The system supplied by AB Dynamics is used at the Bundeswehr’s Technical Centre for Land-Based Vehicle Systems (WTD 41) in Trier, where armoured and logistics vehicles are subjected to extreme driving conditions to assess their durability and readiness for operational deployment.
Test sessions can be limited to just 30 minutes at a time, depending on the vehicle. Driving robots eliminate the need for human test drivers to endure physically punishing conditions.
The testing solution, provided by AB Dynamics, comprises pedal, steering and various gearchange robots, motion packs, an encrypted communication network, base station and comprehensive software for planning test routes and monitoring the driverless vehicles. It enables vehicles to follow precise test courses with centimetre-level accuracy, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
AB Dynamics has been working with the Bundeswehr since 2011, supporting the adoption and rollout of its driverless robot systems. Depending on the type of vehicle and the specific test requirements, the system can reduce the amount of testing a vehicle requires due to the precision and repeatability of robot-controlled testing.
“The Bundeswehr’s continued investment in our Automated Driverless Testing Solution validates the transformative impact of robotic systems in vehicle development,” said Dr Andrew Pick, Business Director – Track Test Systems at AB Dynamics.
He added that the expansion to a fourth system “demonstrates the strength of our technology and the value of removing humans from extreme durability testing”.
