Second Road phase 1 - A shared simulation environment for active safety and HMI within Volvo Cars

Purpose and goal

By exploring: 1. Complete car simulation for active safety and vehicle HMI. 2. Simulation bridge between Volvo Cars (VCC) simulators and the VTI SIM4. 3. Work process to increase model sharing and shorten time to market. The project has contributed to a national simulation platform for integration of electric systems and evaluation of vehicle functionality and to VCC ability to, in collaboration with institutes and local companies, remain leader of safety and stay competitive in a future reality of extremely complex cars.

Results and expected effects

Simulators have been investigated, compared and described. Based on that a reference architecture has been defined with the purpose to increase national simulator compatibility. Tools and methods for integrating VCC functions with VTI SIM4 have been developed. Development and adaption of HMI tools to AUTOSAR and open platforms (e.g. Android) enables early simulation and evaluation. At Volvo Cars the first prototype car based on the new SPA architecture has successfully been integrated, started and roll tested according to plan - an outstanding project effect.

Approach and implementation

Second Road phase 1 was a collaboration between departments within VCC as well as external strategic partners. It was prepared and coordinated by Volvo Cars Electrical and Electronics Systems Engineering department (EESE). In addition to the partner companies HiQ, Mecel and Semcon also Viktoria Institute and VTI were involved. Focusing on different project goals the project was divided into four sub-projects: Harmonization of simulator environment, Modularization of simulator environment, Enhancement of HMI simulation process and Concept for distributed simulation.