Creating an accurate virtual world in the form of 3D models is critical for autonomous vehicle (AV) simulation used in development and testing.
Agility3 is providing these highly accurate models to NVIDIA, the global leader in accelerated computing, AI and computer graphics, for integration in DRIVE Sim environments.
NVIDIA DRIVE Sim™ is an end-to-end platform, powered by Omniverse and architected from the ground up to run large-scale, physically accurate multi-sensor simulation. It supports AV development and validation from concept to deployment, with functionality and compute performance appropriate for each stage.
Agility3 recently worked with NVIDIA on a project that involved creating a detailed 3D virtual environment model of the whole of downtown San Jose, providing the minutely accurate spatial and visual data on which DRIVE Sim depends to replicate real-world autonomous driving situations, challenges, and dangers. You can see NVIDIA DRIVE Sim™ in action here.
Ultimately, many other locations will be replicated (Santa Clara, for example, is also currently a focus), enabling cutting-edge simulation for AV developers across the globe.
What’s particularly exciting about this project is that the extraordinarily powerful DRIVE Sim platform, used by NVIDIA’s own AV development team, has enabled us to build our models with a much higher level of detail and realism.
What is the commercial outlook?
The growth of AV simulation is driven by the need for scalable, physically accurate testing and validation for self-driving technology.
While the global autonomous vehicle market demand was estimated at around 51.6 thousand units in 2021, from 2022 to 2030 it is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.6% – a huge increase.
The driving simulator market, for its part, was valued at £3.75 billion ($4.6 billion) in 2019 but is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% until the end of 2027.
Within this timeline, we believe DRIVE Sim is extremely well positioned to respond to the market, as it delivers a number of compelling benefits.
Advantages of NVIDIA DRIVE Sim
DRIVE Sim is open, scalable, and modular, delivering the kind of flexibility that improves developer productivity and accelerates time to market.
In addition, it includes an expanding library of ultra-realistic virtual environments, with content developed by Agility3 using techniques perfected and proven over the last ten years in simulator applications for road and rail, as well as in virtual and augmented reality applications for construction, training, and other sectors.
The combination of DRIVE Sim’s innovation and accessibility and an AV market hungry for synthetic environment models in which to test and perfect their sensors and systems is a potent one that bodes well for the future.
A Growing Collaboration
The world of AV, 3D modelling, and vizualisation is evolving at high speed, but Agility3’s relationship with NVIDIA shows that we’re ahead of the curve with the market’s greatest innovator.
Alex Hyder, Director of DRIVE Sim Development at NVIDIA, commented: “The 3D modelling skills Agility3 is bringing to DRIVE Sim will enable us to continue maximising the value we deliver to our customers in rapidly growing sectors such as AV development.”
From our point of view, of course, association with an industry leader like NVIDIA is an honour, but also evidence that what we do, we do exceptionally well.
Dave Turner, Director at Agility3, says: “The ability of Agility3’s 3D modelling team to deliver detail and realism at a truly exceptional level is now, thanks to NVIDIA, a matter of public record. We’re delighted that the journey of the last ten years has led us to this stage, which we see as a real catalyst for the future of our business.”
Today, San Jose, tomorrow, who knows? Bring it on, in glorious 3D.
For more information on our 3D vizualisation and modelling solutions for road, rail, construction, training, and other sectors, get in touch.