SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2024 – AB Dynamics, a global leader in automotive testing solutions, and its sister company, Dynamic Research (DRI), today announced the launch of a groundbreaking new tool designed to enhance the testing of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): a child version of their acclaimed Soft Pedestrian 360 target. This innovation addresses the growing demand for more realistic and comprehensive child pedestrian safety testing.
"Following the success of the adult version of our Soft Pedestrian 360, we have seen an increase in demand for a child target that caters to these test scenarios and uses the same proven architecture and technology,” said Jordan Silberling,general manager of DRI. This reflects the industry's increasing emphasis on child pedestrian safety, driven in part by expanding Euro NCAP test requirements.
A Leap Forward in Realism and Efficiency
The Soft Pedestrian 360 child target is engineered to replicate the real-world movements and characteristics of a child pedestrian with remarkable accuracy. The target features an age-specific gait, with movement synchronized to the position, speed, and acceleration of the ADAS platform carrying it, ensuring a realistic representation in various testing scenarios.
In addition to realism, the new target prioritizes efficiency in testing. Its modular design, shared with the adult version,minimizes the potential for damage to test vehicles by strategically encasing servos and eliminating exposed hard points. This innovative approach reduces downtime due to repairs, as "our goal is to help avoid unnecessary delays,ensuring efficient testing," emphasized Silberling.
Further enhancing efficiency, the child target's limbs attach to the body via foam blocks and corresponding sockets,enabling a rapid leg subassembly change in under a minute. A unique slipper clutch mechanism prevents servo damage during collisions, contributing to overall durability. Cross-compatibility of components between the adult and child targets also translates to cost savings for customers.
A Vision for the Future of ADAS Testing
DRI's commitment to realism is evident in its use of a radar and lidar measurement system to fine-tune the target's reflectivity, ensuring accurate representation to ADAS sensors. The durable fabric clothing used on the target maintains its shape during testing and is easily replaceable.
"Currently, the legs are articulated as dictated by industry regulations," Silberling noted. "But thanks to the modular nature of our technology, we have futureproofed the design to easily articulate the arms and the head should legislation change, or OEMs wish to conduct more extensive testing."
This forward-thinking approach highlights AB Dynamics and DRI's dedication to evolving alongside industry standards and customer needs, ensuring their testing solutions remain at the forefront of automotive safety technology.