UK-based company rFpro has introduced a new platform to train and develop autonomous vehicles in simulation.

The technology, now commercially available, utilises digital environments to represent the actual world enabling automobile manufacturers to test their systems in simulation under various situations.

rFpro technical director Chris Hoyle said: “Our platform enables vehicle manufacturers to thoroughly test their technology and be absolutely confident in their systems before validation on real roads.

“The vehicle hardware, such as the cameras and sensors, are already approaching the level required to achieve a fully autonomous world but it is the ‘brain’, the vehicles ability to make appropriate decisions, that needs to be further developed.”

The new platform aims to achieve accurate levels of the real world in simulation that will enable the operator to test various sensors that are used for autonomous vehicles.

“By using multiple computers 24/7, manufacturers can undertake millions of miles of testing every month using our platform.”

rFpro also developed a library of real roads for simulation process created through highly precise scanning technology.

The user can manage all real-world variables in this simulation, including traffic, pedestrians, weather and location.

Hoyle added: “By using multiple computers 24/7, manufacturers can undertake millions of miles of testing every month using our platform.

“Humans can also be introduced into the simulation, controlling surrounding cars or pedestrians, so we can assess an autonomous vehicle’s decision making and also the interaction between the vehicle and the driver, but most importantly it is carried out in a safe environment.”

Developed over three years, the technology has been adopted by two major vehicle manufacturers and three autonomous car developers.