2 minute read
Connected Simulation
Sponsored by NHTSA
The past year saw more behind-the-scenes work to connect the NADS-1 and NADS-2 simulators, allowing two drivers in different simulators to interact in the same virtual environment.
This will support a study titled Human Interactions with Driving Automation Systems, looking at roadway interactions between human-driven vehicles with no automation and varying levels of automated vehicles.
The major development this year is the integration of the Unreal Engine for more realistic graphics rendering. This upgrade involves setting up and configuring the engine for warping and blending the simulation scene across multiple screens, with contributions from Pixela Labs.
Other visual enhancements include more realistic surfaces, trees, shadows, brake lights, and other lighting effects. Simulated vehicles have also improved, with some new vehicle models added (see page 25). To handle the increased computational load, more powerful graphics cards have also been installed.
Additionally, new digital side mirrors on the NADS-2 will provide a more immersive experience by digitally displaying the view in the side mirrors.
Two drivers . . .
In One Simulation
Projects in Planning
Additional NHTSA-sponsored research topics awarded in 2024 include:
• Assessing intelligent speed assist
• Reanalysis of lane departure data
• Distraction and secondary devices: the use of cell phones versus in-vehicle systems
• Determine feasibility of alternative tests for the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
