Advanced propulsion specialist
IAAPS is strengthening its vehicle development capabilities with the introduction of an advanced Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator that will be integrated with its existing 1,800kW four-wheel-drive powertrain test facility at Bristol and Bath Science Park.
The new capability combines an Ansible Motion Delta S2 simulator with physical propulsion hardware, enabling simulated vehicle behaviour, human driver inputs and real-world powertrain systems to operate together in a single real-time development environment.
By linking virtual vehicle dynamics with physical hardware, IAAPS aims to help customers accelerate development programmes, reduce reliance on physical prototypes and bring complex validation activities forward in the engineering process. The system allows engineers to evaluate interactions between drivers, propulsion systems and wider vehicle functions much earlier in a programme, helping to reduce technical risk and overall development time.
The simulator has already been used in race preparation work involving F1 Academy driver Rachel Robertson, and IAAPS is now looking to expand its use across motorsport, automotive and wider transportation applications.
For motorsport teams, the technology offers a range of benefits including vehicle setup optimisation, calibration work, strategy development and scenario testing. Drivers can also use the simulator for track familiarisation, race procedure practice, coaching and consistency training.
By carrying out more development work in a virtual environment before arriving at a circuit, teams can evaluate a greater number of engineering options while reducing demands on track time, tyres and vehicles. The controlled environment is also expected to help improve communication between drivers and engineers while building driver confidence.
A key advantage of the new facility is that it gives motorsport organisations, technology suppliers and individual competitors access to professional-grade simulation capabilities without the expense and complexity associated with operating a dedicated simulator facility of their own.
The simulator is supported by IAAPS' in-house engineering expertise across a range of disciplines including real-time simulation, X-in-the-Loop methodologies, control systems, physical testing, vehicle development and data analysis.
Professor Rob Oliver, managing director of IAAPS, said: “This capability gives customers a flexible platform for a diverse range of applications, from race preparation and driver optimisation to automotive and wider transportation development.
“By combining simulation with our advanced facilities and engineering expertise, we can help customers develop and validate complex systems earlier, more efficiently and with reduced technical risk.”
Beyond motorsport, the system is expected to provide significant benefits for automotive manufacturers and technology suppliers developing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. Engineers will be able to assess driver behaviour, propulsion system performance and vehicle functions before complete prototypes are available, supporting faster and more efficient development programmes.
The flexibility of the platform also creates opportunities outside the automotive sector. IAAPS believes the technology could be used in aerospace and marine applications, where operator training and control-system validation can be combined within a safe and repeatable testing environment.
The Delta S2 simulator features a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, immersive projection-based visual system and interchangeable cockpit design, allowing it to be adapted for a variety of development requirements.
The investment forms part of IAAPS' broader portfolio of research, engineering and testing services focused on future propulsion systems and advanced validation technologies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Bath, the organisation works with customers across the automotive, motorsport, heavy-duty, off-highway, aerospace and marine sectors to develop and validate cleaner, more efficient mobility technologies.