VAIVA GmbH - Safe Mobility

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VAIVA from A to Z – K

Theresa Ley,

We want to bring VAIVA closer. From our technologies to our work environment, we present the most important topics with VAIVA from A to Z.

K for Kinematics

Safe mobility begins with understanding how vehicles move and what forces act, in short vehicle kinematics. With the most precise analyses and visualizations possible, targeted driver assistance systems can be developed.

For the most accurate analysis possible, taking into account the vehicle kinematics, an enormous amount of real or realistic accident and normal driving data and powerful analysis tools are required. Our experts have taken on precisely this topic on behalf of AUDI AG and created two essential foundations: a harmonized database for a wide variety of accident and traffic situations and the Travis analysis tool (trajectory analysis and visualization).

From the specification of the database structure, to the consideration of a wide variety of data sources with accident surveys from various research projects, drone observations and also scenarios based on the findings from accident databases and the examination of the quality and suitability of these data sources, we have contributed our entire expertise.

The Travis tool developed by us exclusively for AUDI AG helps in further work. From a large number of scenarios, the required ones can be filtered out or defined using SQL, for example driving maneuvers, accident constellations, the type of road users involved and the traffic infrastructure can be defined and graphically represented. In addition to the numerous visualization options, Travis also offers analysis options. In this way, the decisive evaluations of kinematics and criticality can be performed.

However, important findings about vehicle kinematics can also be drawn from accident research. Our accident research, for example, is regularly on the roads, gathers information and develops corresponding 3D road models. Always with the goal of achieving the best possible results for further development work.

In recent years, we have optimized the investigation of accident sites and vehicles in such a way that we can now create extremely realistic 3D representations. This means even better ways to show accident sites and damage to vehicles. Detailed photo documentation at the scene of the accident and on the vehicle involved in the accident forms the basis for this. Subsequently, detailed 3D models can be generated with the help of photogrammetry in addition to point clouds. If these are then compared with a CAD model of the vehicle involved in the accident, deformation depths and damage can be evaluated and digitized very precisely.

Our accident research team makes an important contribution to the progress of our safety technologies. Because the models created are not only interesting for research. They also offer our function developers a real test environment for virtual testing. Therefore, the more accurate the accident survey and the more realistic the 3D models, the more extensive the subsequent analyses, tests and further developments.

And K for Knowledge

Anyone who works with the highest quality standards for safety functions of the future and lives by the principle of state-of-the-art development must be able to demonstrate a high level of expert knowledge. Knowledge and experience thus become one of the most important resources in development. It is therefore not without reason that we bring together many bright minds who, with their respective specializations, contribute to an imaginative and creative environment.

We encourage a constant thirst for knowledge in a variety of ways. Be it through training, courses, further qualifications or learning platforms. Even more important, however, is that knowledge is also shared and applied. Our principals, for example, are specialists in their respective fields. They give valuable tips and advice, train other colleagues, provide information and are the point of contact for open questions.

We also share knowledge via various other channels or event formats. At our TME (“Talk, Meet, Eat”), the Understanding Sessions, in our Wiki, at network meetings, with scientific papers, with presentations at conferences or with our Advisory business area. Knowledge transfer is not a one-way street. Only those who dare to think outside the box and are open to new ideas can continue to learn and improve.

It doesn’t always have to be just about technical knowledge. There is always something new to discover in working methods, project organization, communication techniques, psychological safety and many other aspects.

Incidentally, knowledge is also closely linked to appreciation. Because everyone makes a decisive contribution to the safe mobility of the future with their specific knowledge. Whether in the specialist departments or on our staff. VAIVA would not function without each other. We never lose sight of this appreciation.