Simulation: Billions of Virtual Miles for Real-World Safety
Before an autonomous vehicle ever drives a real mile, its software logs billions of miles in sophisticated simulation environments. These simulators can recreate countless driving scenarios, from everyday situations to extremely dangerous "edge cases" that are rare on public roads. This allows developers to test software updates, validate sensor performance, and train AI algorithms safely, efficiently, and at a scale impossible to achieve with physical testing alone.
FAQ:
Q: What kind of scenarios are tested in simulation?
A: Everything from a child running into the street, to complex multi-vehicle intersections, to adverse weather conditions like blinding sun or black ice. The goal is to expose the software to the infinite complexity of the real world.
Q: Can simulation replace real-world testing completely?
A: No, it's a complement. Physical validation on closed courses and public roads is still essential to confirm that the software behaves as expected in the real, unpredictable physical environment.
