Developing a new vehicle is a huge investment for companies. A large team of people work years to get every detail right, making sure the car drives smoothly, is highly comfortable and 100% safe. Improving the design time can account for significant savings in development cost, and accelerated time-to-market. That is why vehicle simulators have gained a lot of importance in recent years. Virtual Reality (VR) systems allow engineers to assess the design of a new model in 3D, enabling even small adjustments to the car design on the spot without the need to make a physical prototype. Driving simulators, on the other hand, let engineers and test drivers take the model for a virtual spin in almost any environmental conditions with a driver-in-the-loop. VI-grade is a company that focuses on developing a range of driving simulators with a goal of “zero prototypes” in automotive design and development.
A place to develop ideas
Because not every car manufacturer has access to driving simulators, VI-grade has introduced their ‘SimCenters’ at locations around the globe. At these sites customers can rent time on a simulator to perform a wide range of virtual tests, including vehicle dynamics, ride & comfort, ADAS/AV, HMI and motorsports simulations – using their own vehicle models and components. The data gathered in these sessions is of immense value for the further development of the models. Next to the driving simulators, customers can also consult VI-grade’s software and hardware development engineers.
Relying on Barco for ultimate reliability
The largest VI-grade SimCenter is located in Udine, Italy. Here you find a range of VI-grade simulators, including the COMPACT, STATIC, DiM150 and DiM400 solutions. Each of these simulators use Barco F70- and F80-series single-chip DLP projectors to visualize the simulator content.
“We chose Barco as a visualization partner because they are known in the automotive industry as a leading projection solutions provider, delivering highly reliable products that ensure optimal availability of the simulators,” says Diego Minen, CTO at VI-grade. “Especially when it comes to minimizing latency, Barco projectors are second to none. Next to the excellent technical performance, Barco has an international presence and support capability, which means that we can rely on them around the globe. Barco projectors are currently part of all our simulator solutions.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
