Virtual Prototyping Architecture

To continue increasing the capabilities of technology, it is important to develop new materials and components. However, the development cycle of a new material or component can be very time consuming and costly. We propose to explore the concept ofcreating a virtual prototyping simulation that can increase the speed and reduce the cost at which new materials and components are developed. In particular, the design and production of vehicles frequently require that physical prototypes be made ofcertain subcomponents. These prototypes can be very costly and time consuming. Furthermore, multiple revisions of the prototype often need to be made during the design process. In order to decrease the cost of system design and decrease the time to market,a new method for design is needed. Therefore, Cybernet proposes to build a virtual systems integration laboratory (VSIL) leveraging Cybernet's experience in software architecture, systems modeling, sensor development, vehicle modeling, and hardwaretesting. Cybernet has years of experience in the various areas that will be important in designing the overall system. This experience relevant to the proposed project includes work in software architecture design, physical systems modeling and simulation,networking, virtual testing, procedural training, database design, and data collection. While designed for vehicle design, the proposed technology will be applicable to the creation of almost any new material or component. As such, it will greatly reducethe development cost of new materials and will increase their performance.