Description
Your benefits at a glance
High reliability
Proven solution with countless industry references and success stories
Reduction in physical testing
Highly realistic virtual test driving environment reduces expensive and time-consuming physical testing
Efficient process integration
Open integration platform with many supported standards and interfaces
Great usability
Intuitive GUI and numerous product examples to build upon
End-to-end workflows
Merger of simulation assets and tools to create and execute end-to-end development workflows
Seamless reusability
Seamless run of reliable and repeatable simulation and reuse of scenarios across development stages from MIL, SIL, HIL to VIL
Superior performance
Fast C/C++-based simulation core with highly efficient simulation models
Easy and rapid scalability
Scalable simulation environment with reference designs and working examples for HPC and cloud-based applications – ideal for CI/CD/CT
Rapid virtual prototyping
CarMaker offers a high-performance, real-time capable vehicle model to build virtual prototypes already during early stages of the development process. All components can be replaced with customer-specific models or hardware. By combining the virtual prototype with an adaptive driver model, a complex traffic model as well as a detailed road and environment model, automated and reproducible test are possible at any time. The well-structured user interface guarantees easy parameterization.
Realistic 3D visualization
CarMaker’s new visualization tool MovieNX enables a photorealistic simulation of scenarios. Thanks to the light and weather effects, real scenarios in the virtual world may take place at any time of day and during any season. Built-in camera models with HDR capability allow for realistic testing of camera systems. AI algorithms, used in automated driving functions for object detection for example, can be trained and validated through semantic segmentation. With the Video Interface Box X, images simulated in MovieNX can be transferred directly to the imager of the camera system.
Flexible scalability
CarMaker guarantees a smooth, stable and automated test process for seamless use in the areas MIL, SIL, HIL and VIL, and enables the parallel execution of test catalogs. Parallel computing can take place at a workstation, on HPC systems or in the cloud. Either the Test Manager integrated in CarMaker or the Python API, for remote control of the test automation via own scripts and tools, can be used in this process.
Data analysis and evaluation
CarMaker offers a variety of possibilities for data analysis and therefore increases transparency. On the one hand, greater amounts of data can be stored flexibly for subsequent analysis with third-party software. On the other hand, important data can be monitored directly during the test run with the integrated IPGControl tool. It also enables the comparison of data from multiple test runs. Furthermore, the virtual dashboard Instruments guarantees seamless access to all relevant instruments, scales and information on the driver behavior (e.g. steering wheel angle, gear selection) as well as on the status of the vehicle (e.g. ignition, tachometer, turn signal lights).
Interfaces and standards
Thanks to numerous standard interfaces and supported standard formats, such as FMI and OpenDRIVE, CarMaker can easily be integrated into existing toolchains. With a high number of custom interfaces, for example to GT-Power, CarMaker itself can also be utilized as a central integration platform. The openness of CarMaker will continue to be extended in the future to further simplify the integration of virtual test driving into individual company-specific processes.
Autonomous vehicles: Development of autonomous driving functions with simulation
Challenges
Autonomous driving functions must ensure safety at all times – even in the most unlikely traffic conditions, and for every weather and time of day. That is why simulation is undoubtedly an important and necessary aspect of development and testing processes. The key to gaining the desired information therefore lies in realistic simulations, flexible applications, efficient scenario generation as well as scalability and performance of testing and analysis.
Solutions
Using our simulation solutions, it is possible to effectively overcome challenges in the following areas: perception, decision-making and motion control, as well as full system validation. Whether it is requirements analysis, software testing and training, or the integration of electronic control units and test systems into the simulation, we offer the tools, know-how and services to make the most of all the possibilities that simulations have to offer.
Your benefits at a glance
Complete simulation environment from a single source
Vehicle, sensor models and environment simulation
Determinism and reproducibility
Precise reproducibility of simulation scenarios
Flexible and optimized scenario generation
Manual and automatic setup using various data sources, compatibility with ASAM OpenDRIVE & OpenSCENARIO
Physical validity
Tried-and-true vehicle dynamics and sensor models with various levels of complexity
Flexibility in applications
Seamless utilization in the entire development process
Efficiency and scalability
Best-in-class performance, real-time capability as well as scalability on local clusters and clouds
Simulation-based ADAS function development and testing
Challenges
High test efforts resulting from needed modifications for different vehicle components impede the development and testing of driver assistance functions. The fact that nowadays, most vehicles are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increases cost pressure for OEMs and suppliers. Quick adjustments and developments are increasingly important. In addition to the requirements for functional safety and ISO-26262-compliant development, customer acceptance is key.
Solutions
We provide optimal, tailored simulation and test solutions for the development and testing of ADAS functions as well as subsequent system releases and homologations. Using virtual prototypes in the simulation software CarMaker enables automated and reproducible system and component tests in realistic scenarios. The number of real-world test drives is also reduced. We specialize in highly precise and real-time capable vehicle models and detailed sensor simulation.
Your benefits at a glance
Comprehensive ADAS simulation environment from a single source
Vehicle, sensor technology and environment simulation
Full compliance with safety standards
Software, hardware, system integration and fail-safe tests
Flexible and optimized scenario generation
Manual or automated generation based on different data sources
Reliable system pre-development and user acceptance tests
Simulation-based concept studies, definition of system requirements and studies with test participants
Fast development and calibration of ADAS functions
Direct implementation of relevant interactions with other systems, the driver and vehicle dynamics in the virtual prototype
Easy integration into existing tool landscapes
Support of all current standards and interfaces
Powertrain technologies: System-driven development and tests
Challenges
The transportation industry is undergoing a fundamental shift: The trend in the development of powertrain systems is moving away from fossil fuels and toward promising alternatives, such as green energy, hydrogen and e-fuels. As a crucial technology for the future, complex powertrain technologies and their effects have to be considered from a holistic and cross-domain perspective. Battery electric vehicles have been established on the market; at the same time, vehicles that run with e-fuel powered internal combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles are still viable options. Therefore, the challenge is to provide fitting solutions for a variety of powertrain concepts matched to the appropriate level of electrification.
Solutions
System integration, virtual validation, and agile, software-driven development processes all play an important role in finding the right solutions. Using IPG Automotive’s end-to-end solutions, powertrain systems can be calibrated, tested and validated within the context of the full vehicle – and this can be done early on with synthetic or real-life test scenarios. Testing no longer needs to take place on the road; it can be done in a comfortable office or lab environment. The advantage of this approach is that fewer real vehicle prototypes are needed, which saves time and costs while maintaining the same high-quality standards.
Your benefits at a glance
Short iteration cycles
Fast and flexible adaptation of test scenarios
High scalability of software tests
Test automation and High Performance Computing (HPC)
Frontloading
Early integration of virtual and real powertrain systems in a complete vehicle environment
Reduced costs
Moving tests from the road to the office or lab
Complexity management
Full control across all variants of driving scenarios
Vehicle Dynamics: Model-based development and validation of suspension, steering and chassis control systems
Challenges
The increasing level of driving safety combined with a rising demand for ride comfort as well as the development of automated driving functions require powerful and, above all, safe chassis components and systems. This entails an enormous development effort and a high number of test scenarios to find the best setup for suspension, steering and chassis control systems in order to optimize the overall ride comfort and driving experience according to individual preferences.
Solutions
Using virtually build prototypes in the simulation software CarMaker allows for automated and reproducible system and component tests in realistic scenarios – in no less than millions of virtually driven kilometers and numerous available test variations. The open integration and test platform CarMaker enables a flexible and efficient development of steering systems, chassis control systems and suspension design throughout the development process (MIL, SIL, HIL). Already existing tool landscapes can be integrated thanks to a variety of supported standards and interfaces.
Powerful vehicle modeling for realistic virtual tests in real time up to the dynamic limits
The quality of vehicle dynamics simulation essentially depends on the vehicle model: Only an outstandingly precise, high-performance model is capable of correctly and efficiently modeling vehicle dynamics in the virtual world. The model quality of CarMaker has been proven, as CarMaker is widely used in the automotive industry and applied to simulation-based ESC homologation for the virtual approval of vehicle variants.
Your benefits at a glance
Vehicle model
Realistic and real-time capable
Fully non-linear vehicle model
From standstill up to the limit
Multibody vehicle model
Expandable by 280 degrees of freedom
Simulation of moving masses
Consideration of loadings
Different vehicle variants
Easy and low-effort adaptation
Comprehensive model environment
Body, suspension, steering, tire, brake, powertrain, aerodynamics, mounts and sensors
Additional areas of application
Future powertrain technologies or highly automated systems: Our simulation platform can be adapted to individual use cases to be able to keep up with constant innovations. No matter what the concepts for new generations of vehicles look like – we offer comprehensive and seamless solutions. For decades, we have been shaping different visions of the future of mobility. In this context, we offer our customers a variety of solutions for their specific application in the fields of heavy-duty vehicles, agricultural and construction machines or special vehicles.
Off-highway
Off-highway vehicles are top performers. They are able to maneuver in complex environments, to carry heavy loads or to move countless cubic meters of soil while working with the highest precision and with an increasing degree of automation. In parallel, the requirements concerning environmental sustainability, fuel consumption, comfort and ease of use are rising. More and more work processes are performed with autonomous and self-driving vehicles. Testing these functions early on is a challenge – but it is absolutely necessary to achieve maximum safety and the best efficiency. With a virtual prototype, the vehicle with its trailer or attachment can be tested automatically and the processes of vehicle development can be improved. This leads to reproducible and reliable results.
Your benefits at a glance
Early test of functions
Via a prototype based on vehicle data and models, systems can be analyzed seamlessly in virtual test driving.
Easy integration
Different interface models of components or systems can easily be integrated from other modelling environments such as Simulink, Dymola, GT, AVL CRUISE or C code.
Exact representation of scenarios
Defined application scenarios for hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop are accurately executed – from agricultural machines, forklifts and construction machines to heavy duty and special vehicles.
Extensive possibilities for comparison
A virtual benchmark allows to compare driveability, consumption and emission of pollutants of the powertrain in different vehicles and operating strategies.
High flexibility and variability
Plenty of options for modeling and simulation of e.g. special off-road routes and tires, complex environments, ground unevenness, attachments, etc.
IPG Automotive Releases Version 12.0 of the CarMaker Product Family
Simulation and test software with new functionalities for virtual test driving
Karlsruhe, March 21, 2023: At the annual Open House Germany, IPG
Automotive offered insights into the latest release of CarMaker. In addition
to new tools for scenario parameterization and a new ground truth sensor
model, new CarMaker functionalities for customizing the 3D environment
will be available from March 29. The simulation and test software also
enables scaling the generation of roads and offers more solutions for
hybrid and electric vehicle applications thanks to its new battery model
and a modular powertrain architecture.
On March 21, IPG Automotive presented the new CarMaker release 12.0 more
than 400 participants at its annual industry event, Open House Germany. With
a new battery model and a new modular powertrain architecture, CarMaker is
now also suited for hybrid and electric vehicle applications.
With CarMaker 12, users will benefit from a new ground truth sensor with a
variety of data access options. The new function is based on the novel software
framework which makes data extraction much easier for users. In addition, the
user interface has been updated and made more user–friendly. The first
available instance of the ground truth sensor will be an optimized version of the
line sensor.
The new software version also features extended functionalities for scenario
parameterization, which improves compatibility with the OpenSCENARIO standard. Maneuver parameterization is now performed within the Scenario
Editor.
The new Import & Export functionality helps optimize the new scenario
generation, allowing road networks to be subdivided in individual segments and
exported separately in the Scenario Editor. These segments can then be
imported into other road networks as templates, and combined according to a
modular principle. This makes generating templates and creating complex road
networks easier.
With the new MovieNX Python API, users can now interact with the 3D
environment and automate MovieNX. The HD scenario “Suburban Street”
enables testing camera–based systems with high traffic density, a variety of
pedestrian models and many every–day traffic obstacles.
In addition to the new CarMaker release, IPG Automotive presented a new
product at the event: VIRTO, an app suite offering intuitive access to virtual
vehicle development for a large community of design engineers. VIRTO enables
development workflows for seamless and traceable simulation, reducing the
complexity of simulation in the development of software–defined vehicles.