Test bench automation in the development of commercial vehicles
Our recent article published by Beckhoff highlights how advanced test bench automation is transforming commercial vehicle development. As vehicle architectures become more complex and powertrain technologies diversify, traditional testing approaches are no longer sufficient. By combining PC-based control, intelligent bus integration, and scalable automation platforms, modern test benches enable realistic, reproducible, and highly efficient validation processes within a controlled laboratory environment.
Test Bench Automation in Commercial Vehicle Development
Modern commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly complex. Multiple powertrain technologies, stricter emission regulations, and rising efficiency requirements significantly increase the need for reliable and repeatable testing. Test bench automation provides a powerful solution to simulate real driving conditions within a controlled laboratory environment.
Automated test benches enable precise replication of load profiles, climate conditions, and driving resistance. Using PC-based control systems, vehicle functions such as drive mode, gear selection, and pedal position can be operated directly from the control room. Integration into existing vehicle bus systems ensures safe, reproducible, and consistent test execution – independent of external influences.
Key characteristics of modern test bench solutions include:
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Simulation of real driving cycles under laboratory conditions
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Automated test sequences with high repeatability
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Integration of CAN communication and vehicle control systems
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Flexible use for diesel, electric, and alternative powertrains
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Scalable, PC-based automation architecture
As electrification and system complexity continue to grow, test bench automation is becoming a central element of efficient development processes in the commercial vehicle industry. The full technical article provides deeper insights into the implementation details and system architecture behind this solution.
Our solutions make it possible for you to run and document systematic, structured, repeatable test and verification processes. From the general control of commonly used automotive test solutions, through manually configurable test environments to specialist automation solutions and simulations. Our range reliably covers all test requirements. Softing offers you all-embracing software, test solutions, electronic test tools and scalable test apparatus. Which you can flexibly and modularly tune to your individual test requirements.
You are already using a test sequencer?
We have concluded a large number of projects with a whole range of standard test sequencers and implement these successfully in our test environments. Why not take advantage of our experience in the creation of turnkey solutions for diagnostic and function tests (including ECU access and hardware set-up as well as training).
- Engineering tester
- Test systems for diagnostics
- Test systems for residual bus simulation
- Test automation
- Test solutions (hardware)
- Simulation
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