AB Dynamics has acquired simulation software specialist rFpro. rFpro now has the resources to accelerate its growth in the ADAS and autonomous markets while AB Dynamics further strengthens its position in the field.
rFpro is a specialist in the development of driving simulation tools for testing ADAS, autonomous vehicle technologies and vehicle dynamics solutions.
rFpro also supports the motorsport market and AB Dynamics recently sold its advanced Vehicle Driving Simulator, running the rFpro simulation environment, to the Sauber Group’s F1 team Alfa Romeo Racing.
“To keep up with demand from the ADAS and autonomous vehicle markets we needed to find a global partner,” said Chris Hoyle, rFpro’s technical director. “AB Dynamics perfectly overlaps into our core markets: ADAS, autonomous, vehicle dynamics and motorsport. The real power behind rFpro is our team of passionate and talented engineers, so it was important to find a partner that would be a great fit culturally, too.”
rFpro’s simulation tools complement AB Dynamics’ portfolio of test equipment, such as driving robots and test rigs. Customers will now be able to test and develop vehicles in a virtual environment before real world validation by a single supplier.
“The acquisition fits squarely in our stated strategy to develop the group through organic and acquisitive growth,” said Dr James Routh, CEO at AB Dynamics. “Importantly, it provides the group with direct access to the potentially high growth simulation-based verification market for ADAS and autonomous vehicles, which complements the existing track testing business. It also enables the group to more rapidly develop and grow its existing aVDS simulator product line.
“We’re really excited about the way the two companies’ products, from both the real and the virtual sides of the testing market, can combine and create a seamless test platform from data center through to proving ground.”
rFpro will remain an independent company, with its own brand and will continue to supply other driving simulator and test equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry. Chris Hoyle, rFpro’s founder, will continue to head up the company, focusing on the technical and creative side of the business.