The HexaRev from VI-grade is a next-generation Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) motion simulator that addresses a critical bottleneck in automotive development: the ability to accurately and safely evaluate vehicle behavior in highly dynamic scenarios—without reliance on physical prototypes. Traditional simulation platforms often struggle with realism, limited motion envelopes, and mechanical inefficiencies. HexaRev overcomes these constraints through a revolutionary mechanical architecture, enabling significantly faster, safer, and more cost-effective vehicle development.
At its core, HexaRev features a novel mechanical design: a high-performance 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) motion platform that delivers unmatched fidelity, system responsiveness, and motion efficiency. Unlike conventional hexapod-based systems, HexaRev features a direct-drive architecture with no belts, gears, or ball screws—minimizing latency, eliminating parasitic vibration, and increasing system reliability.
Key Benefits:
- Public safety & injury prevention: By allowing engineers to test extreme scenarios (e.g., emergency braking, evasive maneuvers, ADAS calibration) in a controlled environment, HexaRev helps prevent accidents and improves the safety of future vehicles.
- Sustainability & cost savings: HexaRev reduces the need for physical prototypes and real-world testing, significantly cutting emissions, material use, and time-to-market.
- Job creation & productivity: Enables faster, more iterative engineering, creating demand for skilled simulation specialists and expanding opportunities in virtual development.
Innovative Edge:
- ~50% better motion envelope-to-footprint efficiency vs. traditional systems
- Ultra-low-latency direct-drive system ensures superior tactile realism
- Integrated with VI-grade’s Full Spectrum Simulator ecosystem for synchronized motion, vibration (7-DoF tactile feedback), and immersive sound
HexaRev isn’t just a motion platform—it’s a fully immersive simulation environment. Combined with VI-grade’s Hyperdock, it delivers full-body sensory feedback and leverages VI-ZeroLatency™ technology to provide instant driver response, critical for tuning vehicle dynamics, NVH, and HMI systems.
Applications & Market Potential:
HexaRev is ideal for automakers, motorsport teams, suppliers, and research institutions. As the industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles and autonomous systems, demand for accurate, immersive, and safe simulation platforms is exploding. HexaRev positions VI-grade at the forefront of this transformation.
Manufacturing & Cost:
HexaRev’s design prioritizes mechanical simplicity, reducing maintenance needs and streamlining production. Its direct-drive approach eliminates complex components, lowering production and ownership costs while increasing uptime and longevity compared to traditional simulators.
Why HexaRev Matters:
By enabling faster innovation, better safety, and reduced resource consumption, HexaRev aligns with the core goals of the Create the Future contest. It supports the public good by:
- Improving vehicle safety and testing precision
- Reducing time, waste, and cost in development
- Accelerating clean, efficient transportation innovation
HexaRev is not just a step forward—it’s a leap into the future of mobility.
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About the Entrant
- Name:Dianne Bell
- Type of entry:teamTeam members:
- Dave Bogema
- Diego Minen
- Gabriele Ferrarotti
- Software used for this entry:VI-grade software stack – VI-DriveSim, VI-Worldsim, VI-CarRealTime, Simsound and VI-NVHSim. VI-Drivesim enables an open environment for multiple types of 3rd party software for simulation through our VI-Certified program, along with SIL and HIL capabilities