Vehicle Simulation for Research
Premier research institutions worldwide already rely on FAAC’s research division, Realtime Technologies (RTI), to provide the flexible simulation platforms they need for their roadway safety research. These simulators readily integrate with third-party components and applications (including those that require bidirectional data transfer), and can be networked to link multiple simulators for a shared scenario. Over the past 20 years, investigators have published more than 100 papers based on experiments and data gathered in RTI simulators.
At Ohio State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, teams of psychologists, occupational therapists, and doctors use their RTI simulators to research the special driving challenges faced by individuals who have suffered a concussion or other brain injury. Both Oregon State University and the University of Texas have RTI motor vehicle and bicycle simulators, using these networked systems to explore how cyclists and motorists share the road.
Simulators in Automotive Marketing
Given the close ties between automotive R&D and academia, it’s no surprise that auto manufacturers and OEMs are using simulators as part of their design process. These simulators aren’t just used to develop vehicles, capabilities, and user interfaces; they’re also an essential testbed for exploring how potential new in-cab features and experiences will be received by drivers and perceived by the public at large.
Automakers and suppliers rely on simulators to experiment with center-stack design, infotainment features, and the communication strategies ADAS and AV systems use to signal drivers during vehicle operations.
Simulators as Outreach Tools
Oakland Community College boasts the premier law enforcement training program in the State of Michigan. As they’ve grown, OCC has focused on new technology to ensure comprehensive training. This drove their initial investment in training simulators for their police, fire, and EMS academies. By choosing trailer-mounted mobile simulators, OCC was able to further support responders in the field by bringing the simulator to them—reducing the burden of periodic assessments, qualifications, certifications, and retrainings on already strained law enforcement agencies.
Going one step further, OCC discovered that their sims could be an even more powerful outreach tool for both law enforcement and the college. Bringing the simulators to schools, public events, fairs, street festivals, and open houses attracts interest from people of all ages. The hands-on experience allows potential students and recruits to see what officers experience in the field, and showcase OCC’s technology-based approach to education and first responder training programs. For OCC, Simulator-enhanced outreach is proving to be far more effective than traditional marketing materials like brochures.
Immersive Demos
In 2017, New Flyer—the largest transit bus manufacturer in North America—opened their Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC). The VIC is North America’s first innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology. It offers both vital workforce development for transit agencies across North America, and the opportunity for stakeholders and potential customers to get hands-on experience with the latest transit technology.
The VIC includes a full-size FAAC bus simulator modeling New Flyer’s sophisticated Xcelsior® CHARGE battery-electric bus. This simulator serves as both a training tool and a demonstration unit. Engineers, maintenance crews, operators, and others are able to meet their unique learning goals, all on this single simulator. The simulator also offers the ability for potential buyers and their teams to test drive New Flyer’s innovation, and experience Xcelsior® CHARGE’s vehicle dynamics and regenerative braking systems for themselves.
Other agencies and organizations are exploring how simulators can be used to demystify ADAS and AV features for the public, and help acclimate older drivers to assistive technologies that promise to preserve their independence and permit aging-in-place while improving road safety.
Someday soon, you might test drive five different new vehicles from five different automakers in less than 10 minutes, without ever leaving the showroom.
Your Simulation Partner for Life
We understand that every organization and business is unique. That’s why FAAC embraces a “Customer for Life” philosophy:
We invest the time upfront to understand your needs, then develop and deliver the appropriate turnkey simulation solution. We’ll help you find the best way to integrate this custom solution into every aspect of your organization where it might hold value. Most importantly, we support you in maintaining and evolving this solution as your needs change over time.
We don’t just sell equipment; we partner with organizations and their staff to develop and create your ideal simulation solution.
Call us today to discuss your needs and allow us to put our expertise to work for you.
