AB Dynamics, a leading supplier of automotive testing solutions, has unveiled innovative automation capabilities designed to streamline and simplify the testing of the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) protocols. These new capabilities promise significant time savings and reduced complexity for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and testing organizations tackling the demanding requirements of protocols from Euro NCAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The cornerstone of this advancement is the latest update to AB Dynamics’ Track Applications Suite, which has expanded its “Special Groups” library to include full automation for Euro NCAP’s new heavy vehicle ADAS test scenarios and NHTSA’s FMVSS 127 standard. This enhancement introduces a pre-defined library of test scenarios that automates key aspects of testing, including the creation, setup, variation, execution, and verification of industry-standard safety protocols. These processes are further optimized through integration with AB Dynamics’ driving robots, ADAS targets, and other specialized equipment.
Efficiency Through Automation
Testing ADAS protocols can be resource-intensive, especially with the increasing complexity of safety scenarios. Dr. Andrew Pick, Director of Track Testing at AB Dynamics, highlighted the impact of these advancements:
“The introduction of new industry-standard test scenarios is good news for the continued improvement in road safety, but it does place a significant resource burden on OEMs and test houses. Our latest Track Applications Suite update addresses these challenges by automating complex calculations and synchronization tasks that would otherwise demand hours of manual preparation, improving the efficiency of testing for the industry.”
The 2025a Track Application Suite update introduces 611 new test scenarios, including 400 Euro NCAP heavy vehicle tests and 211 tests tailored to support NHTSA’s FMVSS 127. This addition expands the platform’s total library to over 3,100 pre-defined, automated active safety test scenarios. It covers diverse protocols from Euro NCAP, China NCAP, Japan NCAP, NHTSA EU, and UN standards.
Meeting Complex Testing Needs
Euro NCAP’s heavy vehicle ADAS testing includes challenging scenarios such as the Heavy Goods Bicycle Nearside Turn Across Path (HBNTAP). This test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to detect and avoid bicycles during critical maneuvers. AB Dynamics’ driving robots ensure precise execution by taking over control once the vehicle reaches the required speed, eliminating inconsistencies often associated with human operation.
In addition to these complex setups, the new protocol also features sensitivity scenarios. These tests assess how robust a vehicle’s ADAS systems are under non-ideal conditions, requiring accurately timed steering inputs and precise activation of systems like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).
Future-Ready Testing with NHTSA’s FMVSS 127
NHTSA’s FMVSS 127 regulation mandates AEB systems for all passenger vehicles and trucks in the U.S. by 2029, with testing speeds reaching up to 90 mph. AB Dynamics’ automation includes customizable abort procedures to enhance safety during high-speed testing by halting tests when specific conditions are met.
With real-time data provided by its Post Processor software and the recent addition of the Soft Bicycle 360, AB Dynamics now offers a comprehensive solution for heavy vehicle ADAS testing. This seamless integration enables OEMs and test houses to refine safety systems more effectively, paving the way for safer roads worldwide.
