AB Dynamics introduces Euro NCAP automated ADAS testing

AB Dynamics, an automotive test solution supplier, has enabled the automation of Euro NCAP’s new 2024 Assisted Driving tests through its configurable test groups in the latest version of its RC software. Euro NCAP’s 2024 Assisted Driving Grading is designed to provide consumers with comprehensive data on the performance of assisted driving systems to better inform purchasing decisions.

To more thoroughly assess the systems the latest protocol introduced 40 new on track tests requiring driving robots and ADAS targets, doubling the test effort.

Leo Evans, lead engineer at AB Dynamics, said:

“This is great news for consumers but does increase the test burden for OEMs and test houses. Our solution takes the pain out of creating and performing these test scenarios to increase efficiency and maximise track time.”

As a supplier of both driving robots and ADAS platforms, AB Dynamics coordinated both the robot-controlled vehicle under test and the ADAS targets. It enabled the creation, set-up and execution of complex multi-vehicle test scenarios to be automated through a single software ecosystem.

Euro NCAP automated ADAS testing

The company’s suite of configurable base scenarios covered all of the relevant tests within the 2024 Assisted Driving protocol. This allowed test engineers to run specific test scenarios dictated by the protocol or a range of iterations of the base scenario. Aspects such as speed, distance and offset can be altered to test and develop the systems more thoroughly.

The new scenarios introduced in Euro NCAP’s 2024 Assisted Driving protocol place a focus on how the systems interact with Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Evans discussed the challenges the new test scenarios pose:

“The 2024 update has introduced more challenging test scenarios to better assess the performance of assisted driving systems. For example, motorcyclists can be difficult for the systems to detect and classify correctly, particularly in close proximity to other vehicles. Completing a comprehensive and varied matrix of tests is the only way manufacturers can be confident their systems will not only pass the tests but also perform in the real world.”

Euro NCAP has previously worked with AB Dynamics with their Launch Pad Spin propulsion solution for testing ADAS in realistic driving scenarios.