While on Brazilian streets – and around the world – the idea of a car running without a driver remains a desire, for engineers in the automotive industry it is a priority. With the aim of facilitating the development of technologies related to autonomous vehicles and expanding its portfolio, MSC Software (www.mscsoftware.com) acquired the German company VIRES, specialized in automation simulation for vehicles.
With the Virtual Test Drive, software developed by VIRES, it is possible to simulate traffic, temperature and countless other traffic variables to evaluate how an autonomous car would react to these situations. "In addition to other mechanical analysis solutions that MSC offers, we have achieved the most complete simulation possible for the development of technologies for autonomous vehicles", says Valdeni Novaes, regional director for Latin America at MSC.
For Novaes, by bringing the solution to Brazil, the company meets a demand from automakers that need to adapt cars for Brazil, as well as develop new local prototypes. "Our country has very particular traffic characteristics, so it is essential to make this simulation technology available to Brazilian vehicle development and testing teams", he explains, highlighting the possibility of using VIRES also by the railway and aerospace industries.
In addition to the tool being essential to achieve the dream of a completely autonomous car, the Virtual Test Drive promotes sustainable practices in the automotive industry. On the one hand, virtual simulations generate savings and reduce material waste by complementing or even replacing a physical prototype. On the other hand, the same process makes it possible to achieve more energy-efficient products.
"As a result, we are moving in the direction of meeting all the demands of a program such as Rota 2030, which establishes the guidelines that must be followed by the Brazilian automotive industry in the future", says the director of MSC.
to know more
With the objective of presenting its portfolio of simulation software, as well as demonstrating practical cases of uses of this technology, MSC Software has organized a series of events focused on the industry around the country. Still in 2017, there will be three more meetings – one of them in the south of the country and another two in the interior of São Paulo.
MSC develops simulation software that allows engineers to validate and optimize their designs using virtual prototypes. This technology makes it possible not only to complement, but, in some cases, fully replace the physical prototype, generating considerable savings. Founded in 1963, in California, USA, it was acquired by the American multinational Hexagon AB in 2017. In the same year, MSC acquired the German company VIRES. www.mscsoftware.com.
EN 
PT 
