In cooperation with DaimlerChrysler, gForce Technologies has developed the Auburn Hills Engineering and Development Simulation Lab (AHEAD Simulation Lab). This lab includes the Engineering Development Driving Simulator (EDDS), which consists of two large fixed-based simulators used to conduct a wide variety of development activities throughout the design cycle of new vehicles. These activities include Noise and Vibration, Occupant Packaging, and Human/Machine Interface studies.

Our role includes the following:

• Conceptual design
• Technical management
• Systems integration
• Software design and implementation for nearly all aspects of the real-time simulator
• Assistance in day-to-day operations and vehicle tests
• AHEAD-SL Maintenance

AHEAD Simulation Lab

AHEAD-SL is a DaimlerChrysler facility that combines computer simulation with real vehicle systems and hardware. This allows engineers to optimize certain vehicle characteristics much earlier in the design cycle than has traditionally been possible.

Taking advantage of state-of-the-art simulation technology, gForce developed AHEAD-SL as a comprehensive fixed-base driving simulator has, with the following features:

• A 220° x 40° seamless display (220° of left and right and 40° of up and down peripheral view), with real-time visual scenes presented to the driver. These scenes "immerse" the driver into the simulated world creating an extraordinary sense of (virtual) reality.
• Real-time vehicle ride and handling simulation software so that any depression of the pedals or turn of the steering wheel will result in the appropriate response on the screen.
• Operational vehicle systems such as speedometer, tachometer, and other new vehicle technologies.
• Active and carefully simulated steering system feedback so that the operator feels the appropriate "pull" on the steering wheel while driving.
• Engineering-level control of vibration (seat, floor, and steering) and audio feedback.
• Rapid occupant packaging and vehicle-in-the-loop capabilities.

At the heart of the lab sit two bays surrounded by 24' diameter spherical partial-domes in which experiments are carried out. In one bay sits the noise and vibration simulator that is permanently mounted on a fixed bedplate to ensure stringent levels of accuracy. In the second bay, various vehicle properties can be quickly adapted to the simulator; this allows for the study a wide range of occupant packaging and human-machine interface issues.

In the most general sense, the lab provides opportunities to improve designs and quicken vehicle development, such as:

• Instantaneous A/B comparisons of different design packages and benchmarks.
• Vehicle characteristics that can be evaluated physically and subjectively — even before the first full prototype vehicle is available.
• Provides a lab setting for consistent and repetitive driving scenarios used during jury evaluations.
• Provides a safe environment enabling tests to be performed that would otherwise be dangerous to the driver.
• Test data that can be easily recorded and reviewed without the repeated costs of on-road testing.

Read about some of the real-world development activities in the AHEAD-SL.