Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) new simulation centre in Brussels will feature technology from rFpro for digital prototyping of new models.
The technology will be used for two driving simulators and an image projection system as part of a dedicated simulator cell that will feature a wrap-around screen and five LED projectors.
According to TME, the simulator will enable human assessment of key subjective parameters, such as steering feel, and added that the enhanced capability will support development of driver assistance systems and evaluation of crucial interfaces between driver and vehicle.
Xabier Carrera, manager, model-based development and driving simulation at TME, said: “Our new system combines high fidelity simulation models with the most realistic imaging possible, in order to trigger driver responses that correspond fully with their reactions in real life situations.
“Achieving this requires the driver to be completely immersed in the test scenario, so we selected rFpro because its image quality and refresh rate is the best available. The software also allows legacy models to be incorporated into the simulation, eliminating repetition and reducing cost.”
The simulator will feature rFpro’s library of digital twin models, including roads in Europe, North America and Japan, to enable virtual development to take place on a range of road types and markets.
Furthermore, the digital twin replicates roads within the real world that TME’s engineers can physically visit too.
Carrera added: “The level of accuracy achieved replicating the real world in simulation by rFpro enables the various cameras and sensors used in autonomous and driver assist systems to react as they would in a physical environment and means the test results are completely representative.”
This latest contract follows a five-year relationship between rFpro and Toyota.
