IAAPS to pair advanced simulator with 4WD powertrain test facility to accelerate motorsport and automotive development
Immersive Driver-in-the-Loop simulator will connect with a 1,800 kW four-wheel-drive powertrain test facility
Will combine human inputs, simulated vehicle dynamics and physical propulsion hardware in real time
Enables complex vehicle systems to be developed and validated earlier in the development cycle, reducing technical risk and reliance on physical prototypes
Helps customers optimise vehicle setup, strategy and driver performance while reducing track time, tyre use and vehicle mileage
30 September 2026: An advanced Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator will combine virtual vehicle dynamics with physical propulsion hardware at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, supporting faster development for motorsport, automotive and wider transportation customers.
IAAPS will integrate an Ansible Motion Delta S2 simulator with its 1,800 kW four-wheel-drive powertrain test facility, bringing simulated vehicle behaviour, human driver inputs and physical powertrain hardware together within a single real-time development environment.
The new DiL simulator will enable customers to evaluate the dynamic interactions between the driver, propulsion system and vehicle systems. Complex development and validation work can begin earlier, helping to reduce technical risk, physical prototype testing requirements and overall development time.
The simulator has already supported race preparation involving F1 Academy driver Rachel Robertson. IAAPS is now engaging with organisations across motorsport, automotive and the wider transportation sector to realise the capability’s broader potential.
For motorsport customers, the simulator supports vehicle setup optimisation, calibration, strategy development and scenario testing. Drivers can also use the platform for track familiarisation, race procedure practice, coaching and consistency training.
By evaluating more options before arriving at the circuit, teams and drivers can make better engineering decisions while reducing their use of valuable track time, tyres and vehicle mileage. The controlled environment can also help develop driver confidence and improve communication between drivers and engineers.
Benefits for motorsport teams and technology partners
The new IAAPS DiL simulator gives motorsport organisations and individual competitors access to professional simulation tools and engineering support without the cost and complexity of owning and operating their own simulator facility.
IAAPS supports the capability with integrated engineering services spanning real-time simulation, X-in-the-Loop methodologies, physical testing, control systems, data analysis and vehicle development.
“This capability gives customers a flexible platform for a diverse range of applications, from race preparation and driver optimisation to automotive and wider transportation development,” said Professor Rob Oliver, Managing Director of IAAPS. “By combining simulation with our advanced
facilities and engineering expertise, we can help customers develop and validate complex systems earlier, more efficiently and with reduced technical risk.”
Benefits for OEMs and technology suppliers
For automotive manufacturers and technology suppliers, the DiL simulator accelerates vehicle development by moving testing and validation into a controlled, rig-based environment earlier in a programme.
Driver behaviour, propulsion system response and wider vehicle functions can be evaluated before a complete physical prototype is available. This supports more efficient development and validation of internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles while reducing dependence on physical prototypes and on-road testing.
Applications beyond automotive
The adaptability of the platform also creates opportunities outside the automotive sector. Potential applications include combining operator training with control system validation for aerospace and marine organisations, allowing human interaction with complex systems to be assessed safely and repeatably.
The Delta S2 simulator features a six-degree-of-freedom motion base, an immersive projection-based visual system and an interchangeable cockpit. It forms part of IAAPS’ broader portfolio of research, engineering and testing services for the development of future propulsion systems, technologies and advanced validation methods.
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