IAAPS has unveiled a new driving simulator that combines cutting-edge technologies to enable car makers and component suppliers to test and validate future products more quickly.
The Ansible Motion Delta S2 driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulator is connected to the 1,800kW four-wheel-drive powertrain test facility. A launch event took place on Wednesday 30 September at the University's Futures Innovation Hub, with McLaren Factory Driver Tommy Pintos and F1 Academy Driver Rachel Robertson taking the wheel.
The setup runs simulated vehicle behaviour, a driver's inputs and physical powertrain hardware in a single real-time environment. Engineers can see how a driver, a propulsion system and the wider vehicle respond to each other while a programme is still on the rig, rather than waiting for a road-ready prototype.
For car makers and component suppliers, that means validation can start earlier on battery electric, hybrid and combustion powertrains with less dependence on physical prototypes and road testing. For racing teams, the simulator covers setup, strategy and circuit familiarisation without the cost of track time or of buying a simulator of their own. It has already been used for race preparation by Rachel Robertson.
The driver-in-the-loop simulator has a six-degree-of-freedom motion base, a projection-based visual system and an interchangeable cockpit. IAAPS supports it with engineering services in real-time simulation, X-in-the-loop development, control systems and data analysis. Aerospace and marine applications are also being explored.
Professor Rob Oliver, Managing Director, IAAPS, said: "Linking the simulator to our powertrain rig means a driver's inputs act on real hardware, not just a model. That lets customers test and validate earlier, with a person in the loop from day one, whether they're preparing a race driver or developing a new electric drivetrain."
Dr Jon Hunt, Executive Director of Innovation and Enterprise, University of Bath, added: "Our Futures Innovation Hubs start with what partners need and bring together the University’s expertise, facilities and talent to help them achieve it. This simulator shows how that approach can help companies solve practical development challenges and bring new technologies to market faster.
"By working alongside IAAPS, businesses can build closer relationships with our researchers and engineers and create value from innovation.”
The Futures Innovation Hub opened to businesses, researchers and innovators earlier this year. Members can work alongside IAAPS and organisations interested in using the simulator can contact IAAPS at iaaps.co.uk.