabilities, we can deliver a reliable and cost-effective solution that meets the evolving needs of the automotive industry,"

To see the partnership in action, watch this demo video of a Damper-in-the-Loop system – real-life component testing with VI-CarRealTime on AutoHawk. This demonstration was presented by STEP Lab at VI-grade's 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit in May 2024 at SimCenter Udine.

Wolfsburg, Germany, June 27th , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the inauguration of the first-ever Zero Prototype Lab by the renowned engineering services provider, EDAG Group, in Wolfsburg, Germany. This pioneering facility features VI-grade’s advanced DiM500 FSS (Driver-in-Motion Full Spectrum) Simulator, a state-of-the-art, real-time Driver-in-the-Loop simulator that delivers a comprehensive experience with precise motion, vibration, and sound ranging from 0 to 20kHz. As a complement to the DiM500 FSS, the lab also features VI-grade’s COMPACT Full Spectrum Simulator and an additional AutoHawk Hardware-in-the-Loop platform, which can seamlessly connect driving simulators to both existing and future hardware-in-the-loop systems.

The Zero Prototype Lab is available to anyone in the global automotive market interested in embarking on the Road to Zero Prototypes with virtual test drives and subjective evaluations of new vehicles. Critical functions, such as autonomous driving, steering, braking, and acceleration, can be tested in conjunction with driving systems. This innovative approach reduces the need for costly prototypes and shortens development cycles. Additionally, it enables the optimization of driving dynamics in virtual environments, independent of seasonal weather constraints. Overall, the lab’s operations will contribute to reducing material and resource usage, thus minimizing the CO2 footprint of the vehicle development process.

"With the opening of the Zero Prototype Lab, we are pioneering a new era in vehicle development. Technology developers and vehicle manufacturers worldwide can now streamline their development processes, working faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably through precise simulation," explains Harald Keller, CEO of the EDAG Group. "In this way, we are driving forward the pervasive change in vehicle development and the mobility industry, fostering forward-looking value creation."  

“We are proud that our Driver-in-Motion Full-Spectrum Simulator is at the heart of the new EDAG Zero Prototype Lab,” adds Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. "With the DiM FSS, our most powerful simulator to date, EDAG is taking its engineering services to an unprecedented level. The DiM FSS simulator is a quantum leap in experimental simulation, seamlessly integrating driving dynamics, motion, vibration and sound into an immersive experience. I am looking forward to the exciting customer projects that will be created in this pioneering facility and will shape the mobility of tomorrow.

For more information on the EDAG Zero Prototype Lab, please visit EDAG Zero Prototype Lab | EDAG Group

Stuttgart, Germany, June 5th , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the launch of its Driver-in-Motion Full Spectrum (DiM FSS) Simulator, which was exclusively debuted at VI-grade’s ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit in May. This groundbreaking technology is a true game-changer in experimental simulation, earning VI-grade the Automotive Testing Technology International Award for “Hardware Innovation of the Year.” This prestigious award was presented to VI-grade on June 4th at the 2024 Automotive Testing Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. 

The Driver-in-Motion Full Spectrum Dynamic Simulator (DiM FSS) is a real-time, Driver-in-the-Loop simulator that offers a comprehensive experience of accurate motion, vibration, and sound over a complete spectrum from 0 to 20kHz. It is the first simulator capable of generating full vehicle motion with 9 degrees of freedom over a multi-meter workspace, paired with precise sound and vibration, creating a fully immersive experience. This innovation results from VI-grade's proven expertise in vehicle dynamics and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) simulation.

Historically, vehicle dynamics and NVH evaluations were conducted separately, even though driving integrates dynamics, ride quality, sound, and vibration. The most effective evaluation method combines these elements into a single simulation. The DiM FSS addresses this unmet demand through its multi-stage system, capturing vehicle dynamics, motion, vibration, and sound for a holistic, realistic experience.

To achieve this, the DiM FSS utilizes a three-stage approach:

• Lower Stage: Delivers primary vehicle motion.
• Middle Stage: Provides full 6 DOF motion.
• Hyperdock Stage: Features a highly optimized carbon-fiber cockpit that delivers high-frequency vibration through transducers at key driver touchpoints, while sound is provided through in-cockpit speakers or headphones.

This innovative design reduces mass, increases structural stiffness, and enhances overall simulation performance, providing the most immersive environment for multi-attribute evaluation. Additionally, all VI-grade actuator-based and cable-driven dynamic simulators can be upgraded with the new Hyperdock. 

"I am thrilled to announce the launch of our DiM FSS Simulator, marking a significant advancement in our multi-attribute journey," commented David Bogema, Senior Director, Product Management at VI-grade. "The DiM FSS Simulator represents a quantum leap in experimental simulation, seamlessly integrating vehicle dynamics, motion, vibration, and sound into one immersive experience. We are also proud of the rapid commercial success it has already achieved. Two units have already been sold, with the first one to be delivered to our customer in a few weeks."

Darmstadt, Germany, May 29th , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Rohde & Schwarz, a global technology group dedicated to creating a safer and more connected world. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the field of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems / Automated Driving (ADAS / AD) testing. 

The core of this partnership involves interfacing the advanced Rohde & Schwarz automotive radar test system  (RTS) with VI-grade's suite of driving simulators. This integration provides a seamless testing environment, combining simulation models, driving simulators for Driver-in-the-Loop, enabling comprehensive testing of real radar sensors within a virtual setting. The extremely versatile RTS consists of the R&S AREG800A automotive radar echo generator together with the R&S QAT100 advanced antenna array and provides vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers with the ability to simulate ADAS/AD scenarios like those defined in the Euro NCAP in a precise and repeatable way. 

The aim of this collaboration is to provide an integrated solution that facilitates ADAS/AD testing in a controlled laboratory environment. This combined approach allows automotive manufacturers to evaluate vehicle performance and safety features more efficiently and effectively, thereby reducing the need for extensive real-world testing. The benefits for customers are significant: by testing real radar systems in a virtual environment, manufacturers can conduct safer and more cost-effective development processes. This method minimizes the risks associated with on-road testing of real prototypes, enhancing safety and lowering development costs.

"Partnering with VI-grade for driver-in-the-loop test is another important step to support our customers in all phases during the development of radar sensors from early research with chip suppliers to R&D and production at TIER1s and OEMs. We are proud that VI-grade selected Rohde & Schwarz products to complete their test portfolio” commented Stephane Blanchon Business Development Manager Automotive for Southern Europe at Rohde & Schwarz.

“We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with Rohde & Schwarz. By integrating their advanced automotive radar test system with our driving simulators, we are providing a comprehensive solution that addresses the complex challenges of ADAS development, ensuring vehicles are equipped with the most robust and reliable safety systems”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade.

• Diamond: EDAG Group 
• Platinum: Applus+ IDIADA, HORIBA MIRA, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, SAGInoMIYA
• Gold: Barco, Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, Dassault Systèmes, exemplar, HBK, MdynamiX, Moog, Multimatic Inc., Stackpole Engineering 
• Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer ITWM, project syntropy, Rohde & Schwarz, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
• Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, rFpro, Screenline 
• Media Partners: ATZ, Automotive Testing Technology International, SAE Media Group Vehicle Dynamics International

Ann Arbor, MI, USA, May 7, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Mcity, the University of Michigan’s renowned hub for advanced mobility research. This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing automotive research capabilities through the use of VI-grade's cutting-edge simulator technology.

A crucial component of this collaboration involves VI-grade’s  COMPACT Simulator, which serves as the perfect solution for enhancing simulation activities and testing models in real-time while also providing a subjective experience. Equipped with VI-grade's comprehensive software stack, including VI-WorldSim, this state-of-the-art simulator empowers Mcity's research teams to conduct in-depth, human-centered studies of autonomous, safety, and connected technologies.

"We are excited to add VI-grade's COMPACT Simulator as another tool in our makerspace, which also includes the Mcity Test Facility, a proving ground for advanced mobility vehicles and technologies", said Mcity Research Director Greg Stevens, on the addition of the COMPACT Simulator. "This simulator will open up new opportunities for our researchers to gain invaluable insights into vehicle behavior and performance. Unlike conventional desktop simulations, the COMPACT Simulator provides a first-person experiential perspective, allowing researchers to directly engage with the model and perceive its dynamics.”

By providing a COMPACT Simulator to Mcity, VI-grade also becomes a member of Mcity, which is a public-private research partnership that brings together industry, government and academia to help make transportation safer, cleaner, more equitable and more accessible.
 
"At VI-grade, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive research," added Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. "Our COMPACT Simulator is the optimal tool for Mcity to enhance their research capabilities, develop and test specific control algorithms, and introduce their students to driving simulator technologies.”

The partnership between Mcity and VI-grade underscores a shared commitment to advancing automotive research through the integration of cutting-edge simulation technologies, promising significant advancements in the understanding and development of future mobility solutions.

Darmstadt, Germany, May 2nd , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that Bentley Motors Ltd., the epitome of luxury and performance in the automotive world, has chosen VI-grade's state-of-the-art COMPACT FSS Simulator technology to enhance their digital development capabilities. 

Bentley engineers strategically chose the COMPACT FSS for its unique Multi-Attribute Simulation technology, enabling a comprehensive assessment of their vehicles in Motion, Vibration, and Sound. The decision was reinforced by Bentley's trust in VI-grade, the proven performance of their solutions, the impressive results obtained at VI-grade SimCenter during the evaluation phase of the simulator, as well as the holistic approach offered by it.

In detail, the COMPACT FSS Simulator will play a pivotal role in building virtual prototypes of Bentley's future BEV models. Key applications include Vehicle NVH development, Ride and Handling tuning, thorough evaluation of primary and secondary ride comfort, and contribution to the overall sound experience for interior noise assessment through multi-attribute simulation.

Charlie Smith, Virtual Vehicle Engineer at Bentley Motors, emphasized, “The COMPACT FSS is viewed as a strategic step towards accelerating our development cycle, minimizing reliance on physical prototypes, and enhancing simulation capabilities. This cutting-edge technology will prominently feature in Bentley's new Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) Hub soon to be completed in  Crewe, UK.”

Alessio Lombardi, VI-grade EMEA and Americas Sales Director, commented, “This success reaffirms VI-grade's commitment to providing advanced solutions and fortifying our partnership with Bentley Motors Ltd. We are excited to contribute to Bentley's journey of digital development, driving excellence in the automotive industry.”

Charlie Smith will also be giving a keynote presentation at VI-grade's ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, to be held May 14-16 at SimCenter Udine. The presentation will focus on the importance of a "virtual first" mindset in engineering for the next generation of Bentley vehicles. For the full conference agenda and more information about the event, please follow this link.

Udine, Italy, April 24th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the final agenda for its highly anticipated 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, to be held on May 14-16, 2024, at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy. 

The event will kick off with opening remarks from VI-grade Managing Director Guido Bairati and Ben Bryson, President of HBK, followed by a keynote presentation by Jonas Grötzinger, Senior Expert and Head of the EDAG Zero Prototype Lab. This portion of the event will be livestreamed by official media partner SAE Media Group, a subsidiary of SAE International. Through this exclusive broadcast, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between VI-grade and SAE, the North American automotive engineering community will have an unprecedented opportunity to participate live in the kick-off event.

Those interested in participating in the live-stream kick-off and keynote presentation can register free-of-charge through the following link.  

For those unable to attend the ZPS Summit in person, additional portions of the event will be live streamed on LinkedIn. Details to be shared soon on the VI-grade website and LinkedIn.

With over 20 high-level technical presentations to select from, the Summit promises exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are revolutionizing the automotive development landscape. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Applus+ IDIADA, Automobili Lamborghini, Bugatti Rimac / RSengineering, Bentley, EDAG Group, Goodyear, Honda R&D Europe, HORIBA MIRA / Giti Tire, Hitachi Astemo, Mahindra & Mahindra, MegaRide / Meccanica 42, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz, Multimatic and Politecnico di Milano. The official summit program is also available for download at https://www2.news.vi-grade.com/ZPS2024_Official_Program. 

Two additional high-profile presentations are being finalized and will be revealed shortly before the summit.

New in 2024: Interactive Podium Discussions
For the first time, VI-grade will introduce a series of compelling podium discussions, bringing together experts and automotive thought leaders for insightful conversations about their adoption of the Zero Prototypes vision. The following topics will be covered: 

1. The Future of Customer Experience in Automotive Technology featuring experts from Applus+ IDIADA, Automobili Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz and Virtual Vehicle Research Institute 
2. Building Synergies Between Automotive OEMs and Suppliers featuring experts from Bosch, Brembo, Ferrari, Goodyear and HTW Berlin 
3. Advancing ADAS through Driving Simulator Calibration featuring experts from Automobili Lamborghini, Ford Germany and Porsche Engineering

Hands-On Technical Sessions and User Groups: 
Attendees can participate in a series of demo sessions for specific automotive applications to experience first-hand the value of VI-grade's advanced simulation tools in the development process. On May 17th, VI-grade will host complimentary user group sessions for its driving simulator and NVH customers, providing an opportunity to interact directly with product development teams. 

In addition, VI-grade is convening the motorcycle community at the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit on May 14th with a dedicated user group session focused on VI-Motorcycle, the specialized simulation environment for motorcycle design and testing.

“We are excited to bring together such an impressive cadre of global simulation thought leaders at our 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “This year’s program promises to be our most comprehensive yet and we look forward to showcasing the innovative ways in which our customers are using simulation to accelerate vehicle development and reduce the need for physical prototypes.”

VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:

• Diamond: EDAG Group 
• Platinum: Applus+ IDIADA, HORIBA MIRA, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, SAGInoMIYA
• Gold: Barco, Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, Dassault Systèmes, exemplar, HBK, MdynamiX, Moog, Multimatic Inc., Stackpole Engineering 
• Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer ITWM, project syntropy, Rohde & Schwarz, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
• Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, rFpro, Screenline 
• Media Partners: ATZ, Automotive Testing Technology International, SAE Media Group Vehicle Dynamics International

Sponsors will be present in the exhibition area where they’ll showcase their technologies and solutions.

Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is open at this link. Discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization, universities etc. are available upon request. Additional details about the event will be added to the VI-grade website as they become available.
 

Darmstadt, Germany, April 18, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, and MdynamiX, a leading provider of ADAS, vehicle dynamics, NVH methods and test benches, today announced their strategic partnership. This new alliance consolidates VI-grade as an official reseller of MdynamiX’s innovative hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) solutions compatible with all VI-grade driving simulators and AutoHawk HiL platforms. Customers worldwide will have access to MdynamiX’s cutting-edge HiL rigs, conveniently located in VI-grade’s SimCenters for firsthand experience and testing.

Key Offerings:

VI-grade will offer the following MdynamiX solutions:

• MXsteerHiL and MXsteerLink – a dynamic, real-time HiL test bench for Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Steer-by-Wire SbW system providing flexibility from the laboratory to the simulator. This modular construction kit enables the evaluation and calibration of steering systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the early stages of development.
• MXbrakeHiL and MXbrakeLink – an advanced brake system test bench tailored for electric and automated vehicles. This versatile test bench, compatible with various real-time systems, is optimized for model-based development of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and advanced safety functions. By integrating the full hydraulic/electromechanical/electric brake system into the real-time environment, from the pedal to the brake calipers, MXbrakeHiL simplifies development and validation tasks across all technology readiness levels.

“Building upon our long-standing collaboration with MdynamiX as a trusted software partner, particularly in using the advanced MdynamiX steering model in our VI-CarRealTime software, we want to expand our portfolio with their well-established Hardware-in-the-Loop offering. MdynamiX is a recognized expert in automotive steering system modeling, and we are excited to bring their technology to our SimCenters worldwide. This integration allows our customers to experience real steering feel on VI-grade simulators and to calibrate and tune EPS controllers long before they go to the physical proving ground.”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. 

"We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with VI-grade, uniting our expertise in cutting-edge HiL solutions with their world-class simulation environments. Having collaborated for over a decade in the areas of elastomer / hydromount and steering system models, this formal alliance is a natural progression of our relationship. It’s not just about enhancing our product offerings; it’s a commitment to pioneering the future of automotive development together. We look forward to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide through this synergistic partnership.", added Peter Pfeffer, CEO at MdynamiX. 

MdynamiX will participate as a GOLD sponsor in VI-grade’s ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, to be held on May 14-16, at SimCenter Udine. 

Darmstadt, Germany, April 4th , 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that Alpine Cars, the renowned French sports car manufacturer, has recently invested in VI-grade’s STATIC Simulator and the newly introduced COMPACT Full-Spectrum Simulator. The primary focus of this investment by Alpine's road car division is to accelerate the development of vehicle dynamics for their forthcoming models while preserving the distinctive features of their brand.

Alpine has selected VI-grade's STATIC Simulator, a professional solution delivering an immersive and realistic driving experience, to develop comprehensive multi-body vehicle models with potential expansion to cover NVH and HMI aspects in the future. The STATIC Simulator's capability to be upgraded to a DYNAMIC Simulator at a later stage and its multi-disciplinary functionalities played a key role in Alpine Cars' decision-making process.

Simultaneously, Alpine Cars has also invested in VI-grade's latest innovation, the COMPACT FSS Simulator, which provides highly accurate motion, vibration, and sound in a small footprint. This simulator will be instrumental in creating virtual prototypes of Alpine's new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Leveraging the digital twin of the Alpine Eternity concept car, the COMPACT FSS Simulator facilitates a comprehensive assessment of next-generation Alpine BEVs in motion, vibration, and sound. This approach significantly reduces reliance on physical prototypes, contributing to efficiency in evaluating vehicle parameters, NVH development, and overall performance, aligning with Alpine's ambitious plans for their sporty BEV platform. The COMPACT FSS Simulator to be integrated by Alpine also includes both the full VI-NVHSim and the VI-DriveSim software suite.

Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine Cars, highlights the importance of virtual testing and driving simulators in achieving the "zero prototypes" vision, stated: "We are fully aligned with the Zero Prototypes vision of fully validating cars thanks to simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware in the loop to ensure performance and safety. Putting the driver in the loop is crucial, as some performances are closely tied to driver feeling, but virtual testing before road testing is essential to save time, money, and produce a superior product."

“I am excited to announce the adoption of our STATIC and COMPACT Full-Spectrum Simulator at Alpine Cars”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. "Our advanced simulators will enhance Alpine's vehicle development processes by providing scalability, multi-disciplinary capabilities, and a path to the future of automotive simulation. This partnership exemplifies VI-grade's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enable our customers to achieve new heights in efficiency, quality, and development time."

You can watch the complete video conversation between Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine Cars and Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade available at this link.
 

Novi (MI), USA, March 20^th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the inaugural North American ZERO PROTOTYPES Demo Day, set to take place at the state-of-the-art Multimatic SimCenter in Novi, Michigan, on April 18th, 2024. This exclusive, free-of-charge Open House event is a rare opportunity for both existing customers and industry prospects to engage with the latest advancements in simulation, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) technologies.

Attendees will immerse themselves in a dynamic series of live demonstrations tailored to specific automotive applications, providing firsthand insight into the transformative power of VI-grade's advanced simulation tools in optimizing the vehicle development process.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of demo stations, including:

• Test Drive our brand-new Full-Spectrum (FSS) Simulator for Ride Comfort Studies
• Experience Mixed-Reality for HMI studies on a STATIC Simulator
• Evaluate NVH performance with VI-NVHSim on a DESKTOP Simulator
• See VI-grade’s large DiM250 DYANMIC Simulator in action for high-performance Ride & Handling applications
• Build, tune, and validate real-time vehicle models and ADAS scenarios and sensors with VI-CarRealTime and VI-WorldSim
• Test integrated Hardware-in-the-Loop systems with AutoHawk
• And much more!

Throughout the day, VI-grade's team of technical specialists will be on hand to answer questions, offer expert insights, and provide personalized guidance.

"I am excited to announce the 2024 North American Demo Day and welcome the automotive community to our SimCenter Detroit for this exceptional event," commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. "This ZERO PROTOTYPES Demo Day is a prime opportunity to experience our tools live and in action, engage with our technical experts and embark on the journey towards Zero Prototypes.”

Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Demo Day is free-of-charge and now open. Secure your spot today at this link.

Darmstadt, Germany, March 6th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the preliminary roster of speakers and sponsors for its 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, to be held on May 14-16, 2024, at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy. 

Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit promises exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are revolutionizing the automotive development landscape. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Applus+ IDIADA, Bugatti Rimac / RSengineering, EDAG Group, Honda R&D, HORIBA MIRA, Mercedes AMG and Multimatic Inc. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. 

New in 2024: Interactive Podium Discussions:
VI-grade will debut a series of compelling podium discussions, bringing together experts and automotive thought leaders for insightful conversations about their adoption of the Zero Prototypes vision. Topics to be discussed include: 

1. The Future of the Customer Experience in Automotive Technology
2. Building Synergies Between Automotive OEMs and Suppliers
3. Advancing ADAS through Driving Simulator Calibration

Hands-On Technical Sessions and User Groups: 
Attendees are invited to participate in a series of demo sessions for specific automotive applications to experience first-hand the value VI-grade's advanced simulation tools  bring to the development process.

On May 17, VI-grade will host complimentary user group sessions for its driving simulator and NVH customers, providing an opportunity to interact directly with product development teams. In addition, VI-grade is convening the motorcycle community at the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit on May 14th with a dedicated user group session focused on VI-Motorcycle, the dedicated simulation environment specifically for motorcycle design and testing.

VI-grade is also proud to announce strategic media partnerships with renowned publishers including ATZ, Automotive Testing Technology International, SAE Media Group and Vehicle Dynamics International, which will amplify the event's reach and impact.

“We are excited to unveil the first lineup of speakers and sponsors for our highly anticipated 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “These presentations will provide our valued customers, partners and followers with exclusive insights into how key players in the global automotive industry are currently using VI-grade’s cutting-edge simulation and driving simulators to accelerate the development of new vehicles, thus bringing them ever closer to virtual sign-off.”

VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:

• Diamond: EDAG Group 
• Platinum: Applus+ IDIADA, HORIBA MIRA, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, SAGInoMIYA
• Gold: Barco, Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, HBK, MdynamiX, Moog, Multimatic Inc., Stackpole Engineering 
• Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer ITWM, project syntropy, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
• Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, rFpro, Screenline 

Sponsors will be present in the exhibition area where they’ll showcase their technologies and solutions.

Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is open at this link. An exclusive Early Bird Discount of 20% is available for registrations made before March 31st. Further discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization, universities etc. are available upon request. Additional details about the event will be added to the VI-grade website as they become available.

Darmstadt, Germany, February 8th, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, and Varjo, a world leader in professional VR (Virtual Reality) and XR (Extended Reality) technology, today announced a collaboration aimed at advancing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development in the automotive industry. The collaboration leverages Varjo’s state-of-the-art headsets to further enhance the immersive experience of VI-grade’s professional driving simulators. 

This cooperation between VI-grade and Varjo represents a union of industry leaders. Both companies are recognized for excellence in their respective domains, making the collaboration a natural fit. VI-grade's expertise in automotive driving simulator solutions complements Varjo's reputation for high-end XR headsets, resulting in a pioneering collaborative relationship to drive innovation in automotive HMI development.

Driving simulators have become integral to the automotive development process, allowing manufacturers to make informed design decisions and improve vehicle performance from a human-centric perspective. VI-grade's driving simulators offer a state-of-the-art immersive experience and are renowned for their effectiveness in applications such as Ride & Handling, NVH, ADAS, and HMI. Varjo's XR technology brings a distinct advantage to VI-grade's simulators by providing unmatched realism, including dynamic motion, sound, and lifelike visuals. By integrating Varjo's XR headsets into its simulation ecosystem, VI-grade’s driving simulators are significantly enhancing the user’s driving experience with a greater sense of realism and immersion.

One of the key features of this collaboration is the integration of Varjo's XR-3 and XR-4 headsets with VI-grade's standard virtual environment, VI-WorldSim. This combination enhances the simulator's capability, incorporating realistic, multi-agent AI traffic behavior and sensor fusion. The Varjo XR-3 headset model will be supported starting with VI-WorldSim version 2024.1, with support for Varjo XR-4 headsets coming shortly thereafter through the OpenXR framework in Unreal Engine 5.

“I am excited to announce our collaboration with Varjo. Supporting high-quality Mixed Reality solutions in professional driving simulators expands the scope of our driving simulators to include more advanced HMI applications: one more step on the multidisciplinary journey!” commented Roberto De Vecchi, Head of Product Development at VI-grade.

“Varjo and VI-grade share a vision of driving more efficient and sustainable practices in the automotive industry. By transitioning workflows to immersive virtual environments, we eliminate the need for traditional, resource-intensive methods, paving the way for a more streamlined future for prototyping. We are proud to deepen our collaboration with VI-grade with the introduction of VI-WorldSim support for our new generation of devices, the Varjo XR-4 Series,” said Seppo Aaltonen, Chief Commercial Officer at Varjo.

For further insights into the integration of XR and VR technology in professional driving simulators, VI-grade and Varjo have collaborated on a joint blog article, available at this link.
 

Darmstadt, Germany, February 1st, 2024 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced its upcoming 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit. This annual flagship event is slated to take place May 14-16, 2024, at VI-grade’s SimCenter facility in Udine, Italy – the company’s main development hub featuring the complete spectrum of technologies helping to propel the automotive industry towards achieving Zero Prototypes.

Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit promises exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are revolutionizing the automotive development landscape. Industry leaders, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, universities, and research centers, will share their experiences, showcasing how they leverage VI-grade's tools to attain virtual sign-off and reduce dependence on physical prototypes.

Key Highlights of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:

• Two-Day Conference: The Summit will feature curated keynote and technical presentations by representatives from major automotive companies around the world who will share their experiences, insights and best practices using VI-grade's software, driving simulator and HiL solutions. EDAG Group, this year’s Diamond Sponsor, will set the tone for the conference with their keynote presentation detailing EDAG’s new Zero Prototypes Lab. Currently under construction in Wolfsburg, Germany, this unique, state-of-the-art lab features VI-grade’s Cable Driven DiM500 Simulator at its core. VI-grade will also host an engaging series of compelling panel discussions throughout the conference, bringing together automotive thought leaders for insightful conversations about their adoption of the Zero Prototypes vision.
• Hands-On Technical Sessions: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a series of demo sessions tailored to specific automotive applications. This lets attendees experience for themselves the value that VI-grade’s cutting-edge simulation tools bring to the development process.
• User Group Sessions: On May 17th, VI-grade will host complimentary User Group sessions for its Driving Simulator and NVH customers. Attendees will get an up-close look at the latest advancements, with an opportunity to interact directly with VI-grade's product development teams. 
• New in 2024: VI-grade is bringing together the motorcycle community for the first time at the ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit on May 14th with a dedicated user group meeting focused on VI-Motorcycle – VI-grade's specialized simulation environment for motorcycle design and testing. 

“I'm excited to announce the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit and soon welcome the global automotive community to our SimCenter Udine for this exceptional event," commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. "Our ZERO PROTOTYPES Summits have become a highly relevant and interactive forum where automakers and suppliers can demonstrate real, tangible success in bridging the gap between CAE simulation and physical testing on the road to zero prototype sign-off."

VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:

• Diamond: EDAG Group 
• Platinum: Applus+ IDIADA, HORIBA MIRA, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, SAGInoMIYA
• Gold: Concurrent Real-Time, cosin scientific software, HBK, Moog, Multimatic Inc. 
• Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, domeprojection, Fraunhofer ITWM, Smart Eye
• Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, rFpro

Sponsors will be present in the exhibition area where they’ll showcase their technologies and solutions.

Registration for the 2024 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit is now open at this link. An exclusive Early Bird Discount of 20% is available for registrations made before March 31st. Further discounts for multiple attendees from the same organization, universities etc. are available upon request. Additional details about the event will be added to the VI-grade website as they become available.