Lucid developed the Gravity’s AR HUD hardware, feature set, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) internally. Basemark engineers used Rocksolid Studio to implement Lucid’s specifications. Rocksolid Studio is a low-code toolkit that allows efficient development of immersive automotive AR and human-machine interface (HMI) applications. Its interconnected AR SDK supports the computational needs specific to automotive AR.

“We are extremely proud to have been chosen by Lucid to help them develop their new AR HUD experience for the amazing Lucid Gravity,” said Tero Sarkkinen, the CEO and founder of Basemark. “The car is brilliant and continues to win industry awards, and Basemark is thrilled to be a part of this great story. Lucid’s commitment to innovation and design excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to bring safe, high-performance AR to production vehicles.”

The project marks an expansion of Basemark’s presence among next-generation electric vehicle manufacturers, and reinforces Rocksolid’s position as a leading embedded AR platform for automotive series production.

The AR HUD will be available in the Lucid Gravity, with additional features planned for delivery through future software updates.

Related news, AVL and Ansible advance vehicle validation with integrated simulation and driver-in-the-loop testing

Based on the original GRAS KEMAR platform, this latest artificial head introduces a fully redesigned automotive-focused architecture including wide, flexible positioning capabilities; a user-reconfigurable system – one unit supports multiple applications; ISOFIX-compatible seat mount for secure and repeatable installation; a rattle-free design enabling reliable on-road testing; adjustable height, seat distance, tilt, rotation and viewing angle, coverage of the full ear ellipse and beyond; optional integrated mouth simulator; and low-noise configuration.

“In-cabin sound today is judged by what people perceive, not just what instruments record. With AutoKEMAR, we set out to capture sound from a realistic listening position inside real vehicle interiors, so engineers can make decisions based on data that truly reflects the occupant experience – without sacrificing repeatability,” said Santiago Rayes, product manager at GRAS Sound & Vibration.

Unlike microphone arrays that do not simulate the human body’s influence, AutoKEMAR captures a truer-to-life listening experience. It is developed for automotive acoustic measurements in static lab setups, dynamometer tests, wind tunnel tests and real-world on-road testing.

“Engineers told us they needed a solution that could move naturally within the vehicle cabin while remaining stable and repeatable during testing,” Rayes added. “AutoKEMAR combines realistic human acoustic simulation with exceptional positioning flexibility, making it suitable for everything from lab validation to real-world on-road measurements.”

It enables high-fidelity measurement of audio system performance and tuning, sound quality and sound design, infotainment and DSP testing, speech intelligibility and voice quality, hands-free communication, in-cabin NVH and wind tunnel measurements.

The flexible seat mount and head positioning system enable engineers to simulate different driver sizes, seating positions and viewing angles, making it the ideal solution for headrest speakers, spatial audio and advanced driver interaction systems. The result is a highly realistic human acoustic simulation tool that accurately represents the influence of the human body in the vehicle sound field.

More on GRAS’s latest HATS and other indispensable testing tools for 2026 in the March edition of ATTI – due to land next week.

ATTI delves into the difficulties being encountered by NVH specialists within electric vehicles in the March 2024 issue

Following a successful pilot in 2024, Antolin is scaling Neural Concept’s platform across key product lines. Technology integrates with existing design and simulation environments, enabling faster iterations, enhanced teamwork and data-driven insights that guide design decisions more efficiently.

“Artificial intelligence is becoming an essential tool to accelerate innovation and improve design efficiency,” said Pedro Santesteban, group VP of global engineering and AI at Antolin. “Working alongside Neural Concept allows us to explore new ways of applying AI to strengthen our engineering processes and the capabilities of our teams.”

Reinventing interior lighting with AI 

Interior lighting is an increasingly essential element in elevating both driver and passenger experience, while also reinforcing brand identity and comfort across premium and mainstream vehicles. In the past, Antolin’s R&D teams relied on manual design iterations guided by expertise and validated through time-consuming simulations – a process that often stretched over several weeks.

The use of AI aims to strengthen cross-functional cooperation and efficiency across Antolin’s teams while meeting the strict safety and performance standards required by global OEMs.

Faster workflows, greater innovation

With an initial focus on lighting systems, Antolin and Neural Concept plan to expand their partnership to other interior components, from plastic parts to complex assemblies. The long-term vision is to reimagine the entire interior design workflow.

Neural Concept enables Antolin to accelerate product development while supporting long-term competitiveness and innovation. By providing teams with control over an AI-driven development platform, it equips engineers with the tools to lead and shape future industry advancements.

“Automotive interiors are evolving into one of the most critical areas of design differentiation for car makers,” said Dr Pierre Baqué, CEO and co-founder of Neural Concept. “By partnering with Antolin, a global key player in the field, we are helping their teams explore new creative possibilities in close coordination. Through AI-augmentation, we enable engineers to make smarter, data-driven decisions while eliminating the costly bottlenecks of manual iteration. We look forward to expanding our collaboration across interiors and beyond, enabling Antolin to innovate faster and more boldly in automotive design.”

Related news, PITLab selects VI-grade compact simulator to advance mobility research at Imola Circuit

Volkswagen’s materials testing program aims to establish a global network of approved laboratories to verify the quality and safety of parts manufactured by the auto maker’s suppliers. Through this accreditation, Element can support suppliers with reliable, independent testing services aligned with Volkswagen’s requirements, helping streamline validation and approval processes.

Kinzie Austin, VP of mobility at Element, commented, “We are delighted to become an approved participant in Volkswagen’s supplier testing program and support their supplier network with accredited testing that meets their high performance standards. It is important recognition of the expert testing work our team undertakes across the automotive industry.”

Element’s Warren and Plymouth laboratories offer a broad range of advanced materials testing capabilities supporting the automotive sector, including durability, environmental resistance, surface performance and interior and exterior materials validation. This accreditation further enhances Element’s ability to support original equipment manufacturers and suppliers throughout the automotive supply chain.

Related news, NewtonWorks adds advanced GUI and measurement features to NewtonSuite eSeal

According to Digital.ai, organizations face increasing technical and regulatory pressures, including stricter distracted driver safety guidelines, ASPICE compliance and rising software-related recalls. Addressing this, the company streamlines testing across AAOS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling real-device validation for projected experiences and consistent performance across a wide range of displays, devices and real-world driving conditions.

“Drivers expect the same polished, intuitive digital experience in their cars that they enjoy on their phones,” said Derek Holt, the CEO of Digital.ai. “Historically, building and testing in-car applications at scale has been extremely difficult, where complexity is compounded by variable display sizes, OS versions, hardware setups, compliance requirements and safety considerations. By supporting test automation for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay alongside AAOS and mobile, we’re giving auto makers and app developers the ability to validate real-world driving experiences before cars hit the road. This is a major milestone for the industry, and one that will help teams reduce risk, accelerate releases and ultimately protect drivers on the road.”

In recent news, Anritsu and Head Acoustics launch advanced voice quality testing solution

The solution, which is compliant with ITU-T Recommendation P.1140, enables precise assessment of voice communication quality between vehicle occupants and public safety answering points (PSAPs), supporting faster and more effective emergency response.

With NG eCall over 4G (LTE) and 5G (NR) now mandatory in Europe as of January 1, 2026, ensuring high-quality, low-latency voice communication during vehicle emergencies has become essential. After a collision, calls are conducted hands-free inside the vehicle cabin, where high noise levels, echoes and other acoustic challenges can significantly degrade speech clarity. Reliable voice performance is therefore critical to accurately conveying the situation and enabling rapid rescue operations.

The solution integrates Anritsu’s MD8475B (for 4G LTE base-station simulation) or MT8000A (for both 4G LTE and 5G NR simulation) with Head Acoustics’ Acqua voice quality analysis platform. This combination enables comprehensive evaluation of transmitted (microphone) and received (speaker) audio under a wide range of realistic operating conditions.

In related news, Vbox Automotive has expanded its GNSS test equipment range

With more than 250 solution providers, The Future of Automotive Testing Conference and the Innovation Showcase, it’s the ideal place to discover new solutions, share ideas and build valuable connections.

There will truly be something for everyone, whether you’re an NVH specialist seeking new acoustics testing tools, an EV engineer in need of high-voltage test equipment, an ADAS expert looking for the latest lab systems, or a simulation specialist in need of a tool or a test driver searching for a new vehicle rental partner.

The Innovation Showcase will take place on day one and day three, enabling visitors to learn more about some of the latest technologies on display. Its interactive format is always a big hit. On day two, ATTI will host The Future of Automotive Testing Conference, beginning at 9:55am with an onstage interview featuring ATTI columnist Jon M Quigley, and with a program that features a wealth of influential industry figures.

Serving as the testing sector’s foremost communications platform, ATTI will also report live news throughout the show and gather intelligence for upcoming magazine issues. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas or news with ATTI.

For a comprehensive preview, see the September edition of Automotive Testing Technology International magazine.

Automotive Testing Expo North America will take place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, on October 22-23. Visit the expo website to register for your free expo pass.

The Future of Automotive Testing Conference

This day of high-level content will explore various topics and provide an engaging opportunity to learn from and connect with industry peers. Situated among the exhibits, it will have a relaxing atmosphere, and visitors will be able to dip in and out at their leisure. A highlight will be ATTI’s on-stage interview with Jon Quigley, who worked for Volvo for many years and now runs his own company, Value Transformation. With his broad experience and portfolio of contacts, he’s a very good person to know. He loves sharing his thoughts, too, hence his new gig as ATTI’s regular columnist.

Read Quigley’s latest column on p36 of the September issue.

Also during the conference, Venkat Adusumalli, software engineering manager at Stellantis, will reveal how Stellantis is using AI to accelerate E/E system testing and validation workflows. Click here for a pre-show interview with him.

Innovation Showcase

The free-to-attend Innovation Showcase also provides an interactive platform for learning about new technologies. Speakers will welcome questions and discussion after their presentations, making it a great way to explore ideas together. Like the conference, it will take place within the main hall, so it will be very easy to listen in while wandering through the exhibits, or to come and go throughout the day.

Technology debuts

The industry is moving quickly and it can be a challenge to keep up. Every year there is an abundance of new technologies on display. Some are incremental improvements to existing products, others are entirely new. It’s always surprising how companies find ways around bottlenecks. Often, these developments emerge from ongoing conversations between supplier and customer, ultimately benefiting multiple companies.

Read ATTI‘s comprehensive expo preview in the September issue.

Face-to-face discussions  

It sounds obvious, but the most fruitful conversations are usually the ones that happen in person – it’s how journalists find the best stories. Year after year, exhibitors and visitors report having forged unexpected collaborations at the show, in the form of technology tie-ups or service partnerships.

Detroit’s revival 

A lot of money has been plowed into Detroit in recent years, as evidenced by the stunning renovation of Michigan Central Station, which is well worth a visit. Much of the investment has been in the tech sector. Eleven years ago – when the station was still derelict – ATTI took a tour of some of the labs at GM and what was then the FCA headquarters (see The right wave length, November 2014, Seasonal highlights, September 2015, and Powerbase, March 2015). The facilities were impressive then and are even more so now, thanks to several years of investment in innovation leading to Detroit’s resurgence as an automotive powerhouse.

Visit the Automotive Testing Expo North America website to secure your FREE pass, which will give you access to the expo, the Future of Automotive Testing Conference and the Innovation Showcase

Led by Claytex, the project brings together partners including Oxford RF, Syslek, the Queen Mary University of London, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and AESIN. rFpro’s contribution will further advance simulation verification processes, and research how synthetic data can be used for assessing the performance of real-world deployed perception systems and enhancing its simulation platform to model and test in-cabin sensor systems with greater fidelity than previously possible.

The first Sim4CamSens project aimed to improve the realism of external-facing sensor simulation. rFpro upgraded its platform to more accurately replicate real-world light attenuation, reflections and environmental conditions, such as fog. These simulations were correlated with physical sensor data across a wide range of lighting and weather conditions.

Critically, improvements to rFpro’s rendering engine made synthetic data appear more realistic to AI systems, increasing the confidence that perception system developers can place in simulated data.

“With the first phase of the project, we demonstrated that high-fidelity simulation can closely match real-world sensor behaviour across diverse lighting and weather conditions,” said Matt Daley, technical director at rFpro. “That correlation is vital to encourage the industry to embrace synthetic data as a legitimate tool for tuning, training and testing their systems. This will massively accelerate development and reduce the need for relying on physical data collection and prolonged physical testing.”

Sim4CamSens2 continues this trajectory by tackling two new challenges. Firstly, the project will develop more efficient sensor characterization methods. Rather than requiring extensive field testing over months, the initiative aims to establish minimal laboratory testing protocols that provide sufficient data for accurate simulation correlation. This will significantly reduce the time and cost of developing new sensor integrations into the simulation.

Secondly, it will examine how perception systems perform in degraded conditions, such as a scratched or dirty lens or various levels of fog, in both real and synthetic data. This will help define the conditions that most impact system performance, enabling engineers to focus development efforts where they matter most.

The project also marks rFpro’s first major push into interior sensor simulation. With in-cabin sensing playing a growing role in both safety and autonomy. Sensor systems are needed for a diverse range of tasks, including to measure occupant size and posture for restraint system optimization, monitor driver attention and, for autonomous vehicles, verify passenger readiness before departure. The rapidly evolving in-cabin experience market is also using sensing technology to deliver the next generation of features that will differentiate the automotive products of tomorrow.

rFpro will adapt its simulation tools to model human movement and skin appearance, develop higher detailed digital twins of vehicle interiors, and create in-cabin-specific edge case scenarios for testing. It will also develop new sensor type integrations for infrared cameras, introducing new technologies to the rFpro platform.

These developments will support AV Elevate, rFpro’s award-winning simulation platform for ADAS and autonomous vehicle development, extending its capabilities to include interior sensor tuning, training and testing, alongside existing exterior sensor simulation.

“A lot of our existing technologies can be applied to interior-facing sensors with some adaptation,” said Daley. “By covering both exterior and interior sensing, we’re providing the industry with the most advanced single simulation platform to accelerate the safe deployment of intelligent and autonomous vehicles.”

Several Tier 1 automotive suppliers are already collaborating with rFpro on this technology development, establishing a clear commercialization pathway and demonstrating existing market demand for enhanced interior sensor simulation capabilities.

SIM4CAMSens 2 is funded through the £150m CAM Pathfinder program announced in the UK government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. The program is funded by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), delivered in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.

The CAM Pathfinder 1 – Enhancements competition was launched in December 2024 to target early commercial self-driving vehicle opportunities and support the UK supply chain to grow and fill technology gaps necessary for their deployment, and is part of the government’s vision for self-driving vehicles (Connected and automated mobility 2025: realising the benefits of self-driving vehicles).

Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, said, “We’re delighted to announce the SIM4CAMSens2 project as one of the eight exciting CAM Pathfinder – Enhancements projects taking place across the UK. The deployment of connected and automated mobility solutions holds incredible promise – enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and fostering a transport network that is both reliable and inclusive.

“The SIM4CAMSens2 project will serve as a fantastic showcase of these benefits. We are looking forward to working with the project consortia as they further develop their work, showcase their technology, and help to cement CAM as an industry of the future.”

In related news, Gatik has launched Arena, its next-generation simulation platform designed to accelerate the development and validation of autonomous vehicle systems. The platform has been developed in collaboration with Nvidia and integrates Nvidia Cosmos World Foundation Models (WFMs). Read the full story here

In recognition of the importance of comfort and convenience – which are the foremost features when deciding to buy a vehicle according to a recent survey commissioned by JLR of over 2,000 luxury and premium SUV clients – the robots test a range of different foams and coverings for quality, safety and comfort.

Robot testing

The robots can exert forces more than 800N (82kg) on each seat design 25,000 times over a period of around five days, simulating movements akin to people of varying body shapes and weights entering a vehicle and sitting in one of its seats.

The Occubots also review the resilience of the vehicles’ heated seats. Across 20,000 cycles over 25 days, a robot reenacts actions such as sliding and twisting in the seat, applying huge forces ranging from 350N to 700N to ensure the heated seat is robust and will remain operational throughout a vehicle’s lifespan.

Integrated sensors in the robot track torque hundreds of times per second to ensure forces are maintained during different tests, while a camera communicates with the Occubots to take regular photos 24/7, to independently review progress and investigate failures. The robots also test how quickly foam recovers its shape following pressure from different body types.

Thomas Mueller, JLR executive director, product engineering, said, “Settling into your seat is one of the first experiences when entering one of our vehicles. Comfort is critical to luxury, so it’s a make-or-break moment for our clients and they expect a consistently comfortable ride over the life of their vehicle.

“We’ve invested in robots to work alongside our expert engineers and rigorously test every aspect of our seat materials in super quick time. Automation like this is a vital part of our comprehensive vehicle quality component testing programme, which helps us review vehicle elements over a lifetime of usage and in the most extreme environments.”

JLR’s investment in virtual testing forms part of the company’s wider £18bn Reimagine strategy.

In related news, Rohde & Schwarz has launched the FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer, a multichannel signal and spectrum analyzer with multiple input ports, enabling new measurement scenarios in RF system testing.