Smart sensor systems are revolutionizing automotive development

The automotive industry uses operating data from cars and trucks to create virtual models of networked vehicles. Engineers can use these digital twins for comprehensive analysis of overall vehicle performance.

The digital twin is regarded either as a replica in the form of a model, or as the sum of related components. Based on simulations with the virtual vehicle it is possible, for example, to determine why and how future problems – such as breakdowns – may occur.

Data on the engine type, suspension, construction and aerodynamics of the body and materials provide information on how a vehicle will respond in various conditions.

Predictions on driving properties

Automobile manufacturers can assess the data and carry out predictive analyses to make the driving experience more intelligent and safer for the vehicle owner. The sensors also make it possible to predict the performance of products within large systems, such as the performance of a single wing on an airplane or of a race car engine that is about to seize. Engineers can create a digital twin of every single autonomous vehicle in order to analyze how a real vehicle will behave in its physical environment. With the help of digital twins the vehicle can therefore be continuously monitored – from the engineering and construction stage to the day it ends up at the scrapyard.

Smart sensor systems eliminate the need for raw data transmission

The smart sensor system ASC AiSys support the concept of the digital twin in many respects. Signals for inertial sensors – such as acceleration or angular velocity – are determined in high-performance measurements. They are converted directly into digital data and processed to provide information based on the particular application. This information is then used to compare the digital twin simulations with reality, in order to make predictions. During the simulations, single parameters can easily be changed to validate the effects in reality.

The smart sensor systems ASC AiSys feature AI functions at the edge, i.e. on the sensor itself. This eliminates cost- and energy-intensive raw data transmission, and micro-decisions can be made right where they are needed.