With upcoming changes to European regulations and Euro NCAP protocols increasing the need for virtual assessments, two major automotive development and validation companies are joining forces. Simulation provider IPG Automotive and accredited testing laboratory UTAC are collaborating to create a unified solution that combines simulation and physical testing in one seamless process.
This collaboration highlights the increasing integration of simulation and validation, a trend that will shape future Euro NCAP protocols. The partnership focuses on close collaboration and the development of a unified solution to be distributed by IPG Automotive.
According to the companies, it will feature scenario catalogs that can be analyzed in CarMaker simulation software and evaluated using the UTAC score. The focus is on creating realistic virtual test environments, including test circuits, targets and driving robots, while ensuring strong alignment between simulation and physical testing. The solution will be continuously updated to meet evolving requirements.
“With this partnership, we support our customers to prepare vehicles and vehicle components more efficiently and precisely to meet the ambitious safety requirements of the upcoming Euro NCAP evaluations,” said Steffen Schmidt, president and CEO of IPG Automotive.
“With our simulation solutions and based on UTAC’s expertise, manufacturers can perform and validate an extensive number of required tests already in early development stages. This does not only save costs and time, but it also offers an ideal basis to achieve outstanding results in future Euro NCAP evaluations – which in turn increases trust with consumers and improves the manufacturer’s market position.”
Laurent Midrier, UTAC VP strategy and expertise, added, “UTAC believes that digital simulation, track and open road testing are tools that combine to improve vehicle reliability and safety, which is why we have been conducting R&D work for several years. This partnership will also enable us to share the results of this work with the customers of IPG Automotive.”
For an exclusive interview with Euro NCAP’s secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, in which he discusses digital dummies and HBMs, see the 2023 edition of Crash Test Technology International, sister title to ATTI.
