Robot Driven Development
The JAMES driving robot increases the reliability of your vehicle development.
The JAMES driving robot enables highly precise, automated, and fully reproducible driving cycles on roller and flat track test benches. It controls all driving-related controls – from the accelerator, brake, and clutch to the manual and automatic transmission and optional additional functions. JAMES is equally suitable for passenger cars and commercial vehicles and delivers stable, consistent results even under extreme environmental conditions. Thanks to its modular architecture, quick setup, and powerful real-time control, JAMES is a key tool for emissions testing, fuel consumption measurements, endurance runs, and the development of electrified powertrains.
Advantages
- Highest repeatability for reliable driving cycle reproduction
- Wide range of vehicle applications from passenger cars to commercial vehicles
- Modular & quick to set up for flexible test requirements
- Precise, robust actuators for sensitive and dynamic movements
- Safe test bench integration with real-time communication and emergency stop
Application
- Statutory exhaust gas and consumption measurements (including cold start)
- Endurance runs and high-stress long-term tests
- Testing of electrified drives, recuperation strategies, and one-pedal drive
- Reproduction of real-world driving conditions using Road-to-Rig (R2R)
- Tests in climate, altitude, and NVH chambers under extreme conditions
A robot never sleeps – precise driving results according to your specifications
Precise control of all driving functions
JAMES takes over all driving-related functions – from the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals to the manual and automatic transmission. The spindle-free electric linear actuators enable fast, sensitive, and highly precise movements with minimal wear. This gives JAMES exceptional repeatability and enables it to accurately reproduce standardized driving cycles such as WLTC, NEDC, or customer-specific profiles.
Functions such as start/stop operation, ignition key movements, steering wheel paddles, or recuperation and one-pedal strategies can also be controlled automatically – ideal for modern hybrid and electric vehicles.
Highlights:
- Highly dynamic electric actuators for precise pedal and shift control
- Optional: paddle shifters, start/stop, ignition key, additional controls
- Perfect for standardized and customer-specific driving cycles
Quick to install – flexibly adaptable to any vehicle
The lightweight, stable base carrier from JAMES can be installed in the vehicle without modification and can be secured in just a few simple steps. The required actuators are attached using quick-release mechanisms and calibrated in teach-in mode. The robot is ready for use within a few minutes – for passenger cars, sports cars, or commercial vehicles with high pedal forces.
The central E-Box handles control, regulation, and diagnostics via a removable touch panel. The Power Interface Box (PIB) provides power supply, safety logic, and interfaces to the test bench control system.
Highlights:
- Assembly within a few minutes, no vehicle conversion necessary
- Base carrier & actuators can be flexibly combined
- E-box with 12 actuator connections & quick-stop function
- PIB with UPS module & safety-relevant signal processing
Reproducible, robust, and secure in any environment
JAMES integrates seamlessly into existing test bench environments – via Ethernet or optional CAN. All driving commands are executed in real time, while safety mechanisms such as quick stop and emergency stop chain can intervene at any time.
Thanks to its temperature tolerance of –25 °C to +40 °C, JAMES also works reliably in climate and altitude chambers. Its robust construction and optionally reinforced actuators enable continuous use in demanding test scenarios, including emission measurements, hybrid strategies, and electrified drives.
Highlights:
- Real-time communication via Ethernet/CAN
- Emergency stop chain & defined shutdown sequences
- Operation in climate, altitude, and NVH chambers
- Perfect for long-term, emission, and efficiency tests