Solving challenging and unique problems to further the development and safety of the mobility industry is just one focus of the Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation. Affiliated with Virginia Tech and nestled inside the Virginia International Raceway complex, the folks at GCAPS are problem solvers for controls, physics, dynamic systems, machine learning to tire mechanics. The Process of Mobility (Scenario, Sense, Perceive, Plan, Control and Response) is what drives them to be certain that you safely do.
Find out more in this month’s spotlight:
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know?
Most people think we only test tires and provide data. However, we are heavily engaged in developing methods and tools being used in the autonomous vehicle space.
What would you like to share about your business or organization with our members?
We have been around now for 10 years and over that period we have successfully performed many workforce training programs. Internships, apprenticeships, and journeyman programs. Now we are providing Women in Transportation scholarships.
Why did you become involved in the SPTC?
I hope to share what I can with the other members to help them see that some of what they thought only happens in California is happening here in their own back yard. From that awareness I hope that we can find new partners to collaborate with and cultivate local talent.
How does being a member of the SPTC help you?
I believe it may help me find local talent that is dreaming about working in our space and think they have to move away to do it.
What challenges are you facing that the SPTC may be able to assist with?
Recruiting
What technology innovation have you uncovered prior, during, or post the COVID-19 pandemic?
The need for animal detection for autonomous vehicles.
What positive impact have you witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We have become very good at working remote.
Name one thing tech-related that you have learned in the last month?
There is potential for fiber optics buried under roads to provide data that could help assist in vehicle safety.