Driver-in-the-Loop Simulations

Håkan Richardson, of Chalmers Formula Student team, and Christoph Hahn, of MathWorks, discuss driver-in-the-loop simulations, an approach to put drivers in a virtual cockpit. While discussing the core concept, they highlight the opportunity for the driver to gain actual experience with the car. This will improve efficiency, which is key for Eco Marathon teams. The results presented are a team effort with contributions from Adam Eriksson, Gustav Gräsberg, Eric Matsson, Peter Ostrowskis,​ and Håkan.

After a general introduction into driver-in-the-loop simulations, you will get an overview of the CDIO Academy Award-winning approach of the Chalmers Vera team. To give the user a realistic driver experience, they use monitors and a Stewart platform. The connection between their motion cueing concept realized in Simulink and the actual hardware is provided by a software package called “ePhyse” developed by Cruden. Håkan explains the main concept and the vehicle model in more detail. The power train model relies on a semi-empirical approach whereas the vehicle dynamics are modeled using a single-track model. To get more information about vehicle modeling, visit the MATLAB and Simulink student lounge.

A visual presentation of the driver-in-the-loop simulation gives you an impression of the hardware mockup and the functionality of the model.

Finally, Håkan shares the ideas of the Chalmers Vera team to improve their driver-in-the-loop simulation based on their experience.

For more information about the Chalmers Racing team and the CDIO Initiative, visit their websites:

Chalmers Formula Student