Virtual Reality Lab - Testing driver assistance using 360-degree simulation

Before new technologies related to autonomous driving can be used on public roads, they must first be examined in a safe test environment. The Virtual Reality (VR) Lab offers a highly dynamic and realistic 360-degree simulation for testing and evaluating automation and driver assistance functions.

360° simulation in use
Image: 1/2, Credit:
DownloadDownload
View of 360° simulation from behind
Image: 2/2, Credit:
DownloadDownload

What are the special features of DLR's VR Lab?

In the VR Lab, we investigate modern driver assistance systems and required functionality for their application and future use on public roads. In order to make the tests as detailed and realistic as possible, we use a highly dynamic and scalable simulation environment with the 360-degree projection of a virtual environment. This allows any faults to be detected and rectified in a safe environment, thus reducing the risk of undesirable developments at an early stage.

In addition to testing automation and assistance systems, psychological questions related to driver modelling, human-machine interaction and cognitive driving behaviour can also be tested in the VR Lab.

How you benefit from the Virtual Reality Lab

  • Can be used by external partners and customers via standardised software interfaces
  • Realistic tests using a 360-degree representation of a detailed virtual world
  • Different vehicle types can be quickly installed – real road vehicles, customer vehicles and mock-ups
  • Simulation of different scenarios and weather conditions
  • Customers and partners can conduct their own tests in the VR Lab and/or benefit from data collected and processed by DLR

IDeE.Lab

The IDeE.Lab (Interaction Design and Ergonomics Laboratory) is a creative space in which iterative design processes for human-machine interaction take place with the early involvement of users.

Mock-ups

New vehicle concepts and driving assistance systems must be tested in a safe test environment before they can be used on public roads. DLR operates the flexible, adaptable test platform required to simulate them: the modular mock-up.

Application

The Virtual Reality Lab enables the following activities:

  • Development and evaluation of driver assistance and automation systems
  • Validation of assistance systems in the early development stages via repeatable and reproducible scenarios that save time and cost and minimise risk
  • Cost-efficient testing and optimisation of new approaches
  • Human-centred evaluation (such as driver acceptance analysis) and investigation of psychological questions (related to driver modelling, human-machine interaction or cognitive driving behaviour)
  • Testing of different vehicle types, such as road vehicles, mock-ups and the cockpits of large vehicles such as lorries or trams (modular platform for simple installation)
  • Hardware-in-the-loop and vehicle-in-the-loop testing (for tests with drivable road vehicles)
  • Coupling with the Institute’s other simulators and infrastructures, such as the MoSAIC lab, using a shared network

General and technical data

General data

  • Location: Braunschweig, DLR Institute of Transportation Systems
  • Room size: 60 square metres
  • Commissioning: 2013
  • Operation: Year round

Technical specifications

  • Software: based on
    • ROS 2
    • DLR software architecture
    • Unreal Engine 5
  • Integrable mock-ups:
    • SimCar
    • Modular Mock-up (Currently available as a replica of the NGC UMV)
  • Computers: 12 visualisation computers for 360° projection, 2 computers for virtual side mirrors, 2 application computers for driving assistance system calculations
  • 360° circular projection by 12 projectors, each with a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels at 120 Hertz refresh rate (installed upright)
  • Control centre workstation with 6 monitor matrix, KVM switch for access to every computer in the VR Lab
  • Smartboard for interactive concept development and presentation of results

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Virtual Reality Lab

How can tests in the Virtual Reality Lab be booked?

We make our VR Lab available to external partners and customers for their own tests. Please submit a booking request via our booking form or contact us directly for further information.

Can specialised functionality and systems be tested in the VR Lab?

You have the option of integrating your own research vehicles or driving assistance systems into the Virtual Reality Lab quickly and easily.

How realistic are the tests in the simulator?

The tests in the Virtual Reality Lab take place in a realistic driver's cab or in a real road vehicle with a 360-degree simulation of a virtual traffic scenario.

Our research facilities and laboratories are at your disposal for tests and studies. Get in touch with us!

Contact

Marc Hohloch

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Transportation Systems
Research Infrastructure Management
Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489 Berlin