A new software program allows carmakers to test a car's crash-worthiness virtually, without damaging it physically. Using statistical analysis, Key Safety Systems's AutoDOE software can predict the effect of a crash on a given product design, adjusted to such variables as impact speed, occupant size, and air bag and seat characteristics, in any number of combinations. Plus, as more crash data is incorporated into the system — on potential injuries, for example — engineers could one day use the results to create super-safe vehicles, with features such as medicine stored in an air bag during deployment to provide a medical first response. And think of how awesome it would be on PS2 — a crash-test version of GT4. Oh, we'd buy that.
Software cuts out test dummy [The Detroit News]
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