VMC Demonstrator for Software-defined Vehicles

thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology and the EDAG Group are currently developing a joint demonstrator for Vehicle Motion Control (VMC). The project is designed to demonstrate how softwarebased coordination of vehicle motion can be integrated into modern vehicle architectures. Validation is being carried out in several stages – from simulation and driving simulator environments through to a fully functional demonstrator vehicle. Based on this approach, both partners aim to provide potential customers with hands-on demonstrations of the benefits offered by Vehicle Motion Control.

Vehicle Motion Control is considered a key enabler for software-defined vehicles. The technology coordinates vehicle dynamics functions at overall vehicle level and translates desired vehicle motion and driver inputs into commands for relevant systems such as steering, braking, powertrain and damping. This enables integrated control of the vehicle’s lateral, longitudinal and vertical dynamics. The technology is becoming increasingly relevant for vehicle manufacturers as driving dynamics functions are developed in a more software-centric way, integrated into centralized E/E architectures and continuously enhanced throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

“Vehicle Motion Control can help vehicle manufacturers bring software-based vehicle dynamics functions to modern vehicle platforms faster, more flexibly and with reduced integration effort. With this joint demonstrator, we want to show how this approach can be validated in realistic development environments and made tangible for potential customers,” says Kristof Polmans, responsible for Research & Advanced Development for Chassis Technologies at thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology.

At the core of the project is a proof of concept that combines the existing software and systems expertise of both partners. The VMC approach is being integrated and tested step by step, enabling functions, interfaces and overall system behavior to be evaluated under increasingly realistic conditions. At the same time, the driving simulator and demonstrator vehicle provide the basis for customer demonstrations designed to make the impact of the VMC approach directly experienceable in practical scenarios. Through the demonstrator, the partners aim to show how vehicle systems that have traditionally been considered separately can be coordinated through a higher-level control approach. Vehicle Motion Control can help reduce integration complexity, transfer new functions more efficiently across different platforms and enable brand-specific vehicle characteristics.

“Our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology allows us to combine our strengths in vehicle integration with deep expertise in attributes and actuator systems. In doing so, we support OEMs in developing and validating increasingly complex vehicle architectures through a holistic approach,” says Jonas Grötzinger, Senior Technical Expert Vehicle Motion at the EDAG Group. The project combines complementary competencies from both partners. As a Tier 1 supplier, thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology contributes extensive expertise in steering systems, chassis and damping systems, actuator technologies and vehicle dynamics control functions. This is complemented by experience in the development and validation of integrated motion control functions under realistic
conditions.

The EDAG Group contributes its expertise in vehicle development, vehicle dynamics, system integration and complete vehicle architecture. Feedback gathered from the planned customer demonstrations will be incorporated into the evaluation of potential next development steps. The project primarily addresses vehicles with centralized, softwareoriented architectures, particularly in the premium and performance segments. The approach is fundamentally platform-capable and designed to be transferable across different vehicle and architecture concepts.

(Source: thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology)