FKFS - Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart
Excellent know-how, a unique spectrum of highly specialized test benches, and self-developed measurement, testing, and simulation methods make the independent Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart (FKFS) a sought-after partner for the international automotive industry.
FKFS Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart
Prof. Dr.-Ing. André Casal Kulzer
Pfaffenwaldring 12
70569 Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 711 685-65888
Fax: +49 711 685-65710
info@fkfs.de
www.fkfs.de
Core Competencies
Around 180 highly qualified and dedicated employees work on solving complex and challenging problems and implement research and development projects in the fields of vehicle powertrain systems, vehicle technology, and vehicle mechatronics:
- Energy efficiency
- Virtual development
- Powertrain technologies
- Vehicle properties
- Mechatronics
- Driving simulations
- Vehicle test benches
- Measurement & analysis technology
- Powertrain test benches
- Wind tunnels
Business Fields
With its outstanding infrastructure and interdisciplinary approach, the institute is perfectly equipped to meet the challenges of future mobility:
- Vehicle powertrains from internal combustion engines to electric drives
- Vehicle technology from aerodynamics to vehicle and driving dynamics
- Automated & connected driving, automotive mechatronics, E/E
- Charging technologies for electric vehicles
Stuttgart driving simulator
The dome of the Stuttgart driving simulator has a diameter of 5.5 meters, providing space for a full-scale car body mockup. It can accommodate mockups based on existing production vehicles or non-driving prototypes. Thanks to standardized interfaces for mechanical mounting, electrical power supply, and data transfer, vehicles can be swapped quickly. The passenger cell of the vehicle remains fully intact, and the vehicle's controls are functional, with their functions adapted to the specific research question. The restoring forces of the brake and steering wheel are realistically simulated using permanently excited synchronous servo motors.
To evaluate driver reactions, the simulator is equipped with video recording, eye-tracking, and monitoring of the driver's seat position. Simultaneously, simulated vehicle states or the states of assistance systems in use are recorded in a time-synchronized manner.
Automated bus operations in public transport
The RABus project was implemented and successfully completed over a period of 4.5 years in Baden-Württemberg. The project aimed to integrate highly automated, electrically powered vehicles into regular public transport under real traffic conditions. Testing took place in two different traffic areas: urban in Mannheim and with a strong urban-rural connection in Friedrichshafen. The automated shuttle vehicles were integrated into mixed traffic and operated both within and outside urban areas. During the project, speeds of up to 53 km/h were achieved and systematically evaluated in real operation. In addition to practical testing, technical performance, operational stability, legal frameworks, and economic aspects were systematically examined. The FKFS was responsible for the technical system analysis, safety assessments, and the evaluation of operational and economic data, including regulatory issues.
Unique high-performance electric powertrain test bench (HEP)
With the establishment of the High-Performance Electric Powertrain Test Bench (HEP), the FKFS has set new standards in the development and testing of electric vehicle drives. The test bench enables the highly dynamic examination of electric drives in an extraordinary performance class and under realistic conditions.
With power outputs of up to 1 MW electrically and 700 kW mechanically, complete electric axles can be tested. The HEP is used for both industrial projects and research work, supporting the development of efficient, high-performance, and future-proof electric drives. This strengthens the FKFS's position as a leading research partner for the mobility of the future.