SUSPENSION PLENARY

Suspension Plenary.

Focus Day | 11 June 2024

7:30 am - 8:50 am REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS

8:50 am - 9:00 am AUTOMOTIVE IQ WELCOMES YOU TO AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA 2024

9:00 am - 9:10 am CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS

9:10 am - 9:50 am EXAMINING CUTTING-EDGE DEVELOPMENTS IN INTEGRATED CHASSIS CONTROL PRESENTATION PART ONE

Daniel Vilela - CAE Engineering Group Manager, General Motors

HEAR OEM & TIER-1 VISIONS TO FULLY INTEGRATE STEERING, BRAKING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

 

Understand the OEM and Tier-1 roadmaps for integrated chassis systems.

Learn long-term strategies to create a unified control architecture, integrating braking, steering, suspension, and drive line systems.

Understand how business models are changing/will change when an OEM purchases a complete chassis system.

Understand the industry outlook for market penetration of integrated chassis control systems.

Assess the cost implications of integrated systems, and potential cost saving solutions.

Gain insight into the shift in skateboard manufacturing to incorporate brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire.

And more!

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Daniel Vilela

CAE Engineering Group Manager
General Motors

9:50 am - 10:30 am EXAMINING CUTTING-EDGE DEVELOPMENTS IN INTEGRATED CHASSIS CONTROL MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PANEL DISCUSSION

HEAR OEM & TIER-1 VISIONS TO FULLY INTEGRATE STEERING, BRAKING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

 

Understand the OEM and Tier-1 roadmaps for integrated chassis systems.

Learn long-term strategies to create a unified control architecture, integrating braking, steering, suspension, and drive line systems.

Understand how business models are changing/will change when an OEM purchases a complete chassis system.

Understand the industry outlook for market penetration of integrated chassis control systems.

Assess the cost implications of integrated systems, and potential cost saving solutions.

Gain insight into the shift in skateboard manufacturing to incorporate brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire.

And more!

10:30 am - 11:10 am CENTRALIZED CONCEPTS & ARCHITECTURE TO IMPROVE VEHICLE PERFORMANCE

Richard Nesbitt - Vice President, Product Management, Robert Bosch LLC

INTEGRATED CHASSIS CONTROL PANEL DISCUSSION LED BY OEMs & TIER 1 COMPANIES


The industry’s interest in integrated chassis control has grown recently, leading to companies exploring centralized controller concepts using components in the system as smart actuators. Join this panel discussion as OEMs and Tier 1s address the following:• Learn what is the OEM’s preferred architectures for integrated chassis control, and what they think is the hardware that should be used.• Find out how integrated chassis control works in a fully integrated vehicle, how it is being designed and where redundancy lies in the system.• Listen as OEMs and suppliers discuss and establish individual responsibilities when designing integrated chassis control systems.• Establishing where responsibility lies for ensuring the functional safety of the system.• Hear multiple perspectives on combining multiple actuators instead of doubling up on front actuators.

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Richard Nesbitt

Vice President, Product Management
Robert Bosch LLC

11:10 am - 11:40 am MORNING REFRESHMENT BREAK


11:40 am - 12:30 pm TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS TO OPTIMIZE VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL

LEARN HOW TO ACHIEVE SYNERGY BETWEEN BRAKING, STEERING & SUSPENSION

 

Motional control strategies to optimize functional interaction between steering, braking, and suspension.

Ideas for smart actuator development to optimize vehicle motion control performance.

Understand developments in ECU architecture to provide optimal redundancy levels for integrated chassis systems.

The role of vehicle motion control in autonomous driving mobility.

Insight into developments of E/E architecture for smooth integration of single chassis systems

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm NETWORKING LUNCH BREAK


1:30 pm - 2:30 pm BODY CONTROL & MOTION SICKNESS WORKSHOPS PART 1: LEARN HOW TO OPTIMIZE BODY CONTROL, RIDE HANDLING AT LOWEST COST POSSIBLE

Mert Büyükköprü - System Functions Leader Semi/Active-Suspension System, Global Chassis Control, Renault Group

UNDERSTANDING INFORMATION SENSING, PROCESSING AND CALIBRATION


Information Sensing: Learn how to obtain information that indicates what the car is doing.

Processing: Learn how to process the information to obtain the right information to control the vehicle.

Calibration: Learn what road inputs to use to understand the level of body control that is needed

Learn how to manage everything using the phasing between the front rear axle for some of the inputs.

Understanding the nuances in balancing specific platforms and layouts and selecting the technologies and type of suspension to use

 

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Mert Büyükköprü

System Functions Leader Semi/Active-Suspension System, Global Chassis Control
Renault Group

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PART 2: MEASURES TO REDUCE/ELIMINATE MOTION SICKNESS ISSUES IN PASSENGER VEHICLES

Paul DiZio - Associate Professor, Brandeis University

PRESENTATION


Understand the correlation between poor control, low frequencies and feeling of motion sickness.

Understand what systems are available to optimize vehicle control and reduce eliminate motion sickness issues.

Discussing and establishing which suspension system provides greatest stability and lowest risk of motion sickness.

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Paul DiZio

Associate Professor
Brandeis University

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm HANDS-ON ‘RIDE & DRIVE’ EVENT

We’re introducing a brand-new event feature in 2024, where event attendees will be taken to a well-known proving ground in the Michigan area where they will be able to get behind the wheel, in the driver’s seat to experience functionalities and performance of demonstrator vehicles, including off-road vehicles. You can explain a topic on paper, but once you experience it and get a true sense of performance, you are more likely to prioritize it and offer it your customers. Do not miss this opportunity to experience the latest innovations in suspension, braking and steering.

 

Details on demonstrator vehicles that will be available to ‘ride & drive’ will be announced soon.

Main Day One | 12 June 2024

7:00 am - 8:30 am REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS

8:30 am - 8:40 am AUTOMOTIVE IQ WELCOMES YOU TO AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA 2024

8:40 am - 8:50 am CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS

8:50 am - 9:30 am KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE: GET AN UPDATE ON THE STATE OF STEERING, BRAKING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

KEYNOTE BRIEFING ON WHERE THE INDUSTRY IS TODAY, WHERE IT IS HEADING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SEGMENT

 

As the automotive industry moves towards electrification & autonomous driving- steering, braking, and suspension are three critical systems driving developments in vehicle dynamics, and the by-wire revolution is increasing vehicle functionality. Additionally, as chassis control technology becomes more

mature, there is more focus on optimizing cost efficiency, without compromising on performance, functionality, and safety.

This opening briefing will set the foundation for the Automotive Chassis Systems USA 2024 conference, providing an 30,000-foot view on the state-of-the- market in braking, steering and suspension domains.

 

·       Quantify the impact of electrification on chassis system development.

·       Find out about OEMs current market share and which product launches are coming up in the next six months.

·       Find out how tier-1s and OEMs are sharing information – is it top down or bottom up?

·       Discuss how steering/braking/suspension systems are playing a role now and in the future, and what changes are needed to meet customer demands.

·       Gain an overview of market trends for drive-by-wire systems.

·       Understand the changing technology requirements to support performance demands of electric, autonomous, and software-defined mobility.

 

PRACTICAL MEASURES TO BRING DOWN COST, WITHOUT COMPROMISING SAFETY, INNOVATION, RELIABILITY & DURABILITY

 

o  If you were not hindered by cost, what would you do?

o  And if you are hindered by cost, what challenges are you facing and what are you compromising as a result?

o  Is it innovation, performance, durability or reliability?

 

Right now, vehicle manufacturers are without a doubt cost-conscious, and finding the right balance between performance vs. cost is a high priority. We’ll

use the next 30mins to share ideas on how achieve this balance as best possible.

 

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Joshua Dawson

Senior Expert Engineer
Volvo Trucks

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Arun Shankar Shanmugasundaram

Senior Engineer, Steering & Suspension Simulation
Volvo Group

PRACTICAL MEASURES TO BRING DOWN COST, WITHOUT COMPROMISING SAFETY, INNOVATION, RELIABILITY & DURABILITY

 

o  If you were not hindered by cost, what would you do?

o  And if you are hindered by cost, what challenges are you facing and what are you compromising as a result?

o  Is it innovation, performance, durability or reliability?

 

Right now, vehicle manufacturers are without a doubt cost-conscious, and finding the right balance between performance vs. cost is a high priority. We’ll

use the next 30mins to share ideas on how achieve this balance as best possible.

 

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Jeff Underwood

Sync, Infotainment, Connected Vehicle SME
Ford Motor Company

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Ramakrishna Kamath Vijayakumar

Product Owner- Steering at General Motors
General Motors

10:30 am - 11:00 am MORNING REFRESHMENT BREAK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA EXPO AREA

11:00 am - 11:10 am ACTIVE SUSPENSION CURRENT RATE OF ADOPTION & MARKET ANALYSIS
Sigmund Li - Chassis Suspension Technical Specialist, Lucid Motors

10-MIN FLASH UPDATE


·       Learn what the current rate of adoption is for active suspension and what market analysis companies have done and why it’s not being widely adopted.

·       Find out where the active suspension market is going.

 

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Sigmund Li

Chassis Suspension Technical Specialist
Lucid Motors

11:10 am - 11:40 am INTEGRATING ACTIVE SUSPENSION > ACHIEVE INCREASED RIDE COMFORT & IMPROVED AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE WITH HIGHER LEVELS OF AUTONOMY
Sigmund Li - Chassis Suspension Technical Specialist, Lucid Motors

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

 

Putting active suspension systems in autonomous vehicles has become a topic of interest in the industry particularly for the advantages this integration can lead to. OEMs are interested in increasing ride comfort and vehicle range in vehicles with higher levels of autonomy and looking for solutions to achieve this.

 

Join this presentation as an expert discusses how active suspension can increase ride comfort and improve aerodynamic performance in vehicles with higher levels of autonomy:

 

·       Learn how active suspension systems are being used to optimize ride comfort in autonomous vehicles.

·       Find out how active suspension is helping to improve aerodynamic performance and vehicle range, especially in EVs on highways.

·       Learn control strategies to ensure the vehicle has a flat ride no matter where it is.

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Sigmund Li

Chassis Suspension Technical Specialist
Lucid Motors

11:40 am - 12:10 pm ACTIVE SUSPENSION DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FOCUS PRESENTATION

 

Join this presentation as an expert shares the latest developments in active suspension for commercial vehicles:

 

·       Learn what active suspension technologies companies are working on for the commercial segment.

·       Find out what the level of adoption is of active suspension technologies in commercial vehicles.

·       Learn how some technologies from the passenger car industry are being adopted in the commercial vehicle industry, especially in active damping.

·       Learn about developments in hydraulic suspensions and active low control features instead of conventional mechanical suspensions.

·       Discover the benefits of hydraulic suspensions in passenger vehicles and how these can be applied to commercial vehicles.

12:10 pm - 12:50 pm NEW TECHNOLOGIES & DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE ACTIVE SUSPENSION REALM

Joseph Belter - Director of Full Active Actuators, ClearMotion

DEEP-DIVE INTO TECHNOLOGY BANDWIDTHS, CAPABILITIES, CONTROL FREQUENCIES & MORE

 

·       Explore bandwidth of semi and fully active suspension systems and their capabilities to filter out road noise compared to a great handling car on a track.

·       Understand operating and control frequencies for latest of semi and fully active suspension systems.

·       Find out if companies are willing to do ultra-low volume niche technologies or if they need to be more mass production.

·       Learn how some technologies from the passenger car industry are being adopted in the commercial vehicle industry, especially in active damping.

·       Learn about developments in hydraulic suspensions and active low control features instead of conventional mechanical suspensions.

·       Discover the benefits of hydraulic suspensions in passenger vehicles and how these can be applied to commercial vehicles.

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Joseph Belter

Director of Full Active Actuators
ClearMotion

12:50 pm - 1:50 pm LUNCH BREAK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA EXPO AREA


1:50 pm - 2:30 pm LEARN HOW TO MAINTAIN LEVELS OF RIDE COMFORT, HANDLING AND AGILITY IN EVs

RIDE COMFORT & HANDLING PRESENTATION

 

·       Find out what changes to ride comfort can be expected as the vehicle evolves from ICE to EVs

·       Discover what can be done with suspension once mechanical moving components are removed. Understand if certain components can be removed from the suspension without affecting ride comfort and handling.

·       Understand what can be explored in different frequency ranges and if some components can be eliminated for weight savings and cost savings.

·       Learn how to adapt to the change in vibration modes in the vehicle for ride comfort

·       Learn how the change in vehicle architecture and batteries replacing fuel tanks and so on affect ride comfort.

·       Learn how to manage the sensors you have in the car, the information you have about the car and fully control the car in a way that allows you to the maximize ride comfort and handling performance.

·       Learn how to prevent bump steer and ensure the vehicle remains straight when hitting large bumps or under heavy braking.

·       Learn how companies properly spec shocks and if companies are investigating adjustable shocks or dynamic shocks for heavy duty trucks.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm SUSPENSION SYSTEMS FOR AD & AV

RIDE & SUSPENSION TRAVEL

 

·       Understand where suspension is headed with the adoption of autonomous driving and the forthcoming roll-out of autonomous vehicles.

·       Learn how people are addressing the needs of OEMs with active suspension systems for autonomous driving.

·       Listen as the expert discusses optimizing primary ride and suspension travel for autonomous vehicles.

·       Learn how to best integrate suspension, steering and traction in autonomous vehicles.

·       Understand the impact of suspension on autonomous vehicles as it relates to comfort and NVH.

·       Learn what technology is available or coming onto the market in future to increase comfort, including: hydraulic compression stops and hydraulic rebound stops.

3:00 pm - 3:40 pm ADDRESSING THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGE OF SECONDARY RIDE IDENTIFYING WAYS TO HAVE A DISTANCED SECONDARY RIDE AND A FORCE OF GRAVITY RESPONSE AT THE SAME TIME


3:40 pm - 4:10 pm AFTERNOON REFRESHMENT BREAK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA EXPO AREA


LEARN HOW AN OEM HAS BETTER MANAGED VEHICLE WEIGHT, ACHIEVED LIGHTWEIGHTEDNESS WITHOUT

COMPROMISING STIFFNESS

 

·       Find out how a front/rear suspension in a vehicle can adapt the modularization of batteries and offer different vehicles different battery pack configurations.

·       Learn how to adapt modular design from a suspension standpoint to support the vehicle’s weight.

·       Find out how to optimize weight to achieve lighter weight and similar or the same levels of stiffness.

·       Discover new manufacturing techniques for designing suspension structural components and hybrid components which use metal and plastics to achieve desired levels of stiffness with a lower weight instead of traditional sheet metal or steel components.

·       Learn how to ensure that suspension meets strength and stiffness criteria.

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Philip C Lundberg

Assistant Chief Engineer - Active Downforce, Suspension, Steer-By-Wire
General Motors

4:50 pm - 5:30 pm CUTTING-EDGE LIGHTWEIGHTING SOLUTIONS TO MAKE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MORE COMPACT


COMPONENTS & MATERIALS FOCUSED PRESENTATION

 

·       Hear about alternative solutions to make suspension systems and components lighter.

·       Understand the viability of using aluminum in suspension systems for passenger vehicles.

·       Find out if recycled materials are a potential solution.

·       Learn about the effectiveness of composite materials, glass fibres, resin that can be used for weight reduction in commercial vehicles and what work companies are doing on them.

·       Discover how companies are lightweighting their components.

·       Learn about weight solutions and what sort of weight configurations and GAWRs they are applicable to.

·       Understand future additions companies have and their level of preparedness.

·       Listen as the expert discusses challenges that might arise when using new composite materials and alloys to reduce weight.iteria.

5:30 pm - 5:40 pm CHAIRPERSON’S CLOSING REMARKS



5:40 pm - 7:50 pm END OF DAY NETWORKING EVENT – ALL ATTENDEES ARE INVITED FOR AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT & DRINKS!



Main Day Two | 13 June 2024

7:00 am - 8:30 am REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS


8:30 am - 8:40 am CHAIRPERSON’S RECAP FROM DAY ONE


8:40 am - 9:10 am OEM STRATEGIES TO BRING COST DOWN, IMPROVE MARGINS MORE, AND MAKE VEHICLES TECHNICALLY CAPABLE KEYNOTE PRESENTATION


9:10 am - 9:50 am FORMING & NURTURING COLLABORATIVE, CO-DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Jeff Underwood - Sync, Infotainment, Connected Vehicle SME, Ford Motor Company

MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS ESTABLISH A NEW CROSS-FUNCTIONAL WAY OF WORKING

 

The working dynamic between vehicle manufacturers and suppliers is changing; it’s no longer a case of a supplier developing a system and giving it to the OEM; vehicle manufacturers now have their own piece of software code running in their systems and expectations on what they are looking for. It has never been more important to fully understand what these co-development partnerships will look like and how roles/responsibilities will be refined.

 

·       Understand how suppliers and OEMs need to work to make sure that all players involved are provided with what they need to do what's expected of them.

·       Determine the best way to create a transparent set of requirements that define failure modes and what levels steering systems, braking systems and suspensions systems must be designed to perform to.

·       Agreeing methods of communication between OEM, Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers to encourage co-development partnerships. 

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Jeff Underwood

Sync, Infotainment, Connected Vehicle SME
Ford Motor Company

9:50 am - 10:30 am BLEEDING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE WHILE REDUCING COST & COMPLEXITY OF COMPONENTS

FOCUS ON THE LATEST & GREATEST STEERING, BRAKING & SUSPENSION FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES


·       Experts will highlight new technologies for steering, braking & suspension and demonstrate how these technologies can be integrated with the other sub-systems in the chassis.

·       Hear suppliers share their vision and roadmap for future steering, suspension and braking systems.

·       Understand how technologies are helping improve performance while reducing cost and complexity.

·       Discover how integrated chassis control can aid in reducing the cost of individual sub-systems. 

10:30 am - 11:00 am MORNING REFRESHMENT BREAK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA EXPO AREA


PRESENTATION &

EXPERT-LED DISCUSSION

 

·       Understand the impact of the SDV revolution on the suspension system.

·       How do suppliers plan to be keep up with this change and be part of the new software-driven architecture that OEMs are rolling out.

·       Sharing plans for technology-led collaboration and partnership between OEMs and suppliers.

·       Plans for effective integration of electromechanical actuators in SDVs.

·       Impact on safety concepts and redundancy

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Philip C Lundberg

Assistant Chief Engineer - Active Downforce, Suspension, Steer-By-Wire
General Motors

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Chester Rowe II

Technical Specialist- Suspension Electronics & Software
General Motors

11:40 am - 12:10 pm LATEST INNOVATIONS & IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

PRESENTATION

 

·       Find out how suppliers are driving air suspension costs down, making it more efficient and the lowering number of components and assembly time.

·       Learn about if there is a way to actively control the air spring meaning outside of suing the pistol profile.

·       Learn how to package the air suspension system.

·       Discussion on combining active damping with air suspension.

·       Learn if it is possible to add features which can instantaneously change the stiffness of the spring.

·       Learn if there are ways to improve or add features to the air springs which will eliminate other suspension components.

12:10 pm - 12:50 pm TECHNOLOGY FOCUS: HEAR UPDATES ON THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN> ACTIVE DAMPING | SENSORS | BUSHINGS | BEARINGS | ACTIVE ROLL CONTROL SYSTEMS | SHOCK ABSORBERS | HYDRAULIC SPRINGS

PRESENTATION

 

·       Find out how suppliers are driving air suspension costs down, making it more efficient and the lowering number of components and assembly time.

·       Learn about if there is a way to actively control the air spring meaning outside of suing the pistol profile.

·       Learn how to package the air suspension system.

·       Discussion on combining active damping with air suspension.

·       Learn if it is possible to add features which can instantaneously change the stiffness of the spring.

·       Learn if there are ways to improve or add features to the air springs which will eliminate other suspension components.

12:50 pm - 2:00 pm LUNCH BREAK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE CHASSIS SYSTEMS USA EXPO AREA


12:10 pm - 12:50 pm DOES AI ADD VALUE IN STEERING, BRAKING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS?
Dr Vish Vadari - Senior Technical Specialist, ZF Group

EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION ON HOW TO LEVERAGE AI & ML TO OPTIMIZE CHASSIS SYTEMS

 

·       Understand the basic concept and scope of AI and ML and how it can be brought in to improve the vehicle’s chassis system.

·       Find out what is the bare minimum that can be done with existing controllers to bring in some form of AI and ML

·       Find out if there are any regulatory updates/perspectives on AI and ML data.

·       Learn what kind of modularity can be brought in with the help of AI systems.

·       Find out how much AI can help make steering/braking/suspension systems more adaptable towards ADAS.

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Dr Vish Vadari

Senior Technical Specialist
ZF Group

2:40 pm - 3:20 pm FRESH INSIGHT INTO ACTIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROJECTS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF STEERING/BRAKING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
Chidambaram Subramanian - Senior Braking System Engineer, Volvo Trucks North America

PRESENTATION

 

·       Hear experts share details on active projects and use cases that demonstrate the real-world potential of AI and ML to optimize steering, braking and suspension systems.

·       Examine innovations in software algorithms and technical solutions that are available right now for AI and ML for the automotive chassis segment.

·       Learn how to experts are using AI and ML to create value with data.

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Chidambaram Subramanian

Senior Braking System Engineer
Volvo Trucks North America

3:20 pm - 4:00 pm HOW NEXT-GENERATION OF AI & ML-BASED DESIGN WILL IMPROVE PERFORMANCE & EFFICIENCY OF BRAKING SYSTEMS
Parveen Singh - Research Scientist, Toyota North America

EXPERT-LED DISCUSSION

·       Discuss how to bring in AI and machine learning models to optimize braking systems.

·       Discuss how to digitalize testing by making predictions with simulations.

·       Explore how AI/ML can be utilized to detect and evaluate failures.

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Parveen Singh

Research Scientist
Toyota North America

4:00 pm - 4:10 pm CHAIRPERSON’S CLOSING REMARKS