AVL, a leading mobility technology company, has partnered with tech powerhouses Microsoft, Hexagon, Synopsys, and Tracetronic to launch an integrated digital and automated toolchain. This cutting-edge solution is poised to transform the landscape of automated and autonomous vehicle (AV) testing by delivering improved efficiency, precision, and scalability.
The Complexities of AV Testing
The intricacies of testing automated and autonomous vehicles are vast, given the complexity of driving functions and the varied real-world scenarios they encounter. Conventional testing methods are struggling to keep up with the swift advancements in autonomous technology. In response to this challenge, AVL and its partners have introduced the ADET (Autonomous End-to-End-Testing) Initiative.
ADET aims to create “a consistent, digital, and automated toolchain” to achieve a significant increase in the number of simulation runs within the same development timeframe. This ambitious target represents a major advancement in the testing and validation of autonomous driving functions.
Collaborative Approach for Success
Bernhard Mueller-Bessler, Head of Virtual Mobility at Hexagon, stresses the importance of collaboration, saying, “ADET is designed to boost ADAS tests and, in the future, AD tests. Success hinges on collective effort – at the right place, the right time, and in the right partnership. This is why we chose to collaborate as partners, not just individual entities.”
The collaborative effort involves the creation and exchange of test scenarios through digital, automated workflows and tools. Teams from manufacturers and suppliers can remotely access results, facilitating early detection and resolution of system malfunctions. This cohesive approach ensures smooth communication and coordination among all parties, fostering innovation and propelling the industry forward.
Harnessing Advanced Technology
The ADET initiative leverages the combined expertise of AVL, Microsoft, Hexagon, Synopsys, and Tracetronic, utilizing the robust capabilities of Microsoft Azure infrastructure for efficient test planning and execution. Key services in this architecture include:
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) for container orchestration
- Azure Batch for auto-scaling
- Custom HPC/AI compute instances on Azure for AI workloads, including machine learning operations (MLOps) powered by Azure Machine Learning.
Martin Böhm, Head of Autonomous Driving Software Solution at Tracetronic, highlights the importance of this technology integration, stating, “Efficiency and performance in testing and validating autonomous driving functions can only be achieved through perfectly coordinated processes and tools from all partners involved. By orchestrating testing in both physical and virtual environments, we lay the groundwork for distributed and highly scalable execution, enabling swift and precise feedback in the development process.”
Cost-Efficient Validation with Digital Twins
Tom De Schutter, VP of Engineering Systems Design Group at Synopsys, emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of the ADET initiative, stating, “The effort and cost involved in validating ADAS and automated driving systems are substantial. Digital twins of the electronics for these applications address the need for efficient software and system tests at reduced costs.”
Bringing Integrated Tools to the Market
Jens Poggenburg, Executive VP at AVL, expresses his excitement about the initiative, stating, “This initiative provides AVL with the opportunity to introduce integrated tools for the development process of autonomous and software-oriented vehicles to the market, offering them to customers as Software as a Service.”
Conclusion
The ADET initiative by AVL and its partners represents a significant milestone in the advancement of automated and autonomous vehicle testing. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration among industry leaders, this innovative toolchain promises to revolutionize the efficiency, precision, and scalability of AV testing.
As we transition into the era of autonomous mobility, initiatives like ADET are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of automated driving functions. With the combined expertise and commitment of AVL, Microsoft, Hexagon, Synopsys, and Tracetronic, the future of autonomous vehicle testing appears brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ADET initiative and its transformative impact on the automotive industry!
