OPTIS and Elektrobit (EB) partner to provide virtual driving experiences through AR HUD content

TOULON, France, and ERLANGEN, Germany – April 4, 2018 – OPTIS, the leading global virtual prototyping company, and Elektrobit (EB), a visionary global supplier of embedded and connected software products for the automotive industry, today announced a partnership for the virtual testing of augmented reality head-up display (AR HUD) systems in a dynamic driving experience. Together, the two will enable carmakers to streamline the development process, ultimately shortening the time to market.

OPTIS and EB will combine their expertise in automotive solutions to provide a unique, commercial off-the-shelf solution that can be used by carmakers to develop and assess sensor fusion and augmented reality content. With 29 years of experience in optics and light simulation, OPTIS has a proven track record. Its leading driving simulator, VRX, facilitates the assessment of intelligent lighting strategy and simulates sensor acquisition virtually. In parallel, EB’s new augmented reality software, EB arware, collects and fuses sensor data that is then visualized on the car’s windshield in augmented reality. The combined solution will enable carmakers to experience light simulation, optics and augmented reality content in their virtual vehicle prototype.

With an AR HUD, pedestrians, road signs and other vehicles detected by the car’s sensors are highlighted and superimposed on the road via the windshield display. This information can be used to warn drivers of a potential hazard or simply provide insight on their surroundings by drawing their attention to the car’s environment. OPTIS’ VRX makes it possible to virtually test several driving scenarios in real-life driving conditions to anticipate the detection of these dangers, all from the safety of a virtual environment.

“By combining our know-how, automakers will be able to assess augmented reality content in a life-like driving experience,” states Ludovic Manillier, HUD Solution Director at OPTIS. “We are very proud to contribute to speeding up AR-HUDs’ time-to-market as virtual testing enables a very short iteration loop between embedded software development and test and driver experience.”

Carmakers’ main objective is to make sure drivers build trust in their vehicle’s detection systems. By enhancing the design of HUD, carmakers encourage this by getting drivers the right information in the right place, at the right time, paving the way for better acceptance of more highly automated vehicle technology.

“Augmented reality is opening new doors for carmakers and drivers. By augmenting the car’s environment, this solution aims to reassure the driver and give them higher confidence in their vehicle,” says Martin Schleicher, EVP, Head of Business Management, Elektrobit. “Carmakers invest a lot of time and energy in selecting the best solution for their vehicles. Thanks to our partnership with OPTIS, they now can offer their customers a safer and more comfortable driving experience by fully leveraging the capabilities of the hardware.”

About OPTIS

 OPTIS, the virtual prototyping company, brings life and emotion to all industrial projects. Its world-leading solutions pave the way for a revolutionary design process: towards zero physical prototypes. Since 1989, OPTIS offers its know-how in light and human vision simulation into leading CAD/CAM software and dedicated immersive virtual solutions. This synergy creates true-to-life virtual mockups which are used as real decision-making tools. Today, more than 2,500 clients in over 50 countries already trust OPTIS and innovate day after day with its solutions to ensure the look and safety of their designs, reduce their ecological footprint and bring their future products faster on the market. For more information about OPTIS, please visit www.optis-world.com.