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14 Platform one Graphics processor designer Nvidia has developed open simulation software to help developers of driverless cars test out their designs in a virtual environment (writes Nick Flaherty). The cloud-based Drive Constellation software enables millions of miles to be driven in virtual environments across a broad range of scenarios, from routine driving to rare or even dangerous situations. Toyota has signed a strategic deal with Nvidia to use the simulation technology. It will use the platform to develop autonomous vehicles designs, including a Moon rover. The platform is based in a data centre with two side-by-side servers. The first server, Drive Constellation Simulator, generates the sensor outputs from the virtual car. The second, Drive Constellation Vehicle, contains the Drive AGX Pegasus AI car computer. Developers can remotely access the platform anywhere via the cloud to submit a specific test scenario, such as an autonomous vehicle reacting to another car cutting into its lane in heavy traffic during a foggy night on wet roads. Up to 30 variations of a scenario can be run at the same time on the two servers, and multiple servers can be combined to simulate fleets of vehicles. A key element of the platform is an open programming interface that allows third parties to integrate their own environmental, vehicle and sensor models, as well as traffic scenarios. The traffic model allows developers to define the number of other vehicles and road users, as well as the behaviour of the vehicles, based on real-world traffic data. Virtual test driving developer IPG Automotive is using Drive Constellation to provide a high-fidelity vehicle model that accurately simulates how a vehicle reacts to various commands, such as steering, brake and throttle, and to various road conditions. Chip maker ON Semiconductor is also providing a highly accurate model of its CMOS image sensors as a camera model. The open approach means the technology can be used to simulate other environments. For example, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is working with Toyota’s research group to design a pressurised autonomous rover powered by fuel cells that would transport astronauts on the Moon. The 6m-long design would make use of the lower lunar gravity and provide space of 13 m 3 for two to four people. Car tests open up for designers Autonomous vehicles Dr Donough Wilson Dr Wilson is innovation lead at aviation, defence, and homeland security innovation consultants, VIVID/futureVision. His defence innovations include the cockpit vision system that protects military aircrew from asymmetric high-energy laser attack. He was first to propose the automatic tracking and satellite download of airliner black box and cockpit voice recorder data in the event of an airliner’s unplanned excursion from its assigned flight level or track. For his ‘outstanding and practical contribution to the safer operation of aircraft’ he was awarded The Sir James Martin Award 2018/19, by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Paul Weighell Paul has been involved with electronics, computer design and programming since 1966. He has worked in the real-time and failsafe data acquisition and automation industry using mainframes, minis, micros and cloud-based hardware on applications as diverse as defence, Siberian gas pipeline control, UK nuclear power, robotics, the Thames Barrier, Formula One and automated financial trading systems. Ian Williams-Wynn Ian has been involved with unmanned and autonomous systems for more than 20 years. He started his career in the military, working with early prototype unmanned systems and exploiting imagery from a range of unmanned systems from global suppliers. He has also been involved in ground-breaking research including novel power and propulsion systems, sensor technologies, communications, avionics and physical platforms. His experience covers a broad spectrum of domains from space, air, maritime and ground, and in both defence and civil applications including, more recently, connected autonomous cars. Unmanned Systems Technology’s consultants April/May 2019 | Unmanned Systems Technology The Drive Constellation Simulator allows third parties to integrate their own environmental and vehicle models (Courtesy of Nvidia)