The confidentiality of CAN command
formats means robot actuators are still
required for competitor vehicle testing, or
tests undertaken by third party agencies.
They will also remain the preferred choice
for vehicle dynamics tests involving extreme
steering inputs – where the steering forces
required for the manoeuvre cannot be
delivered by the vehicle’s power steering
when commanded by-wire. This means Flex-
0 and robot actuators are complementary
technologies.
A new film has been made with the
help of Volvo Cars that shows a range of
applications for the Flex-0 controller, which
can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=lIhppTde3VA
In addition to the applications shown in
the video, the Flex-0 has the potential
to be a key tool for testing autonomous
vehicles. As the industry learns more about
the testing and validation requirements
for such systems, there will be a need to
conduct tests that safely replicate real-world
roadscapes and situations.
“Testing autonomous vehicles requires
complex traffic scenarios involving multiple
vehicles,” says Ash. “For these tests, GSTs
(Guided Soft Targets) can be used where
there is potential for a collision – other
‘background’ traffic, with low risk of
collision, can be populated by regular cars
using Flex-0 as a cost and time-effective
solution.”
The Flex-0 controller can also be used in
many of the test scenarios that would
normally employ robot actuators instead
of human drivers to reduce the risk of
injury or fatigue, or to improve accuracy
and repeatability. These include durability
testing, ADAS development (for example
the Euro NCAP AEB test procedure) and
some vehicle dynamics tests.
The Flex-0 was demonstrated at Cenex-
LCV 2018 and will also feature at the
Leane ADAS Seminar and Workshop in
Italy on the 18th of September. For more
information on the Leane event, please
visit leaneautomotive.com.
About AB Dynamics
AB Dynamics is an automotive
test system supplier with a diverse
range of track and lab testing
equipment. From Kinematics
& Compliance machines and
ADAS targets to state-of-the-art
driving simulators, AB Dynamics
supplies the 25 most successful car
manufacturers in the world.
If you would like to learn
more about AB Dynamics
and its products, please
visit ABDynamics.com
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