Ashley Warne has been working at the cutting-edge of motorsport for almost fifteen years, first at McLaren before crossing over the pitlane to Ferrari. However, in 2017, Warne founded Dynisma to create better simulators.
While we often associate simulators with the arcane world of Formula 1 development, Dynisma’s new DMG-1 range of simulators are demonstrating that, increasingly, the development of our road cars will happen on computers.
On this week’s Mobility Moments, Warne discusses just how important virtual development is set to become.
How much interest has there been from automotive manufacturers in replacing their traditional prototypes with Dynisma’s simulators? Has there been any scepticism?
There has been a lot of global interest from many different automotive manufacturers since we launched earlier this month.
Their focus is on the significantly better bandwidth and latency performance compared to existing set-ups and they are moving rapidly into conversations on the logistics of replacing or enhancing their current simulator set-ups. We haven’t faced scepticism, but people are surprised at the DMG-1 performance and pleased at the demonstrable data.
Simulators have traditionally been focused on motorsport applications; what has enabled DMG-1 and DMG-1C to work in different settings?
DMG systems redefine and revolutionise motion simulator technology, creating the most immersive driving experience possible and accuracy for product development.
DMG motion simulators provide the lowest latency and highest bandwidth of any other motion simulator, and deliver more data, faster, to the driver. This enables OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to run multiple complex tests and parallel projects around extreme vehicle dynamics.
Tests such as those for ride comfort, handling and tyre development can now be conducted in a virtual environment where previously they could only be accurately developed on-road – this significantly improves the speed and efficiency of the development process, cutting costs and carbon impact.
When clients approach Dynisma, what are they most interested in changing about their prototyping process (no longer producing physical prototypes, improved safety, time-saving, environmental impacts, etc?
Every conversation is different, but the common themes are improved product development efficiency and quality.
Automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers understand the vital role that simulation and digital technologies will play in the future of vehicle design, not only to engineer the optimum vehicle but also to help accelerate development times.
DMG gives engineers an alternative to real-world tests as there is a very high level of representation of reality, especially in rare, difficult, or expensive scenarios. They can conduct extreme testing in a safe, confidential, and repeatable environment, trial new concepts and accurately benchmark new vehicle technologies, such as autonomous vehicles.
One DMG-1 simulator can enhance or replace multiple existing and less sophisticated simulators. Its breadth of capability covers even the most complex testing situation. Engineers can run multiple tests and parallel projects, in an efficient, sustainable, and closed environment.
You have said that your DMG-1 simulator is “at least 50% better than any rival” – what are you doing that the competition isn’t?
Making simulators that are closer to the real thing than anything else commercially available. All Dynisma Motion Generators feature high bandwidth, low latency, and large excursion motion simulation, delivering class-leading driving simulation capabilities.
By co-designing the software and mechanical engineering, DMG is a revolutionary way to look at creating a motion simulator- which has enabled us to remove every possible obstacle between the driver and the data for a completely realistic experience.
Do you believe that a manufacturer could produce a car with only virtual prototyping?
You would have to ask the carmakers, but we know that our DMG systems can play an important role in allowing them to do a lot more in the virtual environment than has been possible up until now. The DMG systems redefine and revolutionise motion simulator technology, delivering an immersive experience that is more responsive and closer to replicating the real world than any other rival system.
As ADAS technology becomes more prominent within vehicle design, it will be necessary to conduct more advanced tests virtually. Not only to speed up the development time of new technology, but also to manage this in a safe, controlled, and closed environment.
Are there any aspects of driving that your simulators cannot currently replicate?
The Dynisma DMG systems breadth of capability means even the most complex testing situations can now be simulated. The realism of the motion simulator means customers can now receive both data and driver feedback in real-time, right from the early development stage.
The DMG motion simulators have been developed by a team of engineers, with more than two decades of experience in Formula One driving simulation. Our motion simulators use the same precise design and engineering process that led to the creation of a custom-built motion simulator, for a leading Formula One team, enabling our customers to receive the same accuracy only previously available in Formula One.
How has Dynisma managed to achieve such low latency in its simulators?
Lower latency ensures the driver can react faster to events such as oversteer, and the system’s high bandwidth facilitates motion cueing not possible from other conventional motion platforms. With this market-leading mechanical engineering and technology, DMG-1 accurately transfers a higher level of information to the driver, providing a far more realistic and heightened responsive driving experience.
Dynisma’s ‘Direct Drive’ technology, reduces friction to imperceptible levels, eliminating backlash and inertia, delivering an immediate and dynamic sensory experience. DMG-1 transmits information in the rawest possible form direct to the driver’s vestibular system.
