In the automotive industry, hexapods are primarily used in the fields of R&D, testing, and simulation. Their high-precision, six-degree-of-freedom motion simulation capability makes them critical equipment for validating vehicle performance and durability.

1. Full Vehicle and Component Durability and Fatigue Testing

This represents the most classic and widespread application of hexapods in the automotive industry.

Simulating Real Road Conditions: In the laboratory, by mounting a full vehicle or components (e.g., chassis, suspension system, body structure) onto a hexapod platform, real-world road load data collected from proving grounds can be accurately replicated.

Accelerated Life Testing: Hexapods can apply millions of cycles of complex multi-degree-of-freedom vibrations and motions to the test object with high frequency and precise amplitude. This simulates years of vehicle usage and wear within weeks or months, significantly shortening the R&D cycle.

Test Objects: Include repeated opening/closing tests for doors and trunk lids, seat durability tests, and vibration tests for interior trim components like instrument panels.

2. Driving Simulators

Used for vehicle design and human-machine engineering evaluation.

Providing Immersion: As a motion platform, the hexapod provides attitude feedback such as pitch, roll, and yaw to the driving simulator, simulating driving scenarios like acceleration, braking, and cornering. This offers designers and engineers a highly realistic driving experience.

Evaluating Human-Machine Interaction (HMI): Used to test and optimize the driver's experience in a dynamic environment, including visibility, control comfort, and the usability of infotainment systems.

3. Testing and Calibration of Autonomous Driving Systems

With the advancement of autonomous driving technology, the application of hexapods in this field is becoming increasingly important.

Sensor Calibration and Testing: Mounting autonomous driving sensors (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, radar) on a hexapod allows for precise control of the platform's motion to:

Calibrate Sensors: Verify the alignment and calibration accuracy between different sensors.

Test Dynamic Performance: Simulate vehicle vibrations and attitude changes during driving, testing the sensors' perception accuracy and stability under dynamic conditions.

Validate Algorithms: Provide known and controllable dynamic inputs to perception algorithms to verify their robustness.

4. Powertrain Testing

Engine and Transmission Testing: Hexapods can be used to simulate the complex vibrations and torques experienced by engines and transmissions in real-world operating environments. This tests the fatigue strength of their mounts, connectors, and the NVH performance of the entire system.