Sim4CAMSens2 is a UK collaborative research project focused on advancing the development and validation of automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connected and automated mobility (CAM) technologies, in particular through high-quality simulation of in-cabin sensors for driver monitoring systems. The project aims to improve the safety and efficiency of ADAS and autonomous vehicles by developing better sensor simulation and validation tools.
SIM4CAMSens 2 is funded through the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme, announced as part of the UK government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. The funding programme is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) in collaboration with Innovate UK and Zenzic. Specifically for the SIM4CAMSens2 project, the UK government is investing £2 million ($2.7 million) as part of the funding of the project.
One of the Toughest Challenges Imaginable in Simulation
Developing autonomous systems is a challenge whose complexity is incomparably among the most extensive. Cars intended to be driven on public or designated sections of road should be able to without a driver move themselves from one point to another using lasers, radar, sensors and cameras, in parallel with also using software, map data, GPS and wireless data communication with other vehicles and with entities in the infrastructure. It’s not hard to see the complexity of this.
According to the analyst Aberdeen Group, the coordination and simulation of all these pieces will require not only new engineering fields, but also things like AI. For example, billions of miles of road testing will be required to create safe and reliable vehicles – a task that the analyst believes will only be able to be solved by simulation solutions:
“This seemingly impossible task can only be achieved with the help of engineering simulation solutions. With simulation, you can virtually test thousands, or millions, of different operational scenarios, and design parameters with the right precision, speed, and cost efficiency.”
Aberdeen Group further notes that, “Design mistakes are unacceptable when the slightest misstep can be catastrophic, resulting in injuries, lost lives, expensive maintenance costs or recalls.”
“Many of the Industry’s Brightest Minds in the Team”
It is thus no simple challenge that the consortium behind the new Sim4CAMSens2 project has to face. So who are the different stakeholders?
In the press-material, TECHNIA notes that it is a strong consortium of industry leaders we are talking about; containing a line-up of many of the industry’s brightest minds, “brought together from leading organisations, each bringing specialist expertise across physical and virtual domains.” Alongside project leader Claytex these different organizations participate:
- rFpro | Simulation and Virtual Environments – rFpro is a technical-grade simulation environment for the automotive and motorsport industries. It is used for the development and testing of autonomous vehicles, ADAS, vehicle dynamics and human factors studies – basically anything that involves driving a vehicle.
- National Physics Laboratory (NPL) | Metrology and Measurement Standards – The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence providing cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to support prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
- Oxford RF | RF Technology and Validation – Oxford RF provides the world’s first solid-state 360 and 270 degree ADAS and ADS sensors (enabling full 360 or 270 degree sensing with no moving parts). The patented sensor technology has reduced size, weight, cost and power consumption compared to existing solutions on the market.
- Queen Mary University of London | Academic Research and Modelling
- Syslek | Systems Engineering and Integration – Syslek develops innovative technology and toolchain solutions using automation for high integrity systems. Our solutions are built on our deep technical expertise, research, engineering and innovative technologies.
- Catapult CSA | Compound Semiconductor Applications – Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult was founded in 2018 by Innovate UK to help the UK become a global leader in compound semiconductors. CSA Catapult is the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation.
- AESIN | British Automotive Electronics Innovation Network – AESIN is a unique membership-based community enabling the next generation of UK-centric automotive electronics and software systems and supply chains. Leading thinking and impact driving ingenious, sustainable, efficient, safe and resilient mobility through innovative application of electronics and software systems.
“This collective expertise ensures a robust and comprehensive approach to AV simulation for safety assurance,” TECHNIA writes in a press release.
More about Claytex’s role
Claytex’s primary role is to define critical standards for LiDAR and Radar sensor simulation. This is done using extensive data from winter and laboratory tests to prioritize and replicate the most important factors affecting sensor performance. A secondary focus is the development of advanced in-cabin simulation, ensuring that interior environments achieve the same fidelity as exterior conditions.
With this in mind, the consortium will focus on the following:
- Development and validation of simulation platforms for AV safety case evaluation.
- Comprehensive categorization and simulation of sensor noise effects.
- Accelerated testing methodologies to bridge the gap between physical and simulated sensor models.
- Evaluation procedures to support AV safety approval authorities in assessing AV safety cases.
- Integration of in-cabin simulations, including IR and radar sensor modelling.
- All deliverables will be directly integrated into AV elevate, improving access to the highest quality safety testing.
“The combination of advanced sensor modelling and validated simulation environments represents a significant step towards safer autonomous vehicles. This collaboration ensures that the industry has the tools it needs to confidently move from virtual validation to real-world deployment,” said David Briant, AV Team Leader at Claytex.
Funded by the UK Government
As noted above the Sim4CAMSens2 project is a collaborative initiative focused on developing simulation technology for autonomous vehicles to improve safety assurance. Building on previous project results, it addresses critical gaps in sensor modelling and validation while expanding to include in-cabin simulation. The project brings together leaders from across the automotive, sensor and simulation industries to create validated tools that support the safe development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.
SIM4CAMSens 2 is funded by the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme, announced as part of the UK government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. The funding programme is being delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.
A Well-Motivated Investment with Potential
As a general background to this project, it should be said that there is much to suggest that it is a well-motivated move to make the Sim4CAMSens2 investment, given the current state of development, where self-driving solutions and features will be key areas in the world’s future transportation solutions. In part, the autonomous features are already something that is included in most automotive concepts today, even if the perfect overall solution is not yet in place.
It is therefore clear in the continued development that the S&A area will be of utmost importance as development moves forward towards more comprehensive solutions in the ADAS track. The fact that TECHNIA and Claytex are included in a cutting-edge project of today’s announced nature is promising from both a technological and economic perspective. If sustainable solutions are developed that can fill larger roles in autonomy, the repayment from vehicle manufacturers who start using the systems can be quite profitable.
The background is that Simulation & Analysis over time continues to be one of the fastest growing sub-PLM domains. According to the analyst CIMdata, companies around the world invested nearly $11 billion in this type of tool in 2024, which gave a growth of around 9 percent compared to 2023. This gave it a top three position in the growth league of the sub-domains, only beaten by the growth figures of the EDA and ALM areas (Electronic Design Automation and Application Lifecycle Management tools). These figures plus CIMdata forecasts for 2025 and 2030 with annual growth figures of between 10 and 11 percent say something about the strength and future of the area on the product development side.
Not least the automotive segment is a significant part of the continued strong growth forecast. The area (Automotive & Transportation) is the largest among the various industrial segments and in 2024 the various automotive companies in the world invested, measured in revenue to software developers, around $3 billion, while the second placed segment, Aerospace & Defense, invested a total of around $2.5 billion.
TECHNIAS/Addnode’s investment in the Simulation & Analysis area looks well thought out and will give the group’s high-end PLM consultant good potential to be at the forefront of technology and with continued good revenue growth.
