ANSYS acquires OPTIS, maker of autonomous vehicle simulation software for lidar, cameras, radar

May 15, 2018

Says it now offers a comprehensive solution for simulating autonomous vehicles.

From sensor design to integration, OPTIS has a platform to virtually test, validate, and experience autonomous vehicles in accurate driving conditions.

ANSYS (Pittsburgh, PA; NASDAQ:ANSS) says it has completed acquisition of optical simulation company OPTIS (La Farlède, France), and now offers a comprehensive solution for simulating autonomous vehicles by adding OPTIS' optical sensor and closed-loop, real-time simulation to ANSYS's multiphysics portfolio.

With OPTIS, ANSYS capabilities now span the simulation of all sensors, including lidar, cameras, and radar; the multiphysics simulation of physical and electronic components; the analysis of systems functional safety; as well as the automated development of safety-certified embedded software. This functionality can be integrated into a closed-loop simulation environment that interacts with weather and traffic simulators, enabling thousands of driving scenarios to be executed virtually.

"As the industry races to develop safe autonomous vehicles, a comprehensive sensor solution is critical to autonomous vehicle development," said Jacques Delacour, OPTIS president and CEO. "Joining ANSYS enables us to provide the best radar, lidar, and camera simulation in the market within one toolset. Together we will significantly speed the development of autonomous vehicles."

Source: ANSYS

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.