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Ansys and Cognata: Pioneering Advanced ADAS/AV Sensor Testing

In a significant advancement for automotive technology, Ansys has joined forces with Cognata and Microsoft to create a groundbreaking cloud-based platform designed for the testing and validation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles (AV). This new initiative, known as the Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH), leverages Microsoft Azure's powerful infrastructure to provide manufacturers with a virtual environment that simulates real-world driving conditions.

Uniting Technologies for Enhanced Validation

The collaboration aims to offer a comprehensive testing solution by utilizing Ansys' AVxcelerate Sensors simulation software, which enriches the ADPH platform with high-fidelity simulations of radar and electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation. This enhancement is crucial for accurately assessing how these sensors will perform in various driving scenarios and environmental conditions. By integrating such innovative technology, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) can now access certified sensor models directly through the platform.

The ADPH is equipped with an extensive library of virtual sensor models, covering a spectrum of technologies including thermal cameras, LiDAR, and radar systems. This feature enables manufacturers to conduct collaborative testing and validation processes efficiently, ensuring that their products meet the stringent standards set by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Accelerating Automotive Innovation

The platform operates using 4th Generation AMD EPYC processors and Radeon PRO graphics processing units (GPUs), optimizing the processing power needed for complex machine learning tasks and visualization workloads. Cognata's innovative use of generative AI allows for high-fidelity virtual sensor models that intelligently mimic real-world behaviors, providing a realistic foundation for testing.

Danny Atsmon, CEO and founder of Cognata, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of Ansys' technology: "By combining our platforms, we are setting a new benchmark for sensor validation. The enhanced radar simulation capabilities bring real insights into how these sensors respond to various conditions, furthering the industry's ability to develop more reliable ADAS and AV systems."

In addition, Ansys’ AVxcelerate Sensors offers physics-based models for radar that take into account material properties within high frequencies, ultimately boosting signal strength and accuracy. This connection allows manufacturers to evaluate sensor performance under numerous scenarios, improving the chances of early detection of potential issues before they escalate in real-world applications.

Commitment to Safety in Autonomous Driving

As A.I. technologies continue to evolve, so too does the need for stringent validation processes. Ansys and Cognata are fully aware of this demand and aim to streamline the traditionally complex and lengthy sensor testing and validation processes. Shane Emswiler, VP of products at Ansys, highlighted that the collaborative effort with Cognata not only enhances the accuracy of radar interactions in complex environments but also empowers customers to design for rigorous safety standards essential for achieving fully autonomous driving.

Nidhi Chappell, Vice President of Azure AI Infrastructure at Microsoft, added, "Our partnership emphasizes our commitment to providing exceptional cloud infrastructure that supports the development and validation of these leading-edge technologies. Better sensor validation through our advanced systems is fundamental to pushing forward the autonomous driving agenda."

Conclusion

The technological partnership among Ansys, Cognata, and Microsoft marks a pivotal advancement in the automotive industry’s quest for safer, more efficient autonomous driving systems. Through the integration of sophisticated simulation capabilities and cutting-edge cloud computing technology, this collaboration promises to accelerate the development and deployment of robust ADAS and AV technologies, ultimately driving the industry towards safer roads and smarter vehicles. Ansys has a long history of enabling innovation, and this initiative is undoubtedly a significant step towards realizing their vision of powering advancements that foster human progress.