Bottom line: The Soft Car 360, a giant pillow‑like crash target, lets manufacturers test autonomous‑driving systems safely, quickly and without damaging expensive test cars.
Soft Car 360: How Giant Pillows Are Transforming Autonomous Car Testing
Image: Soft Car 360: How Giant Pillows Are Transforming Autonomous Car Testing – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The Soft Car 360 looks more like a flat‑pack kit than a real vehicle. Its panels are made of lightweight composite material, similar to the boards used for DIY furniture. You can snap the parts together in about eight minutes, and on impact the panels separate to protect both the test car and the target itself.
Because it’s a hollow shell, the Soft Car can be fitted with interchangeable accessories. The latest version includes a rechargeable active tail‑light system that mimics real brake lights and turn signals. The lights use flexible LEDs, a tiny battery, and a protective case, so they stay bright even after repeated hits.
Performance & Mileage
Even though it’s essentially a big pillow, the Soft Car can reach 75 mph when mounted on a GST (Ground‑Support Test) platform. The GST platform is a battery‑powered plate that moves the target along pre‑programmed paths – from gentle lane changes to full laps around a test circuit like Silverstone.
In durability trials, a test vehicle struck the Soft Car at 62 mph. Neither the target, its tail‑lights, nor the test car suffered any damage. This shows the system can handle the high‑speed impacts typical of autonomous‑vehicle testing while keeping costs low.
Price & Rivals
Because the Soft Car is built from inexpensive panels and reusable components, it’s far cheaper than wrecking dozens of real cars on a proving ground. Competing solutions often rely on sacrificial test vehicles, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds each. The Soft Car’s modular design means a single unit can be used for many test cycles, making it an attractive option for OEMs and research labs.
Other companies offer rigid crash dummies or metal‑frame targets, but they lack the flexibility to mount active lighting or to break apart safely. The Soft Car’s blend of light weight, high speed capability, and realistic visual cues gives it a clear edge.
| Engine | N/A (lightweight panel construction) |
|---|---|
| Mileage | N/A (testing target, not a road car) |
| Price | Not publicly disclosed – generally lower than multiple sacrificial vehicles |
| Top Features | Quick 8‑minute assembly, 75 mph capability, active tail‑lights, modular panels, reusable for many tests |
FAQ
What is the Soft Car 360 used for?
It serves as a safe, reusable target for autonomous‑car and ADAS testing, allowing cameras and sensors to detect brake lights, indicators and moving objects without damaging the test vehicle.
Can the Soft Car handle high‑speed impacts?
Yes. Mounted on a GST platform it can travel up to 75 mph, and testing has shown it survives repeated hits at 62 mph with no damage.
Is the Soft Car cheaper than traditional crash testing?
Overall it is more cost‑effective because one unit can replace dozens of real cars that would otherwise be written off after each test.
What do you think about giant‑pillow testing? Leave a comment below!
Source: Read Official News
