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

“EVs change what customers notice first; without a petrol or diesel engine covering up the background noise, small high-frequency sounds and vibrations stand out immediately,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, vice president, product, brand and customer experience, Kia Europe. “The EV2 behaves calm at higher speed, controlled on rough roads and consistent every day, so the car feels refined from the first kilometer.”

Engineering for silence

From the earliest development stages, the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) used advanced numerical simulations to predict potential issues related to road noise, especially at higher speeds, and design solutions to keep the EV2 quiet and refined in all conditions.

Dyno-based NVH testing enabled precise and repeatable measurements in a controlled environment. This enabled engineers to isolate specific frequencies and implement targeted countermeasures efficiently. This method eliminated external variables, such as changing weather or variable road surfaces.

“We treated the EV2’s NVH development as a system,” said Oliver Jung, lead engineer at HMETC. “Early simulations helped us identify where road and wind noise could disrupt the cabin. Next to that, dyno-based testing gave us repeatable data to validate every countermeasure. Acoustic tires, acoustic glazing and an optimized sound package work together to keep the cabin calm and quiet, even on motorways.”

To reduce road noise, the EV2 is equipped with acoustic tires designed to minimize tonal intrusion. The tires are complemented by specially developed carpets and wheel arch absorbers that lower perceived sound levels. For wind noise reduction, acoustic door glass and an acoustic windshield significantly limit air turbulence noise at highway speeds. This contributes to a stable and reassuring cabin environment.

Although electric motors are quieter than internal combustion engines, EV-specific components, such as the inverter and DC/DC converter, can generate high-frequency tonal sounds. The EV2 addresses this through a dedicated sound package, including a dash inner insulation concept, a frunk absorber and an optimized underbody cover. Together, these elements reduce high-frequency transmission.

Managing EV sounds

Warning sound design in the EV2 also supports safety and usability. The pedestrian warning sound informs other road users while remaining unobtrusive for occupants and the alert sound of the intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA) has been tuned to provide clear guidance without becoming intrusive over time.

Related news, BMW puts Neue Klasse i3 EV through Arctic tests ahead of design premiere

Tyrone Johnson, managing director at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center, said, “The investment at Square Campus is a clear sign of our commitment to the region and reflects the importance of Europe in our long-term growth strategy. The extensive new capabilities at HMETC give us more independence and flexibility, while creating exciting new opportunities for collaboration between our brands. Fundamentally, Square Campus will also support us as we continue to grow our market share in Europe, developing new vehicles and technologies designed around the needs of our customers.”

New capabilities

The 25,000m² site is equipped with the largest semi-anechoic chamber within the Hyundai group, enabling unrestricted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and drive-by noise testing with complete independence from weather conditions.

Highly advanced dyno facilities at Square Campus play a key role in development, enabling the comprehensive testing of vehicles and individual components, compatible with all-electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain applications. The facility is also equipped with an EV charging laboratory, a state-of-the-art driving simulator and new facilities for extended electronics system development – including over-the-air-updates (OTA), cybersecurity, and advanced driver assistance systems.

In related news, Site visit: Inside Mercedes-Benz’s light testing tunnel

“Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations such as neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, solar paint and Level 4 highly automated driving, along with state-of-the-art technology, we are setting new standards for the electric and digital age. This beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes‑Benz Group.

Exterior reimagining

The Vision Iconic features Mercedes-Benz’s ‘iconic grille,’ with a modern take on the brand’s classic design that combines a chrome frame, smoked-glass lattice and contour lighting, merging heritage with digital styling, and featuring an illuminated star on the hood.

Hyper-analog

“Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing,” commented Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Mercedes-Benz Group.

The Vision Iconic’s interior blends art deco elegance with modern craftsmanship. Its centerpiece, a floating glass ‘zeppelin’, which the auto maker says, showcases intricate detailing and a seamless mix of analog and digital design.

The instrument cluster features a cinematic, entirely analog animation inspired by high-end chronographs and the pillar-to-pillar screen concept blends technology seamlessly into the interior. At the center, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand logo and doubles up as an AI companion.

Behind the zeppelin, a mother-of-pearl inlay extends across the cabin and doors around the brass handles. A deep blue velvet bench seat is fitted for the driver and passenger, enhancing the sense of shared comfort and understated luxury.

A four-spoke steering wheel combines sportiness and elegance, featuring a glass-encased Mercedes-Benz logo. The floor’s handcrafted straw marquetry, in a fan-shaped art deco motif, has been produced using a decorative art process that dates back to the 17th century.

Neuromorphic computing and ADAS tech

Future Mercedes-Benz models like the Vision Iconic will feature more and more autonomous driving capabilities and increasing energy demands that make efficiency critical. Mercedes-Benz is exploring neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain to process AI tasks up to 10 times more efficiently and in a manner that is 90% less energy-intensive than current systems. This technology could enhance safety features by improving the recognition of traffic signs, lanes and other road users, even in low-visibility conditions.

The Vision Iconic comes standard with Level 2 point-to-point urban driving capabilities, enabling precise handling of complex city traffic with cooperative steering and acceleration. Mercedes-Benz says the next step will be to equip future models with Level 4 highly automated driving technology.

Solar coating for more range

Mercedes-Benz is also developing ultra-thin solar modules that can be applied directly to a vehicle’s body like a coating. The photovoltaic-active surface adapts to different materials and the company says that this could generate enough energy for up to 12,000km per year under ideal conditions on a car the size of a mid-size SUV (11m2 ). Free of rare earths and silicon, the recyclable coating achieves 20% efficiency and continues producing power even when the vehicle is switched off.

In related news, Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets Nürburgring electric hypercar record

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

Caroline records noise data from a wide variety of sensors that measure vibrations or airborne sound. This data is evaluated in the associated software using a wide range of analysis options. The Caroline advanced model is supplied as a plug-in module for 19in racks or as a standalone device, and can record signals from up to eight sensors simultaneously. In addition, analog displacement/rotation angle and digital trigger signals can be recorded and the ripple current evaluation of the test object enables the use of speed-dependent analyses.

In practical applications, individual sensors are selected for each specific case and then mounted at a suitable distance from the mechatronic electric motor noise source of the test object. For example, the structure-borne noise of a seat frame is measured at its skids. The sensors are connected to the Caroline system, which, after triggering the test sequence, synchronously records and evaluates the noise levels during operation and immediately compares them with parameters and limit values stored in the system.

To realistically assess the impact of noise on driving comfort, the Caroline system employs various acoustic analysis methods, including modulation analysis. This technique evaluates the degree of fluctuation in specific frequencies during defined movements — such as the deployment of an exterior mirror. If the frequency varies significantly around a central value, it may be perceived as an undesirable “whining” sound.

Third-octave analysis of airborne sound signals supports psychoacoustic evaluations, including assessments of tonality. By analyzing specific frequency ranges in vibration or airborne sound data, it becomes possible to identify potentially disruptive noises, such as whistling, squeaking, or beeping. These types of sounds can negatively affect perceived quality and can be detected and addressed early through the systematic use of acoustic testing in production.

In related news, Applus Idiada has announced an investment in an Integrated Vehicle Dynamics & Ride Comfort Simulation Platform that will upgrade its existing VI-grade DiM250 driving simulator at its Santa Oliva facility in Spain. Read the full story

At the core of this platform is VI-grade’s Hyperdock – a lightweight, modular cockpit with precisely calibrated shakers at key driver contact points. When paired with the DiM250 dynamic driving simulator, the setup provides real-time acceleration feedback based on high-fidelity vehicle models. This enables engineers to evaluate handling, comfort and NVH performance all at once, starting from the early stages of design.

“Until now, automotive engineers have faced a significant challenge: while virtual simulation has advanced handling and steering development, ride comfort and NVH – especially in the secondary ride comfort domain – remained difficult to optimize before physical prototype testing,” commented Guido Tosolin, senior manager vehicle dynamics at Applus Idiada. “This integrated platform solves this long-standing industry problem.”

The new system brings together multiple advanced technologies within a single simulation loop. It combines high-definition, real-time multi-body vehicle models with high-frequency transfer function models, and uses VI-grade’s VI-NVHSim Simulator software for comprehensive vehicle NVH model preparation and acoustic feedback. A Concurrent Real-Time machine supports the entire setup, enabling the simulation of complex, full-vehicle models with hundreds of degrees of freedom.

The solution is particularly valuable for optimizing long-lead and structurally critical components such as bushings, subframes and body systems, which are traditionally difficult to validate until late-stage testing.

Alessio Lombardi, VP of sales EMEA and North America at VI-grade, said, “The installation of this integrated simulation platform at Idiada represents a natural and strategic evolution of the DiM250 simulator they already operate. It’s also a significant step forward in bringing full-spectrum simulation capabilities to the forefront of vehicle development. This success reflects the strong momentum for human-centric simulation across the industry, and we’re proud to support Idiada in delivering cutting-edge engineering services to their global customer base.”

Read more on driving simulators in the September 2024 edition of ATTI. 

The software can also be flexibly modified with filters and visualization functions to maximize analytical capability, interactivity and insights, and it now features functions to support NVH tests (noise, vibration and harshness).  

The new version of the software combines speed with increased user-friendliness and interactivity. Diagrams, filters, calculations and much more can be configured with drag-and-drop or just a few clicks and combined to create powerful analyses without having to write a single line of code. 

Jan Schnabel, jBEAM product manager at Kistler, said, “Whereas before, developers would have to write or program complicated scripts, for example in Python, they can now carry out and complete process steps with just a few clicks thanks to jBEAM – including for NVH tests.” 

jBEAM Lab imports raw data from over 100 file formats, correlates it with audio and video data, and generates comprehensive visualizations. The graphical processing offers a high degree of flexibility and interactivity: the data analysis software enables users to filter and flexibly combine data to create graphics, dynamically adapt workflows and directly simulate filters. Once analysis is complete, users have the option to generate reports automatically and precisely. 

New functions for NVH tests 

The new jBEAM from Kistler offers enhanced NVH functions and its data analysis software can also be used to analyze micro-vibrations. The new functions for NVH tests were developed specifically for the aerospace industry, but can also be applied in many other fields. These include: spectrogram and order analysis; octave analysis; and simulation of analog filters such as Bessel, Butterworth and Chebyshev filters. 

Schnabel said, “jBEAM measurement data analysis software can be used as a flexible platform to automate the entire analysis workflow. The creation of spectrograms and order analysis, which was previously a relatively complex process made up of many individual steps, can now be carried out via drag-and-drop and with just a few clicks.”  

“This integration transforms how automotive engineers can approach acoustic design. By reducing simulation time from weeks to hours and significantly lowering costs, we’re making professional-grade acoustic testing accessible to more manufacturers and engineering teams,” said Ivor Annetts, managing director of Bramble CFD.

This new acoustic simulation capability supports aeroacoustic analysis across not just automotive but also aerospace, building design and HVAC, and enables engineers to assess internal and external noise performance. With whole-vehicle external aeroacoustics simulations available for only £100 (US$126) and internal cabin aeroacoustics for £120 (US$151), with no license or subscription fees, the tool is accessible to a wide range of users.