Detailed view
SIMAX
SIMAX is LESCOT's main driving simulator, and its architecture can be divided in three parts.
First, the driving cab is a 3-door Peugeot 308, which has been equipped with input sensors by our teams. A custom-made embedded controller gathers all sensors data streams from pedals, the steering wheel and the gearbox. This controller also communicates with the car's internal CAN bus, to read input data from the light switches and to display values (e.g., speed, RPM) on the dashboard. The steering wheel also has a custom-made force-feedback, also plugged into the embedded controller. The cabin also includes an "infotainment" touchscreen, monitoring cameras and many physiological sensors.
Around the car, 12 displays cover nearly 360° of horizontal field of view. 9 displays handle the "direct" view from the driver, and 2 small monitors are integrated in place of the side mirrors. Additionally, a pull-down screen is installed in the rear, to cover both the rear view mirror and the direct rear view.
Finally, adjacent to the simulator is the control room, which hosts a rack of 9 computers. Those are used to feed images to the displays, to synchronize and record all of the experimental data streams, and to serve as conductor of the whole experiment.
Practical information
Themes/sub-themes
- Mobility and simulation
- Driving simulators
Industrial sector(s)
- Automotive industries
Laboratory
- LESCOT - Laboratoire Ergonomie et Sciences Cognitives pour les Transports
Field of expertise
- Cognitive activity of drivers
- Mobility and Human Behavior
- ADAS and AV
Some photos
The platform in detail
SIMAX has been used for over twenty research projects. Funding entities include the French Délégation à la Sécurité Routière and Association Nationale de la Recherche, or the European Commission. Around 10 students used this simulator for their PhD thesis.
The research fields include driver's cognition, its interaction with the environment and the car's human-machine interface.
Within the scope of a broader agreement, multiple projects with Toyota Motor Europe leveraged SIMAX.