Efforts towards MBD

This system simulates how people perceive sound and vibration while driving by reproducing the sounds and vibrations as if they were actually driving on a road. To make it useful in actual manufacturing, we aim to build a system that not only allows users to experience these sensations but also allows for modeling linked to design values.

Model-Based Design (MBD) is advancing in automotive development, and the idea started with the thought of how we could contribute to that.
During my research and studies, I became interested in "technology that focuses on human perception" in the automotive industry. Since our company possesses both a test bench system (RC-S) utilizing simulation and sound and vibration measurement technology, I thought that if we could build a technology that connects these with a simulator system that allows for tactile experience, it would be a solution that could also approach Model-Based Design (MBD). Initially, I started this alone, so the initial stages were quite challenging.

That's right. Initially, I started the research and investigations on my own, then combined it with the research that Kashiwazaki-san had been working on regarding sound recording and playback to create a system. Muraki-san, who recently joined us, is now using that system to examine affective evaluation and the creation of affective models. I'm really grateful for all the help I've received from both of them.

We're not just working on this on our own; we also receive advice from people within the company, such as, "Couldn't we use this with existing technology?"

I was truly grateful that so many people participated in the internal experiment we conducted previously.

I received a lot of advice and feedback at that time as well.

We have also had participants suggest ways to utilize existing technologies, and we have actually incorporated them into our sensory models.

Yes. It often starts with casual conversation. I'm so happy that so many people are receptive and listen attentively, saying things like, "That sounds interesting."

I was originally in charge of mechanical design and had no experience with simulations or sound/vibration, so I struggled at first due to a lack of basic knowledge. I learned through trial and error, and although I made mistakes, I learned with the guidance of my seniors. I have a positive personality when it comes to things I'm interested in, so I enjoyed the learning process itself.

My regular job involves contract sound and vibration measurements, and since this work primarily focuses on automobiles, I needed to study things like "what kinds of problems exist with sound and vibration in automobiles" and "which frequency bands are being dealt with." Therefore, I've been assigned many automobile-related measurements in my regular work as well, and I'm currently studying to improve both this project and my regular work.

This isn't limited to this initiative, but since we don't manufacture the cars themselves, it can be difficult to imagine "what kind of system would be best for our customers," and that's something I personally find challenging. However, our senior colleagues have been involved in automotive development for many years, so I want to deepen my understanding by communicating with them and contribute to creating the optimal system for our customers.