Automated testing complex from Continental
21 november 2012
The company Continental has opened the world's first fully automated testing facility based on an existing one in Hanover. The new facility has been named the Automated Indoor Braking Analyzer (AIBA for short). It allows for text-based braking tests to be conducted. What's important is that this facility is indoors, meaning that the weather can no longer interfere with tire testing.
The world's first unique system is located, as mentioned, at the Hanover site. It stretches for 300 meters and is 30 meters high. It enables a vehicle to accelerate to 120 kilometers per hour without any human intervention or participation whatsoever.
Braking characteristics are checked using interchangeable panels with different surface types. Additionally, it is possible to recreate temperature conditions with an accuracy of up to tenths of a degree. Thus, the system allows for accurate test results as if they were conducted in a natural environment.
Continental has become a pioneer in this field. Currently, no other company in the world has the capability to conduct tests on its own site. The facility is not yet operational. However, it is planned that with its opening, it will be possible to conduct up to 100,000 brake effectiveness tests per year.
According to experts, this facility will revolutionize tire testing.
"Until now, we had to conduct tire tests in unstable temperature and wind conditions at the Contidrom site, which was open to the elements. AIBA allows us to conduct tests throughout the year in a climate-controlled room on various surfaces with constant friction coefficients," said David O'Donnell, Head of Development for Passenger and Light Truck Tires at Continental.
The world's first unique system is located, as mentioned, at the Hanover site. It stretches for 300 meters and is 30 meters high. It enables a vehicle to accelerate to 120 kilometers per hour without any human intervention or participation whatsoever.
Braking characteristics are checked using interchangeable panels with different surface types. Additionally, it is possible to recreate temperature conditions with an accuracy of up to tenths of a degree. Thus, the system allows for accurate test results as if they were conducted in a natural environment.
Continental has become a pioneer in this field. Currently, no other company in the world has the capability to conduct tests on its own site. The facility is not yet operational. However, it is planned that with its opening, it will be possible to conduct up to 100,000 brake effectiveness tests per year.
According to experts, this facility will revolutionize tire testing.
"Until now, we had to conduct tire tests in unstable temperature and wind conditions at the Contidrom site, which was open to the elements. AIBA allows us to conduct tests throughout the year in a climate-controlled room on various surfaces with constant friction coefficients," said David O'Donnell, Head of Development for Passenger and Light Truck Tires at Continental.