Ansys, Cognata & Microsoft join forces on ADAS testing

Ansys has announced a new collaboration with Cognata and Microsoft to create a web-based platform for testing and validating automotive sensors used in ADAS and AV systems.

The platform, known as the Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH), operates on Microsoft Azure and incorporates Ansys AVxcelerate Sensors simulation software. It is powered by AMD EPYC CPUs and Radeon PRO GPUs to manage machine learning inference and visualisation. This system aims to provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with access to high-fidelity radar and electromagnetic wave propagation simulations for sensor testing.

The ADPH platform features a comprehensive library of virtual sensor models certified by manufacturers, including models for thermal cameras, radar, and LiDAR systems. It allows users to test these sensors virtually, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

"We are excited to integrate Ansys' radar simulation technology into the ADPH platform, bringing OEMs and tier-one suppliers an unmatched level of accuracy in sensor validation," said Danny Atsmon, founder and CEO at Cognata. "Ansys' ability to simulate complex EM wave interactions enhances our platform's ability to deliver precise, real-world insights for radar-based ADAS and AV systems. This collaboration significantly advances the industry's ability to test and refine sensor performance under diverse conditions."

The new platform utilises Cognata's generative AI transfer technology, supported by AMD Radeon PRO V710 GPUs. This technology improves the simulation of RGB cameras by generating high-fidelity virtual sensors, accurately replicating real-world sensor behaviours and enhancing the simulation process.

Shane Emswiler, Vice President of Products at Ansys, stated, "Ansys' AVxcelerate Sensors platform includes real-time radar capabilities for accurate modelling of radar interactions in complex environments. By offering the solution on Cognata's ADPH platform, we are enabling customers to design for real-world operations to meet strict regulatory standards. As the industry works toward fully autonomous driving, safety validation is paramount, and the joint effort between Ansys and Cognata streamlines this typically long and complicated process."

Microsoft's involvement in the collaboration emphasises the role of cloud infrastructure in advancing the capabilities of ADAS and AV technologies. Nidhi Chappell, Vice President of Azure AI Infrastructure at Microsoft, commented, "We're pleased to collaborate with Ansys and Cognata to enhance automated driving validation and simulation on Microsoft Azure. By integrating Ansys' advanced radar simulation technology, we're empowering OEMs and tier-one suppliers with high levels of accuracy in sensor validation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing leading-edge cloud infrastructure that supports the development and validation of ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies."