The Role of Vehicle Modeling in ADS Simulation
In virtual validation of automated driving systems (ADS), the System Under Test (SuT) represents the vehicle or subsystem being evaluated in simulation. To deliver reliable and traceable results, engineers must define the vehicle not just as a placeholder, but as a precise digital twin with accurate dimensions, sensor configurations, and behavior.
Whether testing in open- or closed-loop environments, the integration of the SuT is a foundational step—impacting everything from sensor simulation to control algorithm evaluation. Without a properly configured vehicle model, simulations lack relevance and realism.
Modeling the Vehicle with ReplicaR
To support this requirement, ReplicaR introduces MyVehicle—a dedicated application that allows engineers to define, configure, and integrate vehicle models within the virtual test environment.
The process starts with selecting or uploading a vehicle model. Engineers can configure the vehicle’s sensor setup, define intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, and specify additional properties such as control system logic and data interfaces.
ReplicaR supports standard interfaces including:
- Open Simulation Interface (OSI) – for structured simulation data exchange
- Functional Mock-Up Units (FMU) and FMI – for integrating dynamic control or physical models
These interfaces allow seamless integration of proprietary or third-party simulation models, enabling engineers to embed complex control systems, perception stacks, or planning components directly into the test environment.
Flexible Integration and Engineering Support
MyVehicle is designed to accommodate a wide range of testing needs—from simple vehicle mockups to full-system simulations. It supports both open-loop (fixed input) and closed-loop (reactive output) test modes.
In closed-loop scenarios, the behavior of the SuT feeds back into the simulation environment, allowing engineers to test how control decisions affect—and are affected by—the surroundings. This approach supports XiL (X-in-the-Loop) workflows such as Software-, Model-, or Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.
To simplify this setup, AAI offers engineering services to assist with initial SuT integration. This ensures a smooth onboarding process, accurate interface configuration, and full simulation compatibility from the first test run.
Centralizing System Properties and Parameters
MyVehicle manages a wide range of SuT characteristics, including:
- Scope: Define whether you're testing a module, subsystem, or entire vehicle
- Sensor Configuration: Add and arrange sensors with full control over positioning and calibration
- Interface Compatibility: Set up ROS, OSI, FMI, or other communication layers
- Behavior Definition: Model how the SuT reacts to input signals, scenarios, and faults
- Performance Indicators: Capture timing, throughput, and system load data during runs
All configuration data entered via the ReplicaR GUI is securely stored and versioned, ensuring traceability and easy reuse across test cycles or compliance reviews.
Seamless Workflow Integration
Once configured, the SuT model is automatically made available across the ReplicaR ecosystem—integrating with MyScenarios, AutoScenarios, TestSuites, and ScenRun. This ensures simulation fidelity and behavioral consistency across every phase of the validation pipeline.
Through this centralized integration, teams can test the SuT under a wide variety of traffic scenarios, operational conditions, and sensor configurations—enabling both early prototyping and full-system validation.
Conclusion: From Configuration to Confidence
With MyVehicle, ReplicaR provides a powerful, standards-aligned interface to onboard and configure the System Under Test. It forms the technical bridge between real-world systems and virtual test logic—ensuring simulations are grounded, accurate, and repeatable.
To explore how MyVehicle can streamline your ADS integration, contact our engineering team for a demonstration.