All AUDI AG Crash-Test Dummies to be equipped with nxt integrated in-dummy measuring technology

KT  Automotive GmbH, the world's leading supplier of data recording systems for automotive safety tests (crash tests) has been awarded a contract by AUDI AG to fit all existing crash test dummies with integrated in-dummy measuring technology. Developed by KT Automotive, this proprietary technology will enable the customer to manage the sharp increase in crash test requirements far more efficiently in the future.

Traditionally, force, momentum and acceleration data for the dummies is measured using equipment fitted at the rear of the trial vehicle. Given the rising number of measuring channels (over 100 per dummy), there is no longer sufficient space in the car trunk to hold the equipment. In addition, fitting times have increasingly grown in the past few years, thus materially adding to the amount of work required to prepare the tests as each measuring channel must be connected individually and manually to the on-board measuring equipment.  The system developed by KT Automotive integrates the electronics required for digitizing and storing the measuring data inside the dummy close to the sensors, with the individual channels networked digitally with each other using USB connections. As a result, each dummy is connected to the system using a single Ethernet link and can thus be prepared for use in the space of only a few minutes.

Explains, Gerhard Haas, managing director of KT Automotive GmbH: "AUDI AG is one of the first OEMs to have realized that converting the dummies can make a material contribution to boosting the efficiency of crash tests. We assume that the main reasons prompting the decision to award KT Automotive with the contract despite the strong competition was the great flexibility afforded by our product, its compatibility with existing hardware and software and our extensive range of services. Our decision made many years ago to develop efficient in-dummy solutions and to train our employees to become genuine specialists in this area has paid off. Only in this way are we able to convert, verify and certify dummies under a single roof for our customers. The contract clearly shows that the future of crash test measurement technology lies within the dummy.

KT Automotive GmbH was spun off as a separate company from the Munich-based space and technology company Kayser-Threde GmbH in August 2008. With more than 100 customers in over 15 countries it holds some 65% of the market for crash test measuring technology.

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