Hexagon launches cloud-based test drive software VTDx

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched Virtual Test Drive X (VTDx), a cloud-native solution designed to enhance the testing processes for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle software.

The VTDx utilises hyperscale cloud computing to automate testing against numerous real-world scenarios simultaneously, aiming to reduce delays and costs while enhancing safety measures. Built on Hexagon's Nexus digital reality platform and employing Microsoft Azure, it adheres to open standards like OpenSCENARIO and OpenDRIVE, ensuring scalability and compatibility with existing workflows.

VTDx introduces photorealistic simulations powered by Unreal Engine, along with consumption-based pricing. This approach assists automakers in coping with the increased complexity of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Mahesh Kailasam, General Manager at Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division, stated: "We embarked on a journey to build our cloud-based ADAS simulation software from the ground up with Continuous Integration/Continuous Testing (CI/CT) processes in mind, addressing the software development challenges our automotive customers face today. Whether aiming to increase test coverage, shorten test cycles, or automate workflows, our VTDx solution offers significant benefits."

As SDVs incorporate more sensors, adopt advanced chips, operating systems, and complex AI algorithms, ADAS features place increased pressure on automotive teams. The development and testing of software can create bottlenecks, delaying vehicle launches and deploying new features. Underperforming ADAS features can frustrate consumers, while vehicle recalls can substantially affect brand loyalty and profitability.

Ensuring the quality and safety of ADAS software developments is essential yet costly and time-consuming. The cost of rectifying defects once a vehicle reaches production can be fifteen times higher. VTDx aims to mitigate these challenges by making virtual prototyping scalable and addressing the delays, high costs, and safety risks usually linked with physical testing.

Developers can use an intuitive web interface to create and configure their system under test (SUT), such as ADAS algorithms, easily. The software enables comprehensive validation through simulations using Hexagon's environment simulation engine. VTDx manages OpenDRIVE and OpenSCENARIO compliant software-in-the-loop (SIL) tests by running multiple tests simultaneously, potentially reducing configuration time and delays in computing for standardised SIL test programmes.

VTDx reflects changes in ADAS systems as electrical/electronic architectures become centralised and regulatory demands intensify. It aligns with modern software development practices, embedding important physical safety testing into the ADAS component of vehicle codebases.

The solution supports continuous integration and continuous testing (CI/CT), promoting rapid software development cycles. It also allows seamless integration with existing ADAS development toolchains, making it scalable for varied ADAS development requirements. Users can share projects with global teams, enabling real-time collaboration and access through an intuitive web interface.

Now publicly available, VTDx has been positively received by Hexagon's automotive OEM and Tier one customer base. Alongside consuming-based pricing, it offers hands-off automation for numerous code-test simulations. The software, developed in collaboration with the Microsoft Azure team, incorporates photorealistic visualisation through Unreal Engine and supports standards maintained by ASAM.