Automotive Testing Expo North America kicked off in style this morning, as visitors thronged the exhibition hall at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, eager to explore solutions that will drive technological progress and sharpen their competitive edge. Here’s just a taste of what’s been wowing the crowd today.
The exhibition
Pacific Power Source shows complete EV test solutions from vehicle to grid
The stars of Pacific Power Source’s display are the company’s AC and DC regenerative test solutions, featuring grid simulators, regenerative loads, battery test systems and battery emulators. As V2X technologies, fast charging and renewable integration advance, the need for versatile, grid-aware testing solutions continues to grow. Pacific Power Source’s systems were designed in response this and to the North American test and validation sector’s rapid adoption of regenerative, high-efficiency test platforms that combine AC and DC capability. Tom Ribaudo, national sales manager at Pacific Power Source, said, “We’re here to connect with engineers and developers who need flexible, real-world test solutions that accelerate validation of the next generation of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and energy storage systems.” The company is also seeking input on automation and evolving standards shaping future requirements.
See the AC and DC regenerative test solutions at Booth 10046.
Chroma shows real-power validation of battery pack behavior before vehicle integration
At this year’s expo, Chroma is displaying its 8610 Battery Pack Power HIL Testbed, built for EV developers who need real-power validation of battery pack behavior before vehicle integration. The HIL platform unifies real-time simulation with high-power hardware, allowing engineers to replicate real-world EV operating conditions safely. Advantages include modular architecture from cell-level BMS validation to full-pack and inverter testing, supporting CAN, LIN and ethernet communications. Chroma is at the show to learn where EV developers position HIL testing within their validation processes and what challenges remain in integrating power-level simulation into lab workflows. Jonathan McCallie, ATE sales director, said, “Our goal is to help labs modernize with modular, energy-efficient platforms that unify software simulation and hardware testing. It’s about cutting time-to-market while improving confidence in every subsystem we validate.”
Find out more at Booth 8000.
Photron debuts new high-speed cameras to help auto makers meet IIHS and NHTSA safety standards
The new FASTCAM Mini W5 and FASTCAM Mini W2 high-speed cameras are center stage on Photron’s booth. They feature high resolution (1920×1080 pixels) at high frame rates (to 5,000 full fps) to cover fast-moving events within large fields of view (e.g. offboard vehicle impact tests). Advantages include high light sensitivity to provide good image quality and effective depth of field. The cameras are also rugged to 100g to survive onboard vehicle impact tests. Photron’s high-resolution cameras are ideal for increasingly challenging IIHS and NHTSA physical tests. Tim Callenbach, director of sales and marketing at Photron, said, “We have attended Automotive Testing Expo for many years as it is the premier event for interfacing with the automotive testing engineers responsible for ensuring that automobiles meet the appropriate safety standards.”
See the new FASTCAM Mini W5 and FASTCAM Mini W2 at Booth 6050.
OXTS shows its most advanced GNSS/INS system for ADAS and autonomous vehicle testing
The RT3000 v4 is catching visitors eyes at OXTS’s booth. It features quad-constellation GNSS, real-time RTK and enhanced inertial performance, and delivers centimeter-level accuracy in GNSS-challenged areas. It’s compact, quick to warm up and integrates easily into existing test setups. With OXTS’s trade-in offer, users upgrading from the RT3000 v3 gain faster setup, and improved data quality and software features – making it a smart, cost-effective step forward in vehicle testing. Patrick Fletchall, North American sales manager, said, “Showcasing the RT3000 v4 and our trade-in scheme is a fantastic opportunity for RT3000 v3 users to upgrade and experience the latest in GNSS/INS technology. We’re here to meet the engineers and innovators driving the future of vehicle safety and autonomy, and to explore how our solutions can support their testing goals.”
See the RT3000 v4 at Booth 14016.
End-to-end V&V solution from Tracetronic integrates with CI/CD pipelines to manage SDV complexity
Tracetronic is showing its CI/CD with flow kits in Novi, featuring a fully automated and customizable test process from software delivery to release. The company is keen to identify what challenges companies are facing to ensure that its product provides an answer, particularly as companies look to integrate AI as part of their testing strategies. General manager Felix Mueller explained, “As all OEMs are struggling to manage SDV complexity and software quality, we want to present a full end-to-end solution for their verification and validation process that integrates with existing CI/CD pipelines. The best moment is when a visitor leaves the booth saying, ‘I had no idea what I just saw was possible until today’.”
Meet the team at Booth 10026.
openDAQ demo vehicle showcases interoperability between sensors from different vendors
openDAQ is displaying a vehicle equipped with sensors streaming measurements through DAQ devices from different manufacturers, highlighting the interoperability of the company’s systems. openDAQ enables seamless connectivity between measurement devices and software, reducing integration time and cost while giving users freedom to choose the most fitting products for their applications. The company says there is growing industry demand for openness, modularity and shared standards, with the shift away from closed ecosystems gaining momentum. “It’s great to be at ATE North America again, showing how openDAQ helps connect the test and measurement world,” enthused product manager Dušan Žibrat Kalanj, openDAQ. “We’re here to meet established companies and innovative startups wanting to make their products truly plug and play. The energy and curiosity at this event are what keep us moving forward.”
Experience the demo at Booth 10010.
Tactun’s AI-controller and no-code platform accelerates design and deployment of smart testing machines
Tactun is displaying its controller and no-code software builder that enable rapid design and deployment of smart testing machines. Tactun has integrated FPGA-based real-time control with a cloud-connected, no-code app builder. Manufacturers can configure I/O, define test logic and generate white-labeled Windows apps for their equipment, without writing code. This reduces R&D costs by up to 80% and cuts lead time from months to days, all while delivering ten times greater precision. CTO and co-founder Arev Hambardzumyan said, “Our goal is to help machine builders shorten development cycles and create smarter testing systems without software complexity. Automotive Testing Expo is a perfect place to meet equipment manufacturers and R&D leaders shaping the future of intelligent testing.”
See the AI controller and no-code platform at Booth 11042.
Huber demos latest eco-driven thermal systems for next-gen testing
In the spotlight on Huber’s booth is the company’s Unimotive 915W, capable of controlling temperature down to -90°C. Visitors can see two live application examples: a CC-902 freezing an engine block and a CC-K6 freezing the Huber logo, demonstrating the system’s power and control. Key advantages include fast response, wide temperature ranges, plug-and-play simplicity and natural refrigerants, including automotive-specific products that use CO₂ refrigerant technology, supporting high performance and environmental responsibility. With the North American test and validation shift toward electrification, tighter tolerances and sustainability, precise, eco-friendly thermal control is essential. “We’re so excited that we received our first Green Line Unimotives on US soil,” said Sam Hudson, Midwest/Southeast sales manager. “It’s proof that precision and sustainability can power the next generation of automotive innovation.”
Find out more at Booth 15004.
Innovation Showcase
The free-to-attend Innovation Showcase is taking place on the expo floor on October 21 and 23. Speakers are presenting innovative concepts, prototypes and future trends in automotive testing, and include representatives from dSPACE, Calspan, openDAQ, Vibration Research, NI and Emerson. Presentations will cover software-in-the-loop testing; virtual testing and AI; durability testing; and more.
Future of Automotive Testing Conference
The one-day Future of Automotive Testing Conference will take place tomorrow, October 22, offering strategic insights into the future of automotive testing, with perspectives from OEMs, suppliers, testing laboratories, research institutions and regulatory bodies. Companies presenting include Goodyear, Ford, Stellantis, Mahindra, Tata Technologies, ASAM, Bosch, AVL and FISITA.
Automotive Testing Expo North America continues tomorrow and Thursday. Click here to book your free expo pass. Alternatively, passes can be acquired on-site. Please visit the registration desk or organizer’s office to find out more.
