Euro NCAP Endorses Soft Motorcycle 360 for Advanced Rider Assistance Systems Testing
The Soft Motorcycle 360, a cutting-edge solution for testing motorcycle safety, has received official approval for use in Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) testing protocols. This endorsement positions the Soft Motorcycle 360, alongside the LaunchPad 80, as a vital tool for executing comprehensive motorcycle-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) test scenarios mandated by Euro NCAP.
Soft Motorcycle 360 ADAS Target for Euro NCAP Testing
Developed and manufactured by DRI, a sister company of AB Dynamics, the Soft Motorcycle 360 is now accredited for seamless integration with the LaunchPad 80 ADAS platform. This combination offers a complete and efficient approach to evaluating motorcycle ADAS technologies, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards.
Dr. Andrew Pick, Director of Track Testing Systems at AB Dynamics, commented on this significant achievement: “The Euro NCAP approval for the Soft Motorcycle 360 is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. Together with the LaunchPad 80, it delivers an integrated and highly effective system for conducting motorcycle ADAS testing scenarios in a cost-efficient manner.”
The Soft Motorcycle 360 represents a leap forward in Powered Two-Wheeler (PTW) test targets. Its innovative multi-layered construction and rotating wheels are engineered to provide radar sensors with a realistic Doppler effect. This crucial feature ensures that critical vehicle sensor systems, including cameras and LiDAR, can accurately detect and recognize the target, mimicking real-world scenarios with exceptional fidelity. The target’s modular design, constructed from a lightweight yet robust, abrasion-resistant rubberized material, facilitates rapid assembly and straightforward reconstruction after impacts. This design significantly minimizes testing downtime and reduces repair expenditures, making it a valuable asset for efficient testing programs.
Specifically designed to address the latest 2023 Euro NCAP motorcycle test scenarios, the Soft Motorcycle 360 is perfectly suited for evaluating critical safety situations, including:
- Car to Motorcycle Rear Stationary (CMRs) assessments
- Car to Motorcycle Rear braking (CMRb) evaluations
- Car to Motorcycle Front turn across path (CMFtap) scenarios
- Car to Motorcycle oncoming (CMoncoming) situations
- Car to Motorcycle overtaking (CMovertaking) scenarios
Dr. Andrew Pick further emphasized the collaborative effort behind this innovation: “DRI’s extensive collaboration with leading global safety organizations and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) has been fundamental to the development of the Soft Motorcycle 360. DRI prioritized minimizing damage to the test vehicle and enhancing the product’s realism. This focus ensures the Soft Motorcycle 360 remains effective and relevant even for the next generation of advanced sensor systems, offering a future-proof solution for motorcycle ADAS testing and representing a sound investment in safety assessment.”
Rigorous testing protocols were implemented to guarantee the reliability, accuracy, and efficiency of both the Soft Motorcycle 360 and LaunchPad 80 in ADAS testing environments, ensuring they meet Euro NCAP’s demanding benchmarks. These products underwent comprehensive evaluations to satisfy precise technical specifications. AB Dynamics collaborated closely with a recognized Euro NCAP laboratory, generating certification data and conducting extensive back-to-back testing to validate performance and compliance.
The Soft Motorcycle 360’s approval is specifically for its configuration with the LaunchPad 80, which earned Euro NCAP approval as a PTW target platform in 2022. This powerful combination enables safe and precisely controlled testing at speeds reaching up to 80 km/h and braking exceeding 0.6g, surpassing Euro NCAP testing requirements. The exceptional stability and maneuverability of the LaunchPad 80 allow for ADAS and autonomous vehicle testing involving motorcyclist and moped targets across a spectrum of complex and realistic scenarios.
For those interested in experiencing a live demonstration of the Soft Motorcycle 360 and LaunchPad 80, please reach out to [email protected].