Vehicle Development Made Easy with Compact HMI Simulator

VI-grade, based in Italy, has introduced a new compact version of its simulator tailored for the development of the human-machine interface (HMI) in vehicle designs. The Compact HMI simulator merges a versatile interior simulator with real-time driving simulation capabilities to enhance the development of precise vehicle dynamics, AI-driven traffic scenarios, and diverse driving conditions.

This innovative simulator enables the seamless integration of real-time driving dynamics, AI-generated traffic scenarios, and ADAS testing within a hardware-in-the-loop process. By doing so, it eliminates the necessity for expensive physical prototypes, expedites the development process, and guarantees that infotainment systems, ADAS interfaces, and vehicle controls are optimized for intuitive user experiences before being implemented in production vehicles.

The system boasts a modular and reconfigurable interior module that can accommodate various seating arrangements, steering setups, dashboard designs, and display configurations. This feature empowers designers to prototype and evaluate multiple HMI layouts without the need for separate physical mockups.

Moreover, with automated adjustments, the simulator can replicate seating, steering, and pedal conditions across different vehicle types, ranging from sports cars to SUVs, all within a single setup. Alongside its adaptable architecture, the solution encompasses the full functionalities of a real-time driving simulator, supporting XIL testing and validation.

Furthermore, the simulator facilitates human-in-the-loop testing, enabling engineers to evaluate HMI usability and driver interaction under realistic driving conditions. It also offers direct engagement with digital instrument clusters, infotainment touchscreens, and voice controls in a controlled yet immersive setting.

The simulator also supports research on ADAS and driver monitoring, making it conducive for studies on driver distraction, workload, and interaction with automation features. Notably, it has already been embraced by two prominent automotive manufacturers.

Guido Bairati, the Managing Director of VI-grade, emphasized the significance of HMI design in modern vehicle development, highlighting its direct impact on user experience, safety, and driver interaction with advanced driver-assistance systems. He noted, “Our new COMPACT HMI Simulator overcomes these limitations by providing a configurable and highly immersive simulation environment that allows engineers to experience and refine HMI designs in real-time driving scenarios. We are especially excited to see its immediate industry impact, with two units already sold to automotive manufacturers, demonstrating the market’s strong demand for flexible, simulation-driven HMI development solutions.”

VI-grade operates as part of the Virtual Test Division at Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK), focusing on delivering real-time software, simulator, and hardware-in-the-loop solutions to virtually test products throughout the development cycle. HBK is a division of Spectris.