AB Dynamics, a test solutions supplier, in collaboration with Dynamic Research, has launched a new pedestrian Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) target named the Soft Pedestrian 360. The target aims to support the testing of sensor perception and categorization, and reduce the cost and time of testing through its improved design and robustness.
Improved Realism through Articulation
The Soft Pedestrian 360 offers a higher level of realism through its sophisticated articulation of the neck, shoulder, hip, and knee. The actively articulated knees enable independent movement of the hip and knee, which controls the gait and enables a more varied range of movement. Realistic movement is crucial in ensuring that vehicle sensor systems can correctly categorize a pedestrian.
Prevention of Flintstoning
Gait is automatically synchronized with the target’s position, speed, and acceleration relative to a starting point through the platform’s inertial measurement unit (IMU). This method prevents Flintstoning, where the foot in the stance portion of the gait is not stationary relative to the ground, leading to better characterization.
Reduced Risk of Damage to Test Vehicles
Damage to the test vehicle during ADAS testing can significantly contribute to the total cost of testing. Not only does it cause damage to the test vehicle, but it also results in lost track and engineering time waiting for repairs, which increases the cost of testing. To minimize this risk, the Soft Pedestrian 360 has a minimal number of external hard points and a design that uses fewer heavy components. The head, limbs, and mounting pole attach to the dummy’s torso via foam blocks, which engage corresponding sockets in the torso. When components separate during a simulated accident, the design ensures that no hard points are exposed, which could cause damage to the test car.
Efficient Testing
The Soft Pedestrian 360’s articulating arms and head can be swapped for static units for Euro NCAP tests where articulation isn’t needed, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for various tests. The prescriptive head, used for NCAP and NHTSA tests, can be changed to an active unit to enable teams to carry out development work. Alternatively, the arms can be changed to represent a pedestrian using a cell phone.
Designed by Test Engineers, for Test Engineers
Dynamic Research’s experience working with the world’s leading safety organizations and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) was critical in the development of the Soft Pedestrian 360. Everything learned from the hundreds of tests conducted annually has gone into the design and development of the product to reduce test vehicle damage and improve the efficiency of testing. The solution has been designed by test engineers, for test engineers.
