Ray tracing simulation promises auto AI boost

Developed by UK software firm rFpro, the ray tracing rendering technology is claimed to be the first to accurately simulate how a vehicle’s sensor system perceives the world. Automotive AI and autonomous systems are currently still heavily reliant on real-world testing for much of their training. Simulation that more accurately represents reality is seen as an important tool that will speed up the development of autonomous vehicles, allowing much more rapid progress in the sector.  

“The industry has widely accepted that simulation is the only way to safely and thoroughly subject AVs and autonomy systems to a substantial number of edge cases to train AI and prove they are safe,” said Matt Daley, operations director at rFpro.

“However, up until now, the fidelity of simulation hasn’t been high enough to replace real-world data. Our ray tracing technology is a physically modelled simulation solution that has been specifically developed for sensor systems to accurately replicate the way they ‘see’ the world.”