ANSYS and BMW Group Partner to Jointly Create Simulation Tool Chain for Autonomous Driving

ANSYS and BMW Group are creating a holistic simulation tool chain for developing autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies. The simulation tool chain will enable automated and autonomous driving (AD) with the first vehicle launch expected in 2 years. BMW Group is leveraging ANSYS' engineering simulation solutions and experience to speed up the development of a safety-focused solution for the validation of AD systems.

The multi-year agreement drives the development of BMW Group's Level 3 offering and Level 4-5 technology, delivering high/full automation for the BMW iNEXT, expected to launch in 2021. The new automated simulation tool chain will make use of BMW's sensor data through intelligent data analytics and the creation of scenarios according to statistical relevance and AD system sensitivity.

The scenarios will include usual driving situations and corner cases to ensure maximum test coverage. Based on these scenarios, the tool chain will perform rigorous safety assessments of the AD systems in a high-performance virtual environment. ANSYS and BMW will support its adaptability and openness regarding relevant interfaces and validation approaches to accommodate and foster safety initiatives.

ANSYS will assume exclusive rights to the simulation tool chain technology for commercialization to a wider market.

“BMW Group is a leader within the automotive industry and is revolutionizing the automotive landscape through their development of cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technologies that will drastically transform transportation as we know it. This partnership is a true game changer, positioning BMW and ANSYS as key drivers for turning this future vision into a near-term reality,” says Eric Bantegnie, vice president and general manager at ANSYS.

“ANSYS simulation brings a complete virtual testing environment for AV systems to this partnership, designed to usher in a new era of fully autonomous vehicles and help address critical safety validation requirements for autonomous driving,” he adds.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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