High-fidelity and high-dynamic driving simulators for testing autonomous driving solutions and vehicle dynamics

Bosch Rexroth, the leading company in drive and control solutions, has won a contract from BMW Group for two driving simulators. The simulators will be based on Rexroth’s most advanced motion systems. They will enable BMW Group to develop and test autonomous driving solutions and vehicle dynamic performance. Signed in January 2018, the two systems will be delivered in 2020.

The high-fidelity motion platform features a high-performance hexapod and rotating yaw table, all on top of a highly robust X-Y table with a large 18 m by 15 m displacement. The large X-Y displacement helps to maintain the illusion of driving in a wide range of scenarios, making it ideal for testing autonomous driving solutions.

Linear motors, together with a very stiff structure, enable the machine to support a 6000 kg payload and still deliver high acceleration and velocities. Linear motors are the only way to achieve the high accelerations of up to 1 g specified by BMW Group. And a unique wheeled track replaces more traditional rails to support high speeds of up to 8 m/s in both longitudinal and lateral directions.

“Autonomous vehicles require significant testing before they can be allowed on the roads,“ says Rik de Swart, Sales Manager Motion Simulation Technology. “Our motion platform provide the ideal solution for safely testing many different scenarios, even ones that would be impossible to set up in real life. Drawing on our long experience in delivering automotive simulator solutions, these new systems for BMW Group raise the bar in several ways, such as the new gantry system needed to achieve the very large Y excursions.“

For the projection system, Bosch Rexroth is once again partnering with AV Simulation. AV Simulation will provide state-of-the-art domes with 360 degree projection systems.