At Automotive Testing Expo 2026 in Stuttgart, Mayr Power Transmission will present its portfolio for test stand technology.

Automotive drivetrain test stand technology is evolving significantly, and shaft couplings that compensate for misalignment remain key components in these systems.

Based on the ROBA DS steel disk pack coupling, Mayr Power Transmission has introduced the ROBA DS Type 9120, a lighter aluminum version. Compared with the previous steel model, the aluminum design reduces the outside diameter by up to 10mm. Depending on the size and configuration, its mass and rotational inertia are reduced to about 40-60% of the steel version while maintaining comparable performance density.

The coupling is designed for rotational speeds of up to 32,000rpm. Its lightweight construction, low rotational inertia and high performance density provide practical operating advantages. The design balances rigidity and flexibility to minimize restoring forces within the drivetrain. In addition, a balance quality of G 2.5 at 5,000rpm supports smooth, low-vibration operation, helping to maintain high measurement accuracy throughout the speed range.

As standard, the coupling features manufacturing tolerance IT6. A nickel-plated surface, disk packs made of stainless steel and galvanized connecting screws provide comprehensive corrosion protection. Backlash-free shaft connections via shrink disk hubs or external shrink disk hubs ensure reproducible measurement results. The coupling is compatible with all common torque transducers as standard.

With its modular design, the ROBA DS 9120 can be configured with a range of connection options and components to suit different applications, from high-performance research and development test stands to end-of-line production testing.

In addition to coupling technology, the company will present its portfolio of safety brakes for test stand applications. Test stands for automotive drives frequently include vertical axes and linear movements that must be reliably secured, whether during ongoing test operation, during maintenance work or in the event of a fault.

The ROBA guidestop profiled rail brake acts directly on the moving masses of vertical axes, clamping them in position without backlash and with high rigidity. It is available in hydraulic, pneumatic and electromagnetic versions and is compatible with common linear guide systems.

The ROBA linearstop piston rod brake is designed to secure linear motion on round rods. Operating on the fail-safe principle, the brake remains engaged when de-energized and is intended for dynamic emergency braking applications. The product range includes six sizes with braking forces from 70-17,000N.

The ROBA-stop M series also provides a robust motor brake for compact protection directly at the drive motor. As a holding brake, it clamps reliably and holds the system in position; as a dynamic brake, it brings the load to a standstill in the shortest time possible.

Smart modules for intelligent monitoring

The ROBA brake-checker module provides sensorless monitoring of safety brakes while also supplying them with power.

By analyzing current and voltage signals, the module detects the brake’s switching status and can issue an early warning if the brake may no longer release reliably under existing operating conditions. This supports predictive maintenance and helps users identify critical factors such as insufficient supply voltage, improperly sized power lines, increased coil temperature or excessive air-gap wear.

When combined with the ROBA gateway module, the system can be integrated into networked environments. Brake data can be continuously accessed via ethernet and displayed on a dashboard for monitoring and analysis.

This allows anomalies in the test process to be identified early, supports planned maintenance and helps reduce unplanned downtime. The system can also be integrated into remote maintenance and monitoring platforms.

Mayr Power Transmission will be exhibiting at Booth 1824 at Automotive Testing Expo in Stuttgart, June 23-25. Click here to register for your FREE expo pass

For 2026, the ATTI Awards program recognizes technologies across five categories – Testing Software Innovation of the Year, Testing Hardware Innovation of the Year, Simulation Innovation of the Year, Facility of the Year and Supplier of the Year – following a rigorous review of the many submissions. Perhaps the most intriguing awards of the five categories will be the Testing Hardware Innovation and Testing Software Innovation of the Year, with seven nominees in each.

The 2026 cohort reflects a strong maturation in software-based testing and validation generally, including virtual analysis solutions, with a heavy emphasis on the application of AI and automation in various ways, and a reduction in siloed processes.

The winners of the ATTI Awards 2026 will be announced at a ceremony at 4:30pm on June 24, Day 2 of Automotive Testing Expo Europe – now part of Vehicle Tech Week Europe, which includes Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo – in Hall 8 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany.

This is a fantastic chance for ATTI to honor the inspirational work of teams across the sector, celebrating their achievements and showcasing their stories while offering a networking opportunity for everyone.

The ceremony will be preceded by the ATTI Awards Forum, featuring a series of presentations and fireside chats on a range of key industry topics. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain insights from fellow professionals, spark meaningful discussions and even connect with potential partners. The full schedule of sessions will be announced soon.

Testing Software Innovation of the Year

AB Dynamics – Euro NCAP 2026 Special Groups
Drive System Design – E-motor and Inverter Optimization Test Program
dSPACE – Test Automation Software Development Kit
Imc – FAMOS 2026 +AI
Tracetronic – One:cx
Marple – Marple DB

Testing Hardware Innovation of the Year

AB Dynamics – GST 120 Plus
Humanetics – THOR-5F
Technica Engineering – Capture Module SerDes GMSL2/3
Spirent Communications – PNT Xe
Rohde & Schwarz – FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer
Tier IV – DTV kit
Gras Sound & Vibration – 45BD AutoKEMAR head and torso simulator

Simulation Innovation of the Year

Head Acoustics – PreSense Drive
WeRide – Genesis
SandboxAQ – AQVolt26
MHP – DIN SAE SPEC 91487:2025-08
Waabi – Mixed-reality testing

Facility of the Year

Drive System Design – UK facility
RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) Proving Ground AstaZero – 6G, edge computing facility
Mercedes-Benz – Light testing tunnel
Metrosert – Mobile test facility for self-driving vehicles
Hyundai – Square Campus R&D center
Toyota Arizona Proving Ground

Supplier of the Year

Diversified Technical Systems (DTS)
AVL
Ansible Motion
ASC Sensors
Compredict

Keep an eye on the ATTI magazine site and the Automotive Testing Expo website for further details on the ATTI Forum – and secure a ticket now.

For an exclusive insight into some of the most recently opened test facilities, vehicle development case studies and the latest testing hardware and software, see the March edition of ATTI

As the automotive industry accelerates toward electrified, autonomous and software-defined vehicles, the exhibition highlighted the growing importance of advanced testing technologies, simulation tools and integrated validation strategies. Across the show floor, companies presented solutions covering the full development cycle – from early-stage simulation and virtualization to component testing, durability evaluation and full-vehicle validation.

Automation, digital engineering workflows and data-driven development environments emerged as key themes as manufacturers seek to shorten development cycles while maintaining safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.

The accompanying conference program provided technical insight into emerging topics including autonomous driving technologies and electric vehicle safety evaluation, reinforcing the event’s role as a platform for both technology demonstration and industry knowledge exchange.

Exhibition highlights

The exhibition floor showcased a wide range of technologies supporting the development and validation of next-generation vehicles.

Seoul Industrial Engineering highlighted its thermal management testing technologies designed for modern electrified vehicle systems. The company develops test equipment used to evaluate cooling and heating performance across key components including batteries, motors and inverters.

The growing importance of thermal management reflects the industry’s transition toward electrified powertrains. Sang-Taek Oh, CEO and head of the R&D Center at Seoul Industry Engineering, noted that the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles has significantly increased the role of thermal management in vehicle development.

“As electrification advances, thermal management for batteries, motors and power electronics is becoming critical for vehicle performance and driving range,” he said.

With more than three decades of experience developing automotive test equipment, the company continues to expand its portfolio to support emerging requirements in energy management and electric powertrain validation.

GeneSys Elektronik showcased its ADMA GNSS-aided inertial measurement systems, widely used for vehicle dynamics testing, ADAS development and validation.

The company also introduced SensorX, a detector designed to identify audiovisual warning signals inside vehicle cabins. Such technologies support the testing and validation of increasingly sophisticated driver assistance and safety systems.

GeneSys highlighted Korea as an important market for advanced vehicle testing technologies and emphasized the value of engaging directly with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and engineering specialists during the exhibition.

Elsewhere on the show floor, companies including Vector Korea, Hioki Korea, Innosimulation, Suresoft Technologies, Autocrypt, Tosun, imc Korea, ETAS Korea and dSPACE Korea presented technologies supporting ADAS and autonomous vehicle testing, electrified powertrain development, NVH and durability analysis, as well as simulation and digital twin platforms.

Together, the exhibits reflected the increasing complexity of modern vehicle systems and the growing demand for integrated testing and validation tools capable of supporting both hardware and software development.

Conference insights

The Automotive Testing Expo Korea conference delivered a series of technical discussions addressing the evolving challenges of vehicle testing and development.

In a keynote presentation, Dr Jeong Dan Choi from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute explored the evolution of autonomous driving technologies. She highlighted how the industry is moving away from isolated functional modules toward large-scale AI models and end-to-end architectures trained on extensive real-world datasets.

According to Choi, the next stage of autonomous driving development will depend heavily on access to large-scale data and open ecosystems that allow companies and research institutions to collaborate on model development and real-world validation.

Lee Eundok, research fellow at the Korea Automotive Testing and Research Institute (KATRI), presented the latest developments in the KNCAP safety evaluation framework for electric vehicles.

With EV adoption continuing to grow under Korea’s Electric Vehicle Distribution and Promotion Policy, Lee emphasized that safety evaluation frameworks must evolve alongside new vehicle technologies.

“As electric vehicle sales continue to increase, improving safety remains essential,” Eundok explained. “The evaluation strategies introduced through KNCAP aim to strengthen vehicle safety in Korea and contribute to safer vehicles globally.”

He also noted that technical forums such as Automotive Testing Expo Korea provide valuable opportunities for engineers, regulators and industry leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate on improving vehicle safety standards.

Visitor feedback

Visitors from OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers highlighted the value of the event in providing access to both new technologies and expert knowledge.

An engineer from BMW Korea working on cybersecurity certification said the conference sessions and exhibition were particularly relevant to current industry challenges: “With increasing requirements related to cybersecurity and autonomous driving technologies, we were interested in the seminar sessions organized during the expo,” he said. “There are many relevant companies here, and we were able to gain useful insights and explore solutions that support our work.”

Meanwhile, a thermal management engineer from Hyundai Mobis noted that the exhibition provided an opportunity to explore new testing approaches and measurement technologies: “Many of the systems on display are more advanced than the equipment we currently use,” he said. “It was valuable to see a wider range of technologies and consider solutions that could improve our testing and development processes.”

Looking ahead

Automotive Testing Expo Korea 2026 highlighted the rapid evolution of vehicle testing and validation technologies as the automotive industry continues its transition toward electrification, autonomy and software-defined vehicle architectures.

Across both the exhibition and conference program, the event demonstrated how simulation tools, integrated measurement systems and automated validation environments are becoming essential components of modern vehicle development.

Information about the next edition of the event will be announced on the Automotive Testing Expo Korea website

Inside the exhibition hall, visitors are exploring the latest simulation platforms, validation tools and AI-driven development environments for autonomous, electrified and software-defined vehicles. Demonstrations and technical briefings are taking place across the show floor as exhibitors present new approaches to vehicle testing, simulation and system validation.

For those who have not yet registered, there is still time to join the event and discover the technologies shaping the future of vehicle development and testing. Click here to register for your free expo pass

Exhibitor highlights from the show floor

Vector Korea – Virtualization-based SIL and HIL testing platform
Vector Korea is presenting its virtualization-based testing solutions for ECU and vehicle systems, built around tools including CANoe, vVIRTUALtarget, vTESTstudio and the VT System. The platform enables engineers to begin testing earlier in the development process using virtual ECUs and network simulations, while allowing the same workflows to be extended to hardware-based environments.

“Automotive Testing Expo Korea provides a valuable opportunity to meet OEMs, Tier 1s and engineering partners to discuss more efficient validation strategies,” said Shin Ki-wook, head of the Vehicle Network Solutions Business Unit at Vector Korea. “We also look forward to hearing industry feedback on real-world testing challenges in virtualization, automation and collaboration between software and hardware teams.”

Visit Vector Korea at Booth 4000 to find out more.

Hioki Korea – Integrated electrification measurement solutions
Hioki Korea is showcasing its integrated measurement solutions for EV powertrain development, including the PW8001 eight-channel power analyzer and the PW4001 for multichannel power measurement.

The systems allow engineers to analyze energy flow across the entire drivetrain – from inverter and motor through to the battery – with high accuracy and wide bandwidth.

“Hioki’s electrification solutions are not just tools that display numbers,” said GeunSik Eom, Techwing CS engineer at Hioki Korea. “They are a measure of trust that shows how control logic designed by engineers performs on real hardware, helping accelerate development toward a carbon-neutral future.”

Visit Hioki Korea at Booth 4020 to find out more.

Other exhibitors and highlights

Across the exhibition hall, companies are showcasing test and development technologies, software and services that support vehicle programs from prototype through to production. The displays highlight advances in smart testing, the expansion of EV and hydrogen technologies, and new approaches to maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.

Visitors can explore innovations for ADAS and autonomous vehicle testing, electric and hybrid powertrain development, durability and crash testing, and NVH measurement. Simulation and digital twin platforms, dynamometers and emissions measurement technologies, as well as proving grounds and test facilities, are also featured.

Exhibitors presenting solutions include Innosimulation, Suresoft Technologies, Autocrypt, Tosun, imc Korea, ETAS Korea, GeneSys Elektronik and dSPACE Korea, among many others.

Conference highlights – Day 1

The conference program began today with sessions focused on autonomous driving technologies and electric vehicle safety evaluation.

The evolution of physical AI-based autonomous driving technologies
Jeong Dan Choi, assistant vice president in the Artificial Intelligence Robot Research Division at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, explored how autonomous driving AI is evolving from perception-focused architectures toward imitation learning, reinforcement learning and end-to-end decision frameworks.

KNCAP strategy for electric vehicle safety evaluation
Lee Eundok, research fellow at the Korea Automotive Testing and Research Institute, discussed safety evaluation strategies for EVs as adoption continues to grow under Korea’s electric vehicle distribution and promotion policies.

Additional presentations on Day 1 covered topics such as advanced testing solutions for modern mobility, integrated real-virtual validation, explainable AI for autonomous systems, simulation-in-the-loop prototyping for software-defined vehicles, and automated software verification workflows.

Still to come

The conference continues over the next two days with sessions covering simulation technologies, automated testing and validation strategies for autonomous and software-defined vehicles.

Visitors still have time to register and join Automotive Testing Expo Korea 2026 at KINTEX to explore the latest testing technologies and connect with engineers and innovators shaping the future of vehicle development.

Click here to register for a free visitor pass

Launching in Stuttgart, Germany, June 23-25, 2026, Vehicle Tech Week Europe brings together three of UKi Media & Events’ leading shows – Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo – into one integrated platform designed to meet the needs of an increasingly convergent industry.

Partnerships that broaden expertise and industry alignment

PAVE Europe, ASAM and FISITA bring deep experience across engineering, automation, safety, simulation, testing, validation, standardization and user experience. Their involvement supports Vehicle Tech Week Europe’s mission to encourage cross‑disciplinary collaboration, promote global best practices and accelerate progress toward safe, intelligent and sustainable mobility.

Marius Dupuis, CEO of ASAM, said, “We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with UKi Media & Events. This partnership allows us to present our standards, initiatives and activities to a broader professional audience and to expand expert dialog and collaboration across disciplines and industries.

“ASAM connects experts who shape the technology of tomorrow through pre-competitive standardization. Our collaboration with UKi Media & Events creates exciting synergies by broadening the scope and impact of expert discussions, delivering value both for ASAM and the mobility industry as a whole. We look forward to building on this partnership.”

Adding to this collaborative sentiment, Guido Di Pasquale, managing director of PAVE Europe, said, “At PAVE Europe, we believe that open dialog and collaboration across the mobility ecosystem are essential to building public understanding and trust in automated vehicle technology. This partnership with Vehicle Tech Week Europe provides an important opportunity to engage with industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of mobility. We look forward to contributing to the conversation and helping ensure that the development of autonomous and connected vehicles in Europe is informed, inclusive and transparent.”

Chris Mason, CEO of FISITA, added, “We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with UKi Media & Events. This partnership allows us to connect with a wider audience of industry leaders, engineers and thought leaders to expand expert dialog and collaboration across the automotive and mobility disciplines.

“FISITA connects an alliance of international industry leaders, engineers and stakeholders to facilitate the advancement of the strategy and technology of mobility, for the benefit of industry, people and the planet. Our collaboration with UKi Media & Events through complementary events and publications supports the advancement of collaborative thought leadership within the industry.”

A unified environment for the full vehicle technology ecosystem

Vehicle Tech Week Europe creates one comprehensive meeting point for engineers, designers, validation specialists, manufacturers and suppliers working across interconnected development cycles. Alongside leaders in autonomy, electrification and digital mobility, participants will engage in a seamlessly integrated program of exhibitions, conferences and innovation showcases across three dynamic days.

Darren Whitehead, group portfolio director for Vehicle Tech Week, said, “The support of these leading organizations underlines Vehicle Tech Week’s position as the definitive platform for the full vehicle technology ecosystem. By uniting specialists across autonomy, testing, interiors, safety and standardization, Vehicle Tech Week provides the ideal environment for meaningful industry collaboration.”

Related, UKi Media & Events announces Vehicle Tech Week Europe

The ATTI Awards ceremony will take place on June 24 at the Messe Stuttgart, Germany, offering a valuable opportunity to come together and celebrate achievements, recognize excellence and showcase company expertise. It will also serve as a fantastic platform for networking with peers from across the industry.

The awards are constantly evolving, to ensure there’s a place for every company to enter their best work. As part of the new Vehicle Tech Week format, the categories have been condensed to ensure clearer differentiation and greater focus on innovation and impact. The categories for 2026 are:

• Testing Hardware Innovation of the Year
• Testing Software Innovation of the Year
• Facility of the Year
• Simulation Innovation of the Year
• Supplier of the Year

Nominations are open now – nominations for new technologies, developments of existing ones, or innovative applications are welcome. To qualify, the product or service must have been launched after April 2025. To submit a nomination, simply send 300-500 words in a Word document explaining why the product, service or facility deserves recognition (rachel.evans@ukimediaevents.com).

Be sure to include as much supporting information and evidence as possible, such as key performance data, sales figures, press releases and customer testimonials. If similar products exist on the market, please highlight what sets this product apart and its unique selling points.

The Automotive Testing Technology International Awards will once again be accompanied by a day of high-level content in the ATTI Awards Forum, including panel discussions, fireside chats and presentations. Anyone interested in participating should contact conference director, Tim Sandford (tim.sandford@ukimediaevents.com).

Keep an eye out for more announcements on Vehicle Tech Week, which takes place June 23-25.

In the November 2025 edition of ATTI, awards judge Nils Katzorke, project manager, Mercedes-Benz, provides an insight into the bespoke testing technologies at the OEM’s Immendingen site.

ATTI Awards panel member Prasad Kulkarni, manager of body structures at Mahindra Automotive North America, speaks to ATTI about the engineering and testing of EV structures.

Read the latest column from Jon M Quigley, founder of Value Transformation and an ATTI Awards judge.

In the 2025 issue of Crash Test Technology International, Sunil Waghmare, safety project performance lead at Stellantis and awards judge, discusses digital twin adoption in his sector.

Look out for an opinion piece from awards judge Dr Ahmed Ebada, senior product manager at BMW Group, in the March 2026 issue of ATTI.

The ATTI Awards celebrate excellence across the vehicle testing and development industry. They recognize suppliers, test labs, OEMs and specialists whose work is pushing the boundaries of testing, validation and verification. In such an uncertain time, occasions like these become all the more important.

An expert panel of engineers and technical writers judges the awards, and this year new members have joined, further strengthening the panel’s credentials.

Important dates:

• Nominations: Open now!

• Voting closes: April 21, 2026.

• Awards ceremony and presentation: June 23, 2026, during Vehicle Tech Week Europe in Stuttgart, Germany.

Companies and organizations interested in entering are encouraged to submit a brief proposal outlining their innovation or achievement (see the awards categories here). It can be a brand-new product, development of an existing one or a new application. For submission guidelines and eligibility details, visit the official ATTI Awards page.

By aligning the awards with Vehicle Tech Week Europe – which brings together flagship expos Automotive Interiors Expo Europe, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Testing Expo Europe under one roof – a richer, more integrated industry experience is expected. The unified format promises broader visibility and fresh networking opportunities for nominees and attendees alike.

Alongside the awards, ATTI Awards Forum will deliver a day of high-level content on various topics, and will feature on-stage interviews, panel discussions and presentations. If you are interested in speaking, please contact apoorv.kumar@ukimediaevents.com.

For general information on the awards:

Rachel Evans, awards chair and editor of ATTI:
+44 1306 743744
rachel.evans@ukimediaevents.com

Charlotte Iggulden, brand manager, UKi Media & Events:
+44 1306 743744 / 2123
charlotte.iggulden@ukimediaevents.com

The initiative has been received with widespread enthusiasm across the automotive sector, with leading OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology innovators citing a clear need for a focused platform that showcases emerging technologies and addresses the evolving challenges facing the industry.

Vehicle Tech Week North America will unite three of UKi Media & Events’ leading automotive technology exhibitions – Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo – under one roof at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

While each show will maintain its unique identity, their co-location within Vehicle Tech Week North America will create a positive, collaborative environment that maximizes synergies and delivers greater value for exhibitors and attendees alike. This integrated format will facilitate stronger connections between world-class brands, OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, engineers, designers, investors and R&D teams.

“The automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, with technologies and disciplines converging at an accelerating pace,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at UKi Media & Events.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects this reality, offering a unified platform where innovation thrives and partnerships flourish.”

The decision to bring these events together stems from the growing interdependence of testing, autonomy and interior design in modern vehicle development. By aligning these sectors, Vehicle Tech Week North America will provide a richer experience for participants and a more efficient return on investment for exhibitors.

Strategically located in Novi – just minutes from Detroit, the heart of North America’s automotive industry – Vehicle Tech Week North America offers unparalleled access to the region’s OEM headquarters, R&D centers and supplier networks.

Exhibitors and visitors will benefit from proximity to key decision-makers and technical teams, making it easier to forge partnerships, accelerate business opportunities and drive progress in a rapidly evolving market.

As well as serving the core automotive community, the event will actively engage adjacent markets such as off-highway, commercial transportation and defense, all of which are increasingly adopting advanced vehicle technologies. A targeted outreach campaign and new content streams will ensure these sectors are seamlessly integrated, creating fresh growth opportunities for exhibitors.

With 400+ exhibitors expected, Vehicle Tech Week North America will be the key destination for professionals seeking to explore innovative solutions, network with industry leaders and gain insights into the future of automotive technologies.

Industry leaders have commended the strategic vision behind the event, noting its potential to drive meaningful dialog and accelerate innovation across the automotive landscape.

Thorsten Oppermann, director of sales and marketing at dSPACE, commented, “dSPACE is excited to support the launch of Vehicle Tech Week in North America. Uniting Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo under one dynamic umbrella creates a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration and progress across the mobility sector. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and showcasing how dSPACE continues to drive development in simulation and validation technologies for the vehicles of tomorrow.

“Detroit has always been a cornerstone of automotive innovation, and Vehicle Tech Week brings fresh energy to this legacy,” continued Oppermann. “The integrated format will foster deeper conversations and accelerate the pace of development across the industry. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to contributing to its success in North America.”

Francesca Favarò, head of safety best practices at Waymo, added, “Waymo is excited to see UKi Media & Events launch Vehicle Tech Week, bringing together the essential topics of autonomous technology, testing and interiors under one roof. The move recognizes the integrated nature of modern automotive development, and we believe will create powerful new synergies and strengthen the pace and value of innovation across the entire automotive sector.”

“We are delighted to see UKi Media & Events bringing together multiple automotive shows in North America under the umbrella of Vehicle Tech Week North America,” said Marius Dupuis, CEO at ASAM eV. “Combining Automotive Testing Expo, Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo reflects the industry’s holistic approach to various aspects of vehicle development. We expect Vehicle Tech Week North America to create a comprehensive platform, reflecting the full spectrum of innovation across the broader mobility landscape and enabling industry professionals to engage across disciplines.”

“Collaboration is key to developing next-gen mobility – a philosophy the Autotech Council lives by as we connect automotive leaders with startups,” commented Liz Kerton, Autotech Council’s executive director. “We’re delighted to collaborate with Vehicle Tech Week, because together we can build a stronger ecosystem for the automotive industry.”

For Automotive Testing Expo exhibitor inquiries:
David Hunt / david.hunt@ukimediaevents.com

For Vehicle Tech Week marketing inquiries:
Paul Connelly, marketing director, UKi Media & Events
paul.connelly@ukimediaevents.com

Content proves big hit with visitors

The Future of Automotive Testing Conference
A key element of the event was the one-day Future of Automotive Testing Conference, held for the second time at the North American show. It was extremely well received, with speakers and attendees reporting that the variety of speakers was very helpful for intelligence gathering.

First-time visitor and conference attendee Krishna Battu, software technical specialist at General Motors, observed innovative rain simulation technologies and AI tools that automate test requirements and script generation at the exhibition. Commenting on his visit, he said, “It’s been a fascinating experience for me. A decade ago, evolution was very slow whereas now it’s fast paced. Next quarter, what is going to change? Who is going to come up with something new? It’s been motivating to see the exhibitors, panel discussions and presentations. It’s the one place to see a lot of technologies, some I may even implement in my day-to-day work.”

Venkat Adusumalli, software engineering manager at Stellantis, presented in the Future of Automotive Testing Conference on the OEM’s use of AI to accelerate E/E testing. After his session, he summed up the value of bringing stakeholders together in one place: “There were some key takeaways from my panel, which was very diverse, with technology companies and business consultancies. I was able to learn from the consulting companies how they are building things for the OEMs and suppliers, how they are leveraging AI to fast-track testing and other areas of software development.”

Adusumalli emphasized the importance of learning from others and leveraging partnerships, adding that the show was “very eye opening. I’ve been able to gather knowledge on how we can improve on the efficiency side of things and innovate in testing.”

More on Stellantis’s adoption of AI in E/E testing here

As part of its goal to unite industry players, Automotive Testing Expo has formed a collaboration with FISITA, and the organization’s North American ambassador, Scott Craig, moderated a panel discussion during the Future of Automotive Testing Conference. ‘Driving validation: The nexus of physical testing, digital twins and global data in the age of SDVs and electrification’ explored how physical testing and simulation can complement each other to solve real-world industry challenges. FISITA’s role, he explained, is to act as an enabler – bringing industry players together to discuss these issues in a collaborative, pre-competitive environment that can lead to standardization or regulatory progress.

Echoing the sentiments of the other speakers and visitors, Craig said, “The show and FISITA are bringing industry leaders together in a critical space. With the new paradigm of software-defined vehicles, alongside electrification and autonomy, all of these elements are converging – and testing, validation and safety are key to making them happen.”

Craig continued, “The show’s content, together with FISITA’s collaboration and the thought leadership of our members, creates a platform for meaningful engagement. It allows our members to connect with Automotive Testing Expo, to be heard and to showcase their technologies. I see it as a collaborative effort in helping the industry to move the needle forward.”

Priya Boopalan, electronics lifecycle manager for ADAS and electronics operations (UEL) at ZF Active Safety and Electronics US, moderated the afternoon conference session and summarized her participation: “This conference is a convergence of technology developers, testing companies and proving grounds. In the session I moderated, most of the speakers talked about how to utilize the digital twin in automotive testing, and that is a really interesting topic – that is the future for automotive testing.”

More on digital twins in the November edition of ATTI. To read the latest issue, click here

Innovation Showcase
The Innovation Showcase also served as a welcome platform for the community to engage with companies presenting new solutions and, crucially, addressing common pain points.

For example, Michigan Scientific Corporation’s senior engineer, Lance Hadfield, highlighted EV powertrain instrumentation for force, torque and temperature measurement equipment. “It’s generally a pain point for people with any sort of instrumentation project, especially on-vehicle – getting all that data off, understanding how to instrument the vehicle correctly and understanding what data transmission options are available. We wanted to highlight the various ways that Michigan Scientific could help with these instrumentation challenges.”

Hadfield noted the need for expertise in digital, which may be lacking in some companies due to various factors, including people moving between departments and then moving back into instrumentation. “What’s tangentially interesting is that people seem to be moving more toward proceeding with work; sales are starting to happen again. For a long time it’s been let’s wait and see, but it seems that a lot of that is starting to stabilize, and people are feeling better about spending money on development work again.”

Read more on sensor development, including insights from Michigan Scientific, in the November edition of ATTI. To read the latest issue, click here 

Neerav Singh, director of sales and marketing at 12th Wonder, spoke on digitally traceable, ISO 17025-ready test labs through a unified lifecycle approach. He emphasized that his talk was a chance to highlight that ISO/IEC 17025 compliance is not just a regulatory requirement – it also enables higher operational excellence.

He commented, “By unifying the test lifecycle digitally, labs can ensure traceability across every tool, parameter and activity while improving speed, visibility and collaboration. The goal is to make quality and accountability inherent in how the lab operates every day.”

Singh also pointed to the rapid pace of innovation in today’s landscape: “Automotive testing is evolving fast – with EVs, ADAS and connected vehicle systems introducing new parameters, sensors and test scenarios. Labs face the dual challenge of managing this complexity while maintaining ISO 17025 discipline. My session highlighted how a unified, digital approach helps labs handle more data, more tools and more complexity while staying efficient, traceable and audit ready.”

Exhibition hailed a huge success

For first-time exhibitor Catagen Green Emissions Testing, the show was the ideal place to highlight its expansion into North America. The company operates 14 of its Omega electric reactors at its home in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which provide engine-free catalyst aging and aftertreatment testing for certification and homologation of emissions. This type of analysis is typically undertaken by other companies based on engine- or burner-based aging.

The company already has a strong foothold in the UK and European markets with more than 40 OEMs, and sees significant growth potential in North America. However, to properly serve that market, it recognizes the need for a local presence.

“We’re already working with a number of customers in North America – they’re shipping their catalysts to us, to our facility in the UK,” explained Dr Kurtis Irwin, Catagen’s VP of global catalysis. “We recognize that to expand and grow and service the market here, we need to get in the playground. We need to have a physical facility here in North America, and we’ve been having lots of conversations with the leading OEMs. We know they want to work with us, we just need to have that here. Those conversations are pretty advanced at this point.”

Dr Irwin added that Catagen Green Emissions Testing aims to establish a small number of strategic partnerships in North America. Its plan is to work with companies that already have existing facilities, the right experience and engineering expertise, and are trusted, respected advisors in the market, while Catagen provides the technology.

According to Dr Irwin, the company had multiple unexpected discussions with OEMs, potential partners and existing customers at the expo, as well as pre-arranged meetings.

In terms of Catagen’s current technology development, Dr Irwin noted that much of the company’s recent focus has been on commercially testing its new Diesel Aftertreatment Accelerated Ageing Cycle (DAAAC) electric reactor, which uses its Omega technology.

“There’s new legislation coming out for heavy-duty diesel OEMs, and that aging protocol will assist them for durability of those parts. Catagen Green Emissions Testing has been developing it to be part of the Omega reactor as the next test offering.”

Crucially, DAAAC supports compliance with US emissions regulations, including the EPA and CARB’s increased durability requirements. The system is designed to reduce aging time by around tenfold compared with traditional dynamometer or field evaluation.

“We’ve got the first commercial customer through for that, and we’re continuing to innovate the technology; OEMs might have specific cycles that we need to be ready to adapt to. The technology already has that flexibility and capability,” said Dr Irwin.

Meanwhile, over on Redex’s booth, a new closed-loop digital controller – the DG-Block – was on display. It is designed to be intuitive and provides a compact, smooth, easily controllable package for load simulation.

“With these advanced capabilities enhancing testing efficiency, Redex is seeking insights on testing challenges across vehicle types, system integration on existing production lines, and applications in research and development,” said Jean Baptiste Barruel, Merobel senior product manager at Redex USA.

Barruel noted that the sector is shifting toward electrification, autonomous systems and hybrid powertrains, along with an increasing number of e-motors in vehicles – from wipers and windows to seats and open roofs, to name just a few. “All of these components must be tested during development and validated to ensure proper functionality before installation in the vehicle,” he said.

He added that current trends include simulation-driven validation, advanced data analytics and sustainable testing practices to meet evolving regulations.

Michael Schmidt, team manager for Göpel Electronic, emphasized how positive the expo experience had been for the company. Although the supplier has exhibited numerous times in Europe, this was its first appearance at the North America show, and it proved invaluable: “Many customers have visited us and new integrators have looked for us, so we are looking forward to potential projects in the future here.”

Bryce Short, business development manager at TRP Laboratories, was pleased that the company had attended the expo: “Coming to this show has provided another avenue for us to touch base with new clients but also with customers we’ve been working with – and find new ways to support projects they’ve been working on.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Stukenborg, head of North America portfolio management aftermarket at ZF Group, said, “As part of our efforts to enhance our remanufacturing operations, I was searching for suppliers of in-component and end-of-line testers. I had the opportunity to engage with several companies, and I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the conversations and the solutions they offered. A pleasant surprise was discovering that some of these suppliers are already working with our company in other regions, which adds an extra layer of confidence and convenience. Overall, it was a very positive experience.”

Future dates for your diary

Next year the show returns in a new format as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America. We look forward to welcoming our exhibitors and visitors to this new festival on October 27-29, which will encompass Automotive Testing Expo, ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Expo and Automotive Interiors Expo. Save the dates on your calendar and click here to find out more