Call – System Simulation and Standards

Background & addressed challenge

System simulation represents a huge leap ahead for many sectors, e.g., automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing. System simulation is understood as the capability of simulation, to reproduce the behaviour of a technical system. This technical system is assembled by multiple subsystems, which represent different engineering domains. Therefore, these subsystems are typically represented using a domain-specific and appropriate modelling language. For evaluation, dedicated solvers are in place. This results in a plenitude of modelling and simulation tools on the market. The most reasonable way to render a digital twin of such a system can be achieved by integration of virtual subsystems. For this purpose, different tools and standards are available, which can be used not only for establishment of interoperability, but also to realize efficient and agile development processes, including activities for design and test alike.

We face the challenge of creating new system models, interacting with the real-world systems of our time, including new sensor technologies, innovative architectures, or sophisticated artificial intelligence.

Offered technology

Standardization has proven to be an enabler for system simulation. However, industry-grade tools are needed to succeed in development of real systems. We are able to provide a system simulation environment, represented by the neutral co-simulation platform Model.CONNECT, which can be used to integrate more than 30+ domain-specific simulation tools. Its modular architecture supports FMI (Functional Mock-Up Interface), DCP (Distributed Co-Simulation Protocol), and SSP (System Structure and Parameterization) standards for open model and data exchange too.

We provide our comprehensive expertise to cover the topics of system simulation and test. Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH has more than 15 years of experience with co-simulation methodologies, including first-hand experience with industrial simulation tools, test benches for automotive development, and development of prototypes, including real test vehicles for automated driving. Virtual Vehicle acts as a trusted member in various standardization bodies, including ISO, Modelica Association, and ASAM. Our modelling and simulation experts have diverse backgrounds, in different engineering domains, and industry sectors.

We provide support for development of new system models, configuration of co-simulation platforms, application, and improvement of standards for modelling and Simulation.

Experiment scope

In order to build novel and innovative system simulation models, we expect holistic and fresh ideas, exploiting the available technologies described above. The scope of targeted experiments is broad and independent on industry sectors.

We aim not only on pure computer simulations, but also on simulations in connection with software-in-the-loop (SiL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL). We are reaching for a stronger integration of real-time and non-real-time systems. By doing so, a strong demand for networked simulator arises. Rapid prototyping could be thought in a completely new way, including mixed real and virtual components. In the same context, virtual validation is expected to speed up development processes, reduce time-to-market and finally costs.

The digitization of otherwise decoupled processes is the key to efficiency. Simulation and test are therefore seen in connection with distributed computing and cloud computing. Calculations and data processing can be accomplished close to the data’s source, or shifted to other, more efficient places.

Modelling and simulation may also be considered across different levels of abstraction. The question how conceptual models may interact with real detailed implementations is an open topic, and can be explored best with first hand modelling and simulation experience.

We want to focus on system simulations for embedded systems and also cyber-physical systems.

We offer:

• an introduction and overview of favoured standards and tools
• to support in establishment of your application-specific system simulation via Model.CONNECT
• the eventual application and utilization of related standards
• insight in new, modular, and more agile virtual development approaches for gaining development efficiency
• a concluding evaluation of the experiment (report and/or publication) including a one-page leaflet

Funding Opportunities

Aligned with the defined long-term COMET K2 research program fast-track experiments (up to 6 months) and lighthouse experiments (7-12 months) executed at VIRTUAL VEHICLE are public (co-)funded up to 50% based on a bilateral agreement.

Seed Actions for SMEs and start-ups will be free of charge.

Your application will be reviewed by our Scientific Assessment Board. The board will evaluate the applicants proposals and select proper candidates. The final number of applications being selected in each call might be different.

Only selected applications will be funded.

Call Information

If you have a promising smart idea, we are happy to receive your application.