VI-grade Announces Preliminary Agenda and Sponsors for 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit
Darmstadt, Germany, February 20, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the preliminary lineup of speakers and sponsors for its 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit, taking place from May 13-15, 2025, at VI-grade’s SimCenter in Udine, Italy. In addition, registration for the event is now open at this link, with an Early-Bird Discount of 20% available for registrations made before March 21st.
Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit provides exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are being utilized by industry leaders to accelerate development and tackle the Zero Prototypes challenge. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Alpine Cars, Applus+ IDIADA, CEAT, EDAG Group, Honda R&D, HORIBA MIRA, MegaRide, Multimatic, TRE and Volvo. More contributions from leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to gaining insights into the latest virtual development practices, attendees will have the opportunity to experience VI-grade's comprehensive portfolio of simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) technologies through hands-on demo sessions. These sessions will also showcase the recently launched COMPACT HMI Simulator, along with a new driving simulator that will be unveiled exclusively during the summit.
To maximize the value of their visit to the SimCenter, participants are invited to join complimentary training sessions on VI-grade's software products, including VI-CarRealTime, VI-WorldSim, and VI-NVHSim. These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the software's functionalities and capabilities, catering to both newcomers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced users looking to deepen their expertise.
Additionally, dedicated user group meetings will be held for driving simulator and NVH customers, offering a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and provide direct feedback to VI-grade's product development teams. As in previous years, the summit will feature multiple networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with industry peers, gain new perspectives, and prepare for emerging challenges in the automotive sector.
“We’re excited to unveil the first lineup of speakers and sponsors for our 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit,” 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.”
VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
Tailored to the global automotive development community, the summit provides exclusive insights into how VI-grade’s simulation software, driving simulators and Hardware-in-the-Loop technology are being utilized by industry leaders to accelerate development and tackle the Zero Prototypes challenge. Specifically curated high-level keynote and technical presentations will feature representatives from Alpine Cars, Applus+ IDIADA, CEAT, EDAG Group, Honda R&D, HORIBA MIRA, MegaRide, Multimatic, TRE and Volvo. More contributions from leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to gaining insights into the latest virtual development practices, attendees will have the opportunity to experience VI-grade's comprehensive portfolio of simulation software, driving simulators, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) technologies through hands-on demo sessions. These sessions will also showcase the recently launched COMPACT HMI Simulator, along with a new driving simulator that will be unveiled exclusively during the summit.
To maximize the value of their visit to the SimCenter, participants are invited to join complimentary training sessions on VI-grade's software products, including VI-CarRealTime, VI-WorldSim, and VI-NVHSim. These sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the software's functionalities and capabilities, catering to both newcomers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced users looking to deepen their expertise.
Additionally, dedicated user group meetings will be held for driving simulator and NVH customers, offering a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and provide direct feedback to VI-grade's product development teams. As in previous years, the summit will feature multiple networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with industry peers, gain new perspectives, and prepare for emerging challenges in the automotive sector.
“We’re excited to unveil the first lineup of speakers and sponsors for our 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit,” 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.”
VI-grade would like to acknowledge and thank the following industry partners for their support and sponsorship of the 2025 ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit:
- Diamond: EDAG Group
- Platinum: Applus+ IDIADA, Dassault Systèmes, HORIBA MIRA, MdynamiX, Meccanica 42, MegaRide, Rebel Dynamics, SAGInoMIYA
- Gold: ASCS, Barco, ICT AG, Multimatic
- Silver: 3D Mapping Solutions, Fraunhofer Institut ITWM, New Eagle, project: syntropy, Rohde & Schwarz, Smart Eye, STEP Lab
- Bronze: BE CAE & Test, JEDAi, MOOG
German version available here
VI-grade Launches COMPACT HMI Simulator for Advanced Human-Machine-Interface Development
Udine, Italy, February 12th, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the launch of its COMPACT HMI Simulator, a versatile and immersive tool designed to enhance the development, evaluation, and testing of Human-Machine Interface systems in vehicle interiors. The new solution from VI-grade uniquely combines a flexible interior simulator with real-time driving simulation, thus integrating accurate vehicle dynamics, AI-powered traffic scenarios, diverse driving conditions, and the ability to incorporate virtually any hardware or software in the loop (HIL/SIL). This comprehensive approach enables engineers to refine HMI designs in realistic driving environments without relying on static mockups or costly physical prototypes.
The system features a modular, reconfigurable interior buck that accommodates various seating, steering, dashboard, and display configurations, allowing designers to prototype and evaluate multiple HMI layouts without requiring separate physical mockups. With automated adjustments, it replicates seating, steering, and pedal conditions for different vehicle types, from sports cars to SUVs, within a single setup. In addition to its flexible and rapidly configurable architecture, this solution also includes the full capabilities of a real-time driving simulator, supporting XIL testing and validation. It facilitates human-in-the-loop testing, allowing engineers to assess HMI usability and driver interaction under realistic driving conditions. It also provides direct interaction with digital instrument clusters, infotainment touchscreens, and voice controls in a controlled yet immersive environment. The COMPACT HMI Simulator also supports ADAS and driver monitoring research, facilitating studies on driver distraction, workload, and interaction with automation features.
The COMPACT HMI Simulator has already been adopted by two leading automotive manufacturers, marking a significant step forward in HMI development and validation.
“HMI design is a critical aspect of modern vehicle development, directly impacting user experience, safety, and driver interaction with advanced driver-assistance systems”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. “However, traditional evaluation methods rely on static mockups or costly physical prototypes, which are time-intensive and inflexible. Our new COMPACT HMI Simulator overcomes these limitations by providing a configurable and highly immersive simulation environment that allows engineers to experience and refine HMI designs in real-time driving scenarios. We are especially excited to see its immediate industry impact, with two units already sold to automotive manufacturers, demonstrating the market’s strong demand for flexible, simulation-driven HMI development solutions.”
The system features a modular, reconfigurable interior buck that accommodates various seating, steering, dashboard, and display configurations, allowing designers to prototype and evaluate multiple HMI layouts without requiring separate physical mockups. With automated adjustments, it replicates seating, steering, and pedal conditions for different vehicle types, from sports cars to SUVs, within a single setup. In addition to its flexible and rapidly configurable architecture, this solution also includes the full capabilities of a real-time driving simulator, supporting XIL testing and validation. It facilitates human-in-the-loop testing, allowing engineers to assess HMI usability and driver interaction under realistic driving conditions. It also provides direct interaction with digital instrument clusters, infotainment touchscreens, and voice controls in a controlled yet immersive environment. The COMPACT HMI Simulator also supports ADAS and driver monitoring research, facilitating studies on driver distraction, workload, and interaction with automation features.
The COMPACT HMI Simulator has already been adopted by two leading automotive manufacturers, marking a significant step forward in HMI development and validation.
“HMI design is a critical aspect of modern vehicle development, directly impacting user experience, safety, and driver interaction with advanced driver-assistance systems”, commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director of VI-grade. “However, traditional evaluation methods rely on static mockups or costly physical prototypes, which are time-intensive and inflexible. Our new COMPACT HMI Simulator overcomes these limitations by providing a configurable and highly immersive simulation environment that allows engineers to experience and refine HMI designs in real-time driving scenarios. We are especially excited to see its immediate industry impact, with two units already sold to automotive manufacturers, demonstrating the market’s strong demand for flexible, simulation-driven HMI development solutions.”
日本語版 こちらからどうぞ
German version available here
Bridgestone Adopts Dynamic Simulator from VI-grade
Udine, Italy, February 4th, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced that Bridgestone has invested in VI-grade’s state-of-the-art dynamic driving simulator. The new simulator will be installed at Bridgestone’s EMEA R&D Centre near Rome, Italy, enhancing their Virtual Tire Development (VTD) capabilities and enabling a more sustainable and efficient approach to tire innovation.
With this investment, Bridgestone aims to scale up its ability to virtually design, test, and validate tires using advanced simulation and AI technologies. By combining VI-grade’s high-fidelity simulator with its existing simulation and AI technologies, Bridgestone can simulate complex tire-vehicle interactions adopting a fully virtualized process. This approach accelerates time-to-market, saves physical prototypes and improves collaboration with OEMs by enabling simultaneous tire and vehicle development through iterative virtual testing. Additionally, the new simulator will empower Bridgestone to achieve its sustainability goals by reducing physical testing and material waste. The company projects that up to 12,000 experimental tires will be saved annually, contributing to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and raw material consumption.
“This investment in our internal Driver-in-the-Loop simulation capabilities is a major milestone as we build a comprehensive ecosystem for accurately predicting tire performance in the virtual world. It also gives us the capabilities to experiment with new and innovative combinations of designs and materials in a fully virtual environment,” says Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technology Officer Bridgestone West.
“Bridgestone’s investment in the state-of-the-art dynamic driving simulator reflects the trust that global industry leaders place in our simulation solutions“, added Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “Widely recognized as the industry standard and used extensively by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers worldwide, our state-of-the-art dynamic driving simulator is the perfect tool for Bridgestone to enhance their virtual tire development capabilities, reduce time to market, and achieve their ambitious sustainability goals.”
With this investment, Bridgestone aims to scale up its ability to virtually design, test, and validate tires using advanced simulation and AI technologies. By combining VI-grade’s high-fidelity simulator with its existing simulation and AI technologies, Bridgestone can simulate complex tire-vehicle interactions adopting a fully virtualized process. This approach accelerates time-to-market, saves physical prototypes and improves collaboration with OEMs by enabling simultaneous tire and vehicle development through iterative virtual testing. Additionally, the new simulator will empower Bridgestone to achieve its sustainability goals by reducing physical testing and material waste. The company projects that up to 12,000 experimental tires will be saved annually, contributing to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and raw material consumption.
“This investment in our internal Driver-in-the-Loop simulation capabilities is a major milestone as we build a comprehensive ecosystem for accurately predicting tire performance in the virtual world. It also gives us the capabilities to experiment with new and innovative combinations of designs and materials in a fully virtual environment,” says Emilio Tiberio, Chief Technology Officer Bridgestone West.
“Bridgestone’s investment in the state-of-the-art dynamic driving simulator reflects the trust that global industry leaders place in our simulation solutions“, added Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “Widely recognized as the industry standard and used extensively by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers worldwide, our state-of-the-art dynamic driving simulator is the perfect tool for Bridgestone to enhance their virtual tire development capabilities, reduce time to market, and achieve their ambitious sustainability goals.”
日本語版 こちらからどうぞ
German version available here
VI-grade Announces Availability of HORIBA MIRA’s Virtual Proving Ground Data for Offline and Online Simulations
Darmstadt, Germany, January 22nd, 2025 – VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, today announced the availability of the virtual proving ground data of HORIBA MIRA’s extensive testing facility in Nuneaton, UK. These new tracks, highly accurate digital representations of HORIBA MIRA’s renowned proving grounds, are now available in VI-WorldSim for both offline and online simulations, enabling enhanced virtual testing capabilities for the automotive sector.
This collaboration aims to support engineers and manufacturers by providing cutting-edge virtual testing environments. The integration of HORIBA MIRA’s virtual proving ground data into VI-grade’s simulation platforms enhances the ability to conduct advanced testing, including vehicle dynamics optimization, ADAS calibration, and NVH analysis, within an immersive and flexible digital framework. The newly available tracks include:
“It’s fantastic to now offer HORIBA MIRA and VI-grade customers the ability to develop their vehicles virtually, on our proving ground surfaces, within industry leading real time software applications,” commented Jon Maybin, Head of Strategic Sales, Vehicle Attributes. “This offering, together with VI-grade, further expands access to our digital surfaces within a growing software portfolio and cements the long-standing collaboration with VI-grade. The digital twin complements HORIBA MIRA’s existing turnkey offering to the industry with engineering services, digital twins and test and validation services, all delivered from Europe’s largest Automotive R&D location, the MIRA Technology Park.”
“We are pleased to announce this important step towards integrating HORIBA MIRA’s renowned proving ground data into our simulation ecosystem,” commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “This collaboration represents our continued commitment to providing advanced tools that address the evolving needs of the automotive industry.”
This collaboration aims to support engineers and manufacturers by providing cutting-edge virtual testing environments. The integration of HORIBA MIRA’s virtual proving ground data into VI-grade’s simulation platforms enhances the ability to conduct advanced testing, including vehicle dynamics optimization, ADAS calibration, and NVH analysis, within an immersive and flexible digital framework. The newly available tracks include:
- Ride & Handling and City Circuit: This proving ground features a unique 2.22 km multi-user circuit for Ride and Handling, along with a 3.7 km fully configurable urban and suburban environment for CAV development. It is located within the 850-acre MIRA Technology Park in Warwickshire, UK.
- Wet Handling: This 1.7 km track is dedicated to wet handling performance testing, allowing for precise evaluation of vehicle stability and control on wet surfaces.
- Ride Routes: The Ride Routes track simulates various urban and suburban driving scenarios around MIRA Technology Park. It is designed to evaluate ride quality, comfort, and durability in real-world conditions.
- Ride Surfaces: This 4.2 km section consists of parallel lanes designed to assess specific vehicle performance characteristics. The lanes include surfaces for NVH testing, comfort evaluation, and geometric event simulations such as bumps and potholes
“It’s fantastic to now offer HORIBA MIRA and VI-grade customers the ability to develop their vehicles virtually, on our proving ground surfaces, within industry leading real time software applications,” commented Jon Maybin, Head of Strategic Sales, Vehicle Attributes. “This offering, together with VI-grade, further expands access to our digital surfaces within a growing software portfolio and cements the long-standing collaboration with VI-grade. The digital twin complements HORIBA MIRA’s existing turnkey offering to the industry with engineering services, digital twins and test and validation services, all delivered from Europe’s largest Automotive R&D location, the MIRA Technology Park.”
“We are pleased to announce this important step towards integrating HORIBA MIRA’s renowned proving ground data into our simulation ecosystem,” commented Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “This collaboration represents our continued commitment to providing advanced tools that address the evolving needs of the automotive industry.”
日本語版 こちらからどうぞ
German version available here