Automated and autonomous vehicles are transforming vehicle inspection standards. In response, MAHA and dSPACE have partnered to deliver a test bench solution enabling workshops and inspection centres to assess the safety and function of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD) features throughout a vehicle's operational life.
The collaboration combines MAHA’s workshop inspection technology with dSPACE’s virtual driving scenario simulations, resulting in a vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) testing platform designed for both routine technical inspections and targeted functional checks.
As autonomous systems become more prevalent, workshops and testing organisations face increasing pressure to ensure ongoing system reliability. Vehicle-in-the-loop testing offers a way to verify the behaviour of ADAS and AD components under controlled yet realistic conditions.
MAHA provides its expertise in sensor stimulation and vehicle integration, while dSPACE contributes simulation capabilities, including over-the-air stimulation of sensors. The combined solution allows real vehicles to interact with virtual environments via their onboard systems, including acceleration, steering, and braking — as if they were on real roads.
According to both companies, the jointly developed test benches are designed to integrate into existing workshop infrastructure. The platform supports a range of scenarios, from routine city traffic to emergency manoeuvres such as lane changes and sudden braking.
A proof-of-concept has already demonstrated the technical feasibility of combining a chassis dynamometer with real-time simulation to create responsive and repeatable testing workflows.
In a joint statement, the CEOs of both companies highlighted the system’s ability to provide cost-effective and scalable inspection tools for the evolving vehicle landscape.
This development reflects a wider shift toward lifecycle-based validation of autonomous systems. As ADAS and AD capabilities grow more complex, inspection procedures must evolve from static visual checks to dynamic, sensor-based assessments. The use of vehicle-in-the-loop testing aligns with broader trends in smart mobility and the digitalisation of workshop tools. With the push toward software-defined vehicles, the ability to simulate and verify performance across scenarios (rather than relying solely on on-road testing) will become increasingly vital for regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
Tagged with: vehicle-in-the-loop testing, autonomous vehicle inspection, ADAS lifecycle testing, dSPACE, MAHA, workshop test benches, smart vehicle inspection, functional safety, autonomous vehicle validation
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