Revolutionizing Sensor Testing: Ansys and Cognata Join Forces on Azure

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In the fast-paced realm of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles (AV), accurate and robust sensor testing is paramount. Enter Ansys and Cognata, who have recently announced a powerful collaboration aimed at revolutionizing how sensor testing is done. Thanks to this partnership, Ansys’ AVxcelerate Sensors has now been made accessible through Cognata's Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH). And where does all this magic happen? On Microsoft Azure, no less.

Colorful flowing neon lines blend with circuitry patterns over a textured blue and orange background.The Nuts and Bolts of ADPH on Azure​

Picture this: a platform that not only aids you in testing sensors in a virtual environment but leverages the computing might of the cloud. Through the ADPH, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and sensor manufacturers have the golden opportunity to engage with a web-based suite of sensor models certified by leading manufacturers. This platform doesn't just provide models, it allows manufacturers to wade through the turbulent waters of industry standards, overseeing testing and validation that align with guidelines set out by the bigwigs like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The whole setup is powered by the latest 4th Generation AMD EPYC processors and Radeon PRO GPUs, heralding new possibilities for high-fidelity simulation platforms through the wizardry of virtual twin technology. With these resources in hand, simulation transcends from being mere screen magic to near-reality precision.

Diving Into the Features – Cameras, LiDAR, and Deep Neural Networks​

Featuring a comprehensive suite of Cognata sensor models, the ADPH platform facilitates testing like never before. Imagine diving into simulations with thermal cameras, LiDAR, and RGB cameras that mimick real-world imperfections like lens distortions—it's all here. But the pièce de résistance is how the technology uses deep neural networks (DNN) to conjure up photorealistic images, bringing a level of accuracy to sensor usage that was once the stuff of dreams.
For Ansys, this means making waves with their AVxcelerate Sensors, bringing physics-based radar models to the table. It's like casting a high-frequency net into a sea of electromagnetic wave propagations, capturing the crucial details needed to study signal strength and interference. The magic doesn't end here; the simulation even detects the subtlest frequency shifts (courtesy of our good friend, the Doppler effect), ensuring radar systems continue to evolve and improve.

Bridging the Simulation-Real World Gap with Virtual Twins​

Once hooked up to a radar supplier's virtual model, the AVxcelerate Sensors offer a true-to-life virtual twin of the system. This isn't just about monitoring performance; it’s about predictive accuracy akin to peering into a crystal ball, assisting OEMs in evaluating their creations under varied conditions.
Danny Atsmon, the visionary CEO of Cognata, encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: “We are excited to integrate Ansys’ radar simulation technology into the ADPH platform, bringing OEMs and tier-one suppliers an unmatched level of accuracy in sensor validation.” For Cognata, it's a step into an era where accurate insights into ADAS and AV systems aren’t a luxury—they're a necessity.

Generative AI and Real-time Radar Modeling – A Symphony in Technology​

With Ansys’ AVxcelerate Sensors, the platform can model radar interactions in real-time across intricate scenarios. Shane Emswiler from Ansys states aptly that the solution empowers designs for real-world operations with compliance tightly woven into their creation fabric.
And to add a dash of generative brilliance? Cognata’s AI tech using AMD Radeon PRO V710 GPUs stands ready, capturing the essence of real-world sensor behavior across high-fidelity virtual sensors. Together, these technologies form a colossal leap toward autonomous driving, giving the industry the tools it needs to deliver high-quality validated sensor systems.

Microsoft Azure: The Cloud Backbone​

The whole endeavor is beautifully hosted on Microsoft Azure, which, as Nidhi Chappell from Microsoft puts it, underscores their commitment to providing cutting-edge cloud infrastructure. This backbone supports the development and validation required to keep ADAS and AV tech on track and ahead of the curve.

A Look Towards the Future​

Ansys and Cognata’s partnership with Microsoft Azure isn’t just reshuffling the deck; it's redefining the whole game of sensor testing and simulation for autonomous technology. By advancing how sensors are tested and validated, this triumvirate of tech prowess ensures that as we move towards an autonomous future, safety validation and regulatory compliance remain right at the forefront.
Could this collaboration usher in a new standard for sensor testing and validation? As the industry continues to evolve and grow, one can only watch and perhaps buckle up for one heck of a ride.
Whether you're new to cutting-edge simulation or a seasoned player in the field, this innovative partnership is bound to resonate across the industry. Be sure to check out WindowsForum.com for other related articles and deep dives into tech innovations shaping the future.

Source: TimesTech Ansys and Cognata Enable Robust ADAS/AV Sensor Testing on Microsoft Azure
 
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In a world where innovation is the accelerating force propelling humanity forward, Ansys and Cognata are making significant strides with their recent collaboration to bring advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle (AV) sensor testing up into the Azure clouds—Microsoft Azure to be exact. Through a state-of-the-art virtual environment that disguises itself as reality, these technological juggernauts are revolutionizing the way we think about road-ready automation.

A futuristic digital hologram of a microchip displayed on a lab bench in a tech lab.The Marriage of Innovators: Ansys and Cognata​

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of this landmark collaboration, let's take a moment to appreciate the marriage between two visionaries in their respective fields. Ansys, known for its cutting-edge simulation software, has been transforming industries across the globe for over half a century. Be it sustainable transportation or life-saving medical devices, the predictive power of Ansys' simulations sparks the bold ideas of tomorrow.
Then we have Cognata, fueling the autonomous driving revolution with end-to-end solutions that cut through years of traditional development. From major autonomous vehicle makers to first-tier suppliers, Cognata's photorealistic simulation platform sets a gold standard, marrying artificial intelligence with computer vision.

Acceleration through Virtual Reality​

You might be wondering, "what do these companies actually do together?" Imagine an orchestra conductor bringing together various instruments to create a melodious symphony. Ansys and Cognata are doing just that, but with ADAS and AV sensors instead of violins and cellos.
At the heart of this partnership lies Cognata's Automated Driving Perception Hub (ADPH), now powered up with Ansys AVxcelerate Sensors. This virtual platform, enhanced by Microsoft Azure's cloud infrastructure, is a playground for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who can now test automotive sensors in hyper-realistic scenarios.
The ADPH operates on the sturdy shoulders of AMD's 4th Generation EPYC™ processors and Radeon™ PRO GPUs, creating a robust environment where OEMs can experiment with sensors of various shapes and sizes. From thermal and RGB cameras to LiDAR, the ADPH facilitates simulations that are photorealistic, bolstered by deep neural networks. The radar models from Ansys even simulate electromagnetic wave propagation—right down to how waves bend and swoosh like a perfectly thrown boomerang—capturing data to refine algorithms just like in the doppler effect.
Welcome to the future of sensor testing where OEMs create a "virtual twin" of their systems, evaluating their capabilities as if they were cruising the roads of a bustling metropolis.

Complying with Industry Giants​

A prominent feature of this endeavor is how it aligns with rigorous industry standards. The simulated tests adhere to the protocols of giants like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Executing these virtual trials isn’t merely a nod to compliance—it’s a bold leap toward achieving safer roads powered by autonomous technology.

Microsoft Azure: The Sky's the Limit​

Microsoft Azure’s involvement is the keystone of this partnership, supplying the platform with the muscle for high-octane computations and storage—without making your local hardware kvetch from overload. For OEMs and tier-one suppliers, this means quicker access to accurate validations, reducing the lengthy and headache-inducing sensor refinement process. Nidhi Chappell, Microsoft’s Azure AI Infrastructure VP, emphasizes the power of this collaboration in fast-tracking ADAS and AV technologies into a thriving reality.

The Road Ahead​

There’s something profoundly liberating about innovation when it becomes accessible—unleashing possibilities previously mired by technical limitations. Thanks to the synergy between Ansys and Cognata, we have a glimpse into the future: a realm where vehicles understand the world through digital eyes, forever transforming our driving experience toward safety and efficiency.
As ADAS and AV technologies plot their course across the globe, partnerships like these will continue to shed light on the uncharted roads of tomorrow. It is indeed thrilling to be witnesses of such technological evolution. So, as the world anticipates the driverless era, remember that beneath the hood of this automated revolution lies the power of simulation—unseen yet significantly felt.

At a Glance:​

  • Ansys pairs its simulation expertise with Cognata’s photorealistic platform.
  • Testing hub runs efficiently on Microsoft Azure and AMD processors.
  • High-fidelity virtual sensors are tested under real-world conditions.
  • Aligns with NHTSA and NCAP standards for safety compliance.
  • Accelerates sensor validation, trimming longstanding industry processes.
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Source: Telematics Wire Ansys and Cognata enable robust ADAS/AV sensor testing on Microsoft Azure – Telematics Wire
 
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