VI-grade Launches AutoHawk Powered by Concurrent Real-Time

VI-grade, the simulation and driving simulator company that accelerates product innovation by bridging the gap between simulation and physical testing, today announced the launch of Autohawk, its new Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) solution for automotive applications. Employing the most advanced open Real Time Operating System (RTOS) available in the marketplace today, AutoHawk is powered by Concurrent Real-Time’s industry leading HiL technology. AutoHawk perfectly addresses the industry’s demand for a cost-effective, complete, and open solution comprising hardware, software and integration services.

VI-grade’s new HiL platform, based on leading multi-core technology from Concurrent Real-Time, addresses the need for a flexible solution that can cost-effectively validate all different electronic control units (ECUs). Innovative HiL solutions are also needed to test electric vehicles (EVs) and to validate the function of the battery unit and other power electronics components.

“AutoHawk, our new, flexible HiL platform, can be used across the entire development cycle, from concept to sign-off”, said Christoph Ortmann, Vice President for HiL applications at VI-grade. “It consists of real-time hardware, real-time OS, real-time software and I/O cards and is highly configurable, since both VI-grade real-time software and 3rd party software can be installed on it. AutoHawk also operates as a stand-alone Linux based high-power computer, as a HiL system or in combination with a driving simulator or on a real vehicle.”

“We are excited to add AutoHawk to the sizable and rapidly growing automotive HiL testing market.” commented Ken Jackson, President, Concurrent Real-Time (part of HBK’s Virtual Test Division). “AutoHawk is our joint response to the growing need for HiL testing due to the increasing number of ECUs installed in modern vehicles to take care of active chassis controls and of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) capabilities.”

“The HiL market is critical for driving innovation and allowing us to leverage our core competencies and experience in driving simulation and simulators”, added Guido Bairati, Managing Director at VI-grade. “Our vision is to build an integrated, virtual test approach with Hardware-in the loop being an essential component of the development process. This will enable our customers to decrease the number of physical prototypes throughout the entire development cycle and to ultimately achieve virtual sign-off.”

VI-grade recently introduced AutoHawk at the 2022 VI-grade ZERO PROTOTYPES Summit in May, 2022, and will officially launch the new HiL platform at Automotive Testing Expo Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, June 21-23, making it available to be experienced live and in action at the VI-grade booth (#8515) in Hall 8. Registration to the Exposition is open to all and free-of-charge at https://www.testing-expo.com/europe/en/register.php.