MF-Technikum

The division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering« of our institute researches on the development and qualification of modelling and simulation technology for the virtual product development of vehicles.

Main topics are:

simulation of durability, reliability and energy efficiency
modelling and numerical simulation at overall system level for simulation-based analysis and evaluation of construction in the development process
real-time simulation and hybrid simulation, simulation models for driving simulators
modelling and simulation of the dynamic properties of mechatronic systems

The technical test and measurement systems are combined under the roof of MF-Technikum. We develop our own measurement and simulation techniques, which we develop hand in hand with the modelling and simulation methods and software tools. We use these in various projects with the automotive industry.

The Simulator Center at Fraunhofer ITWM

Our robot based driving and operation simulator RODOS®.

Currently, three laboratories form the simulator infrastructure in our area:

The largest of these is the robot based driving and operation simulator RODOS®. With a payload of 1,000 kg, the RODOS® system allows the use of standard cabins and chassis, so that the haptics correspond to those of a real vehicle. We present the interactive driving scenario to the driver via a seamless projection within a spherical projection dome with a diameter of 10m. In addition to the RODOS® we also have a static driving simulator (VI-Grade compact-DIM). This system is optimized for the interactive simulation of passenger cars.

Another highlight is our Virtual Reality Laboratory. It is used, for example, for the integration of pedestrians into the interactive simulation. One or more persons can move freely on an area of 10m*6m and experience the virtual environment. By interconnecting the three simulator environments (RODOS, VR Lab and compact-DIM) via a real-time data interface, we can systematically investigate human reactions even in highly complex traffic situations. The intereconnected system also allows cooperative simulation between highly dynamic simulators, static simulators and pedestrians.

Scene Generation

Automated processing of the measured data (REDAR data and drone data) enables us to capture real environments and generate a digital version as a 3D environment. The virtual world generated in this way has a very good fit with the surface model in the track area and allows drivers to immerse themselves in the world in the RODOS driving simulator.

In the interactive demo scene, you can drive over the generated TRIWO terrain and experience the TRIWO Testcenter Pferdsfeld.

Loading the simulation may take some time, feel free to use this time to learn more about REDAR, RODOS and TRIWO.

With the keys W,A,S,D or the arrow keys you can determine the driving direction.

With the shift key you can speed up, with Strg/Ctrl you can slow down.

With the right mouse button you can look around.

If you have problems with the display, you can open the demo scene in a new window.

Human-in-the-Loop Driving Simulator RODOS®

We have designed an interactive motion simulator based on an industrial robot to facilitate complex simulations.

VI-Grade compact-DIM

Our institute has a compact static simulator (VI-Grade comact-DIM). This simulator is used for model development (e.g. for CDTire) as well as for cooperative driving simulation and mapping of complex mixed traffic situations: A test driver uses the DIM system for interaction with the primary driver in RODOS®.

In addition to acoustic and vibration simulation, the DIM system has a high-end force feedback steering actuator. The computer architecture of the DIM system corresponds to that of RODOS®.

In combination with our driving simulator RODOS® and our Virtual Reality Laboratory, we are able to implement the planning, execution and evaluation of simulator studies in complex mixed traffic situations.

Virtual Reality Laboratory

The virtual reality laboratory offers the possibility to present complex environments and scenarios.

Measurement Technology at ITWM

REDAR

Our 3D laser scanner vehicle REDAR (Road and Environment Data Acquisition Rover) is used for high-precision georeferenced measurement of roads and environments.

MeSOMICS®

We have developed a highly automated measuring machine. MeSOMICS® is short for »Measurement System for the Optically Monitored Identification of Cable Stiffnesses«.

MF-Technikum Forms the Basis of Our Research

Further Information