Vehicle Testing

Aurora-VT

To optimize a major automobile manufacturer’s vehicles for both nondestructive and crash testing, Stottler Henke customized Aurora with domain-specific heuristics used in the vehicle task planning process.

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About Aurora-VT

To optimize a major automobile manufacturer’s vehicles for both nondestructive and crash testing, Stottler Henke infused its intelligent planning and scheduling system, Aurora, with domain-specific heuristics used in the vehicle task planning process, resulting in a circa 10% decrease in the total number of vehicles needed to complete the same test/crash suite within the same time constraints. That is, Aurora-VT (Vehicle Testing) meets the same goals as the auto manufacturer already set, but with about 10% fewer vehicles; Aurora-VT has also increased the capability and ease to ask ‘what-if’ questions to further improve the schedule: for example, how much faster the test suite could be completed with only 5% fewer cars, or how many cars would be needed to complete the suite 15% quicker. Some new vehicle models may require over 100 vehicles; to date, Aurora-VT has saved over 10 vehicles, which translates into millions of dollars in savings for only one new vehicle model.

Aurora-VT is fueled by sophisticated artificial intelligence that optimizes automotive test schedules in order to complete work in a given time window while minimizing the total number of vehicles required. Aurora determines how to use fewer vehicles while providing improved transparency into what types of delays will affect the actual end date of the test suite, which not only allows for fewer vehicles to be built, but for enough safety to be built into the schedule so that the project goals of completing all tests within the desired timeframe, and, at the end of the day, verifying the vehicle performs as designed, can be achieved even with the inevitable unexpected events that will occur during the testing process.

Actual Crash Test Video

  • Ludwig, J., Kalton, A., Richards, R., Bautsch, B., & Walker, L. (2024).

    “Lessons Learned from a Schedule Optimization Tool for Prototype Vehicle Testing.” Presented at the KEPS 2024 Workshop at the International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling. Banff, Canada, June 2-3 2024. Paper.

  • Ludwig, J., Kalton, A., Richards, R., Bautsch, B., Markusic, C., & Jones, C. (2016).

    “Deploying a Schedule Optimization Tool for Vehicle Testing.” International Conference on Automated Planning & Scheduling (ICAPS) 2016. London, U.K., June 12-17, 2016. Paper. Presentation.

  • Ludwig, J., Kalton, A., Richards, R., Bautsch, B., Markusic, C., & Schumacher, J. (2014).

    “A Schedule Optimization Tool for Destructive and Non-Destructive Vehicle Tests.” Proceedings of the Twenty-Sixth Annual Conference on Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence (IAAI 2014). Paper. Presentation.

Example of a smaller test suite

This Motortrend article, 2016 Honda Pilot Named Top Safety Pick + by IIHS (W/Video), describes aspects of vehicle testing, including an informative video with a vehicle impact test.

Example of a larger test suite; note that there is a variable build pitch for the test vehicles being constructed

Aurora-VT: Transforming Automotive Testing with Intelligent Scheduling

The world of automotive manufacturing is constantly evolving, with new vehicle models pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and technology. As manufacturers strive to meet safety standards, optimize production schedules, and maximize efficiency, effective testing becomes an essential part of the process. This is where Aurora-VT, a sophisticated automotive scheduling software, stands out. By infusing Stottler Henke’s powerful intelligent planning and scheduling system, Aurora, with domain-specific heuristics, it has revolutionized how vehicle testing is managed, saving manufacturers both time and money while still performing all the same required non-destructive and destructive testing.

Aurora-VT has been particularly effective in optimizing the vehicle safety-test planning process, which is crucial for both nondestructive and crash testing. By applying tailored algorithms to the testing process, Aurora-VT delivers optimized schedules that enable automotive manufacturers to complete the necessary testing suite with fewer vehicles—resulting in a significant reduction in testing costs.

Optimizing the Testing Process: Fewer Vehicles, Same Results

For a major automobile manufacturer, Aurora-VT has achieved impressive results by reducing the number of vehicles required to complete a test suite by approximately 10%. In practical terms, this means that instead of needing a larger fleet of vehicles for testing purposes, manufacturers can complete the same suite of tests and crash simulations with fewer vehicles, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings.

In one example, new vehicle models may require more than 100 vehicles to complete a comprehensive suite of tests. With Aurora-VT, that number is reduced, sometimes by as many as 10 vehicles. This reduction translates directly into millions of dollars saved for each new model. This type of efficiency would be nearly impossible without the use of sophisticated automotive prototype scheduling software like Aurora-VT.

“What-If” Scenarios: Enhanced Flexibility and Transparency

One of the standout features of Aurora-VT is its ability to handle what-if questions and provide manufacturers with new insights into how their test schedules could be optimized further. For example, Aurora-VT can simulate the impact of reducing the number of vehicles by just 5%, or how many fewer vehicles would be needed to complete the test suite 15% faster. These simulations allow manufacturers to explore different scenarios and make informed decisions based on the optimal number of vehicles and resources needed to meet their testing goals within a specific timeframe.

This flexibility enhances decision-making and provides manufacturers with a transparent view of the trade-offs involved in their scheduling decisions. By being able to quickly assess how different factors—such as reducing vehicle numbers or adjusting testing schedules—will affect the overall project timeline, automotive manufacturers can proactively address potential delays, improve efficiency, and ensure the timely completion of tests.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Scheduling Software

At the heart of Aurora-VT is advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that enables the system to create optimized schedules. The AI-powered engine uses sophisticated algorithms to minimize the total number of vehicles required while completing the work within the designated time window. Through the intelligent scheduling process, Aurora-VT is able to account for various constraints such as testing facility access, and required test parameters, all while ensuring the best use of available resources.

Furthermore, the AI-driven scheduling process allows for a high level of transparency, particularly in identifying the potential causes of delays. Aurora-VT can highlight which factors are most likely to impact the schedule, whether it’s unforeseen delays in testing or resource bottlenecks, giving manufacturers better visibility into the potential risks they face. This transparency is crucial for managing automotive testing projects effectively, as it allows stakeholders to adjust plans, allocate resources, and make decisions that minimize disruptions.

In addition to optimizing the number of vehicles needed, Aurora-VT also improves the overall safety and reliability of test schedules. The AI-based system incorporates safety margins, ensuring that even in the face of inevitable delays or unexpected events during testing, the project’s goals can still be met. With this added layer of safety, manufacturers can confidently move forward with their testing process without compromising on quality or testing requirements.

Streamlined Testing and Cost Savings

The main goal of Aurora-VT is to reduce the number of vehicles required for testing while ensuring that all tests are completed within the desired timeframe. This is accomplished through a combination of AI-driven optimization and domain-specific heuristics tailored to the unique needs of automotive testing. By reducing the total number of vehicles needed, automotive vehicle test scheduling software like Aurora-VT helps manufacturers lower their overall costs while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.

Beyond saving on the production and maintenance of additional test vehicles, Aurora-VT also enhances testing efficiency. The reduction in the number of vehicles required means less time spent on logistical coordination, vehicle management, and transportation between testing sites. Manufacturers can now complete more tests within a shorter window, accelerating the development cycle and allowing for faster product releases to market. This efficiency directly contributes to the overall competitiveness of the manufacturer.

A Solution for the Future of Automotive Manufacturing

As the automotive industry continues to advance, the pressure to optimize testing schedules and reduce costs will only increase. Aurora-VT is positioned to meet these challenges head-on, offering a powerful and intelligent solution to scheduling that not only helps manufacturers meet their goals but exceeds them. With the ability to handle complex scheduling tasks and provide accurate projections for time and resource allocation, Aurora-VT provides an unfair competitive advantage for any automotive manufacturer looking to stay ahead of the competition.

By utilizing automotive scheduling software like Aurora-VT, manufacturers can achieve significant cost savings, streamline testing processes, and make informed decisions based on real-time data and projections. The integration of AI into the scheduling process elevates the capabilities of Aurora-VT, making it an indispensable tool for optimizing the vehicle testing process.

Conclusion: Maximizing Efficiency in Automotive Testing

Aurora-VT represents a significant leap forward in the world of automotive testing and scheduling. By reducing the number of vehicles needed for testing, improving transparency, and enabling manufacturers to model various scenarios for testing efficiency, Aurora-VT delivers tangible cost savings and better overall performance. The AI-driven approach to optimizing testing schedules ensures that manufacturers can meet their testing goals while maintaining high levels of safety, reliability, and quality.

For automotive manufacturers looking to enhance their testing processes and improve their bottom line, Aurora-VT is a powerful enabler. With its ability to minimize the number of vehicles required, provide deep insights into potential delays, and allow for flexible scheduling adjustments, Aurora-VT is a game-changer in the automotive industry. As vehicle models become more complex and testing requirements grow, Aurora-VT will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that manufacturers can meet their goals efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.

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