Ansys, Cognata Enable ADAS/AV Sensor Testing on Microsoft Azure

Ansys has announced AVxcelerate Sensors is accessible through Cognata’s Automated Driving Perception Hub. The ADPH platform runs on Microsoft Azure and 4th Generation AMD EPYC processors and Radeon PRO GPUs. ADPH gives original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) access to certified, web-based sensor models from manufacturers, enabling collaborative testing and validation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle (AV) functions using a high-fidelity simulation platform with virtual twin technology, according to Ansys.

The ADPH allows OEMs and sensor manufacturers to test and validate certified sensors against industry standards, such as those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The platform currently includes Cognata sensor models for thermal cameras, LiDAR, RGB cameras with varying lens distortions, and leverages Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology that enables photorealistic images and simulations.

With the addition of Ansys AVxcelerate Sensors, users have access to physics-based radar models that reproduce electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation—accounting for material properties within high frequencies. The radar simulation provides raw data that can be used to test and improve the algorithms that process radar signal interference, like small changes in frequency caused by moving objects (doppler effect). When connected to a virtual model from a radar supplier, AVxcelerate Sensors produces a virtual twin of the sensor, enabling OEMs to evaluate its performance with enhanced predictive accuracy. 

“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," says Danny Atsmon, founder and CEO at Cognata. "Ansys' ability to simulate complex EM wave interactions enhances our platform’s ability to deliver precise, real-world insights for radar-based ADAS and AV systems. This collaboration significantly advances the industry’s ability to test and refine sensor performance under diverse conditions."

Cognata’s generative AI transfer technology, enabled by AMD Radeon PRO V710 GPUs, enhances the RGB camera simulation platform by delivering high-fidelity virtual sensors. It accurately captures and replicates the real-world behavior of sensors within the simulation.

“Ansys’ AVxcelerate Sensors platform includes real-time radar capabilities for accurate modeling of radar interactions in complex environments,” says Shane Emswiler, vice president of products at Ansys. “By offering the solution on Cognata’s ADPH platform, we are enabling customers to design for real-world operations to meet strict regulatory standards. As the industry works toward fully autonomous driving, safety validation is paramount, and the joint effort between Ansys and Cognata streamlines this typically long and complicated process.”

“We’re pleased to collaborate with Ansys and Cognata to enhance automated driving validation and simulation on Microsoft Azure,” says Nidhi Chappell, vice president, Azure AI Infrastructure at Microsoft. “By integrating Ansys' advanced radar simulation technology, we’re empowering OEMs and tier-one suppliers with high levels of accuracy in sensor validation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing leading-edge cloud infrastructure that supports the development and validation of ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.