Modular Vehicle Configurator for Simulations with MATLAB and Git

The automotive industry’s increasing reliance on simulations for efficient vehicle development necessitates a robust infrastructure to manage and scale these simulations effectively. This presentation expands upon a key module within Rivian’s Vehicle Simulation Interface tool, previously presented at MAC 2023: a virtual vehicle configurator designed to promote data integrity and consistency. Recognizing that reliable simulations depend on both accurate models and trustworthy input data with full traceability, this configurator focuses on the latter, ensuring confidence in simulation results.

This solution based on MATLAB^® and Git™ empowers engineers to construct virtual vehicle data structures by combining modular components such as the aero, springs, motor, battery, tires, and other constituent “parts.” By enforcing the use of gold-source approved data, the configurator guarantees consistency and traceability of vehicle parameters within simulations. Leveraging MATLAB App Designer and object-oriented programming, it provides an intuitive interface for building and managing these configurations. Git integration provides a robust foundation for version control, facilitating collaboration and streamlined data management. The system employs a structured JSON file format for storing component data, promoting interoperability with tools beyond MATLAB. This approach enhances ownership and traceability, linking components to specific engineers and tracking their development lifecycle. Crucially, the configurator accelerates product development by enabling rapid iteration on vehicle components within a simulation environment—a process that would be impractical with physical prototypes in a short timeframe. By automating data management and ensuring data integrity, the system minimizes manual effort, allowing engineers to focus on design and analysis.

In this presentation, explore the configurator’s architecture and see how the synergistic use of MATLAB, Git, and JSON files create a robust and scalable solution for managing vehicle simulation data, ultimately improving efficiency and collaboration in virtual vehicle development.