New pedestrian targets for children to support ADAS development

AB Dynamics launches its market leading advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) pedestrian target Soft Pedestrian 360 ™ Child。

The European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing scenarios that require child pedestrian targets are expanding and leading to an increase in related demand.

The next generation pedestrian target adopts a child specific gait, modular structure, and soft and lightweight structure.

Bradford on the River Avon, UK, July 29, 2024. AB Dynamics, a leading automotive testing solution provider, and its sister company Dynamic Research, Inc. (DRI) have launched their ADAS pedestrian target Soft Pedestrian 360 ™ Child。 The pedestrian goal is to meet the growing demand for testing children pedestrians, with a focus on realism and minimizing testing downtime.

The number of European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test scenarios that require child pedestrian targets is expanding and will continue to increase, "said Jordan Silberling, General Manager of DRI." Following the success of the Soft Pedestrian 360 adult version, we have noticed a growing demand for child pedestrian targets that can meet an increasing number of test scenario requirements and use the same mature architecture and technology as the Soft Pedestrian 360 target

In order to minimize damage to the test vehicle, the new Soft Pedestrian 360 Child adopts the same modular structure as Soft Pedestrian 360 to reduce the mass of any individual components that may come into contact with the test vehicle and cause damage. In addition, the servers that operate the articulated legs are also completely wrapped in foam and located in each assembly. This design ensures that there are no exposed hard points that may come into contact with the test vehicle. Therefore, if the target limb disconnects after impact, the test vehicle will be protected.

Silberling commented, "During the testing process, downtime caused by damage to the testing vehicle or target is a significant factor affecting the total cost of testing. Our goal is to help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure efficient testing."

Focusing on minimizing downtime, we connected the limbs of Soft Pedestrian 360 Child to the torso through foam blocks, which were combined with corresponding slots in the torso. This design allows for the replacement of leg sub components within one minute. The child pedestrian target also utilizes the same new sliding clutch as the adult target to prevent reverse driving of the server during collisions, thereby avoiding damage to the pedestrian target and improving its durability. The cross compatibility of these components helps to reduce the overall cost of testing and minimize the requirement for storing spare parts.

In addition, the Soft Pedestrian 360 Child uses the same wear-resistant fabric clothing as the Soft Pedestrian 360, which can prevent the foam core material from wearing or tearing, thus maintaining consistent shape throughout the test process. This clothing is cost-effective and can be easily replaced in case of damage.

To ensure the authenticity of the target, DRI also conducted extensive closed field testing using its internally developed radar and LiDAR measurement systems to calibrate the target's reflectivity. Therefore, it can accurately characterize child pedestrians into sensor perception systems.

The target of this trip also adopted a specific age gait that imitates children's walking. Utilize ADAS platforms equipped with targets (such as LaunchPad) ™ The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) on Spin automatically synchronizes the movement of the target with its position, velocity, and acceleration relative to the starting point. This method ensures realistic gait, speed matching, and does not require manual adjustment of gait based on different testing scenarios or changes.

Silberling continued, "Pedestrian target legs are currently articulated according to relevant industry regulations. However, with modular technology features, we provide a future oriented design that allows users to easily articulate their arms and heads in the event of legislative changes or original equipment manufacturers wanting to conduct more extensive testing

This next-generation pedestrian target is designed and manufactured by DRI, a subsidiary of AB Dynamics Group located in California. The company provides research and testing services to leading original equipment manufacturers worldwide, completing hundreds of tests annually, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program (NHTSA NCAP), and European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) testing. DRI utilizes its extensive practical experience in testing targets and equipment to design, develop, and produce the Soft Car 360 ®. Waiting for a series of excellent alternative targets.

The Soft Pedestrian 360 Child will make its debut at the Automotive Testing and Quality Control Expo (China) held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center from August 28th to 30th. This product will be showcased at the AB Dynamics booth (booth number 7005) along with various ADAS testing solution combinations.

About AB Dynamics

AB Dynamics is an automotive testing system supplier that provides various closed field and laboratory testing equipment and services. From developing suspension and steering system equipment to driving robots and ADAS goals and platforms, AB Dynamics provides products and services to all of the world's top automotive manufacturers. If you would like to further understand AB Dynamics and its solutions, please visit abdynamics.com.

About DRI

DRI is a company under AB Dynamics Group that provides year-round dynamic, ADAS, and K&C testing services at its testing facility in California, as well as comprehensive human factors research services, with a world leading range of ADAS testing alternatives.

Welcome to inquire with Guangzhou Zeer Testing Technology Co., Ltd. for more product related information.