Project Story

A simulation bench replaces actual vehicle driving tests with tests conducted using a test machine.
Therefore, the first step is to understand what kind of test the client wants to take.

The content of the control system will vary depending not only on whether the test is on the engine, transmission, or powertrain, but also on the conditions under which the test needs to be conducted.

Our role is to model all parts of an automobile except for the parts that the customer wants to test, allowing them to perform tests on a test bench that are similar to those on a test track. For example, if the engine is the subject of the test, the bench configuration will consist of a real engine and models of the transmission, tires, and body. This allows the driver to check the driving performance (including fuel efficiency and emissions) in advance using the bench before the entire automobile is completed.

Typically, customers request additional functionality or performance improvements to their existing systems to match the specifics of their tests. Our starting point is to break down those requests and consider what kind of Automatic Measurement Control System we can build using "FAMS-R5."

Simply listening to customer requests isn't enough. While fulfilling those requests might be easy, considering the purpose of the test, is simply meeting those requirements sufficient? Perhaps a higher level of performance is needed.

The design department then collaborates to translate the compiled requirements into a production specification document, and production begins only after confirming that the production specification meets the customer's requirements. This is the most important and difficult part, and in the case of new equipment, we proceed while seeking advice from customers and senior colleagues who have expertise in the field.

Sometimes, the data obtained from simulations doesn't match the actual driving data. That's to be expected since it's a simulation, but we need to clarify whether the difference in the data is due to the software's content or the vehicle's mechanics, based on its correlation with the actual vehicle data.

That's an important point, isn't it?
While it's a simulation, it can't be used for advanced automobile development unless it has the same accuracy as the real thing. If there are discrepancies between the simulation results and the actual vehicle's driving results, the factors causing the discrepancies must be analyzed and the simulation must be brought closer to the actual vehicle data. To achieve this, I believe it's essential to maintain close cooperation between sales, engineering, and the actual manufacturing site.
We believe it is important to develop the simulation technology that our predecessors have built up to meet our customers' needs and offer new solutions.

What is required of our Automatic Measurement Control System is, above all, high precision. System reliability is only achieved when the data from simulation tests and actual vehicle driving tests closely match.

In that sense, post-delivery adjustments are extremely important. Our Automatic Measurement Control System only works as required by the customer to achieve the initial objectives of shortening the testing period, reducing costs, improving safety, and simplifying testing procedures.

Creating a simulation bench requires assembling automotive laboratory facilities in cooperation with various manufacturers.
It's like building a house. There are various challenges, but as an equipment manufacturer, I believe it's essential to propose and provide testing environments that satisfy our customers.

We have contributed to the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCs). We are proud to continue supporting new technologies that will likely be released to the world 10 years from now.