Overview All Automotive Simulation Tools

Automotive simulation tools are software applications/engines used to model, simulate and resultingly visualize or test various aspects of automotive design. Some tools are focused on vehicle dynamics, analyzing how a vehicle behaves in different conditions and how it responds to different inputs (Engineering, Driving Simulators & Game Development). Other tools are designed to help simulate the performance of individual vehicle components, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or autonomous driving (AD) functions.

Compare & Search – Automotive Simulation Tools Table

Find simulation tools fulfilling your engineering or game development needs.
(Hover/click on rows to expand)

Automotive Simulation Tool Table
Tool

 Features

 Use Case
 Format
 Description
Traffic, Maps, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Simulates cars, bikes, public transit, and pedestrians. It pulls data from OpenStreetMaps, and additionally infers details for lanes, traffic signals, parking lots, and more
CAE, FEA
Engineer.
Desktop
Abaqus reaches the desk of engineering analysts as a robust Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. It is designed to exploit the true generality of the theoretical potential of the method without imposing any unnecessary limitations. Abaqus assists engineers to simulate complex real-world problems for a wide range of industries and rely on it for advanced engineering simulations.
CAE, NVH, Acoustics
Engineer.
Desktop
Powerful acoustic simulation software. Improve the acoustic performance of your designs with this complete simulation solution used by leading manufacturers around the world.
CAE, CFD
Engineer.
Desktop
For an analyst performing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling or a design engineer quickly needing to understand fluid or thermal effects on a design proposal, Altair offers a complete set of tools to support each project. From detailed component analysis to full systems performance, Altair provides a range of scalable solvers and robust pre- and post-processing software for CFD.
CAE, HIL
Engineer.
Desktop
Adams helps engineers to study the dynamics of moving parts, and how loads and forces are distributed throughout mechanical systems.
CAE, Dynamics, HIL, Suspension, Steering, Tire, Truck
Engineer.
Desktop
With Adams Car vertical products, engineering teams can quickly build and test functional virtual prototypes of complete vehicles and vehicle subsystems. Working in the Adams vehicle vertical environment, automotive engineering teams can exercise their vehicle designs under various road conditions, performing the same tests they normally run in a test lab or on a test track, but in a fraction of time.
CAE, FEA
Engineer.
Desktop
Adams allows you to create flexible parts conveniently even in the presence of large overall motion and complex interaction with other modeling elements.
Traffic, Maps
Engineer.
Desktop
Aimsun is a software platform used for the modeling and simulation of transportation and traffic systems.
ADAS, AD
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
AirSim is a powerful and versatile simulation tool aimed at advancing research and development in autonomous systems. Its realistic simulation capabilities, extensive sensor support, and open-source nature make it a valuable resource for researchers and developers in the field of autonomous vehicle technology.
Cloud based simulator, CARLA, UNITY, Unreal
Engineer.
Desktop
Alpha Drive Is A Platform Providing Cloud-Based Data And Tools For Testing And Validation Of AI Algorithms.
CAE, MBD, Digital Twin
Engineer.
Desktop
Altair® Twin Activate™ is an open and flexible integration solution that enables whole system simulation with real-time digital twin deployment through any stage of the product lifecycle.
CAE, Magnetics, Electric
Engineer.
Desktop
Flux captures the complexity of electromechanical equipment to optimize their performance, efficiency, dimensions, cost or weight with precision, bringing better innovation and value products to end users. Flux simulates magneto static, steady-state and transient conditions, along with electrical and thermal properties.
CAE
Engineer.
Desktop
Altair® Inspire™ is an intuitive, powerful family of integrated software products that accelerates simulation-driven design throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept to reality, while reducing product time-to-market.
Multibody System Simulation, Discrete Element Modelling, Nonlinear Flexbodies, CFD Coupling, Controls Integration, Signal processing.
Engineer.
Desktop
MotionSolve is a comprehensive multibody simulation software that helps you easily build and execute complex system models to evaluate the dynamic response of products and optimize their performance.
CAE
Engineer.
Desktop
ANSA is an advanced multidisciplinary CAE pre-processing tool that provides all the necessary functionality for full-model build up, from CAD data to ready-to-run solver input file, in a single integrated environment.
CAE, Mechanical, CFD, Thermal, Acoustics, Autonomous Vehicles, Digital Twin, Electromagnetics, Embedded software, Fluids, Optics, Structures, Semiconductors
Engineer.
Desktop
ANSYS is a suite of engineering simulation software developed by ANSYS, Inc. It's widely used across various industries for simulating and analyzing how products will behave and perform in real-world scenarios before they are actually manufactured or deployed. ANSYS software covers a wide range of disciplines including structural analysis, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and more. It's often used by engineers and designers to optimize designs, troubleshoot problems, and reduce the need for physical prototypes, ultimately saving time and resources in the product development process.
CFD, Flow, Turbomachinery
Engineer.
Desktop
CFD software for turbomachinery applications.
CAE, Fluids
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys Fluent is a general-purpose computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software used to model fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions, and more. Fluent offers a modern, user-friendly interface that streamlines the CFD process from pre- to post-processing within a single window workflow.
CAE, Drop tests, Impact and Penetration, Smashes and Crashes, Occupant safety
Engineer.
Desktop
Simulate the Response of Materials to Short Periods of Severe Loading. Ansys LS-DYNA is capable of simulating the response of materials to short periods of severe loading. Its many elements, contact formulations, material models and other controls can be used to simulate complex models with control over all the details of the problem.
CAE, FEA, Structures
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys Mechanical is a finite element analysis (FEA) software used to perform structural analysis using advanced solver options, including linear dynamics, nonlinearities, thermal analysis, materials, composites, hydrodynamic, explicit, and more.
Multibody Dynamics
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys Motion is a completely integrated simulation environment for both component and system modeling. It provides fast and accurate analysis for both rigid and flexible bodies, simultaneously, all from a single solver. System motion performance, stress-safety analysis, heat transfer, vibration and fatigue are integral.
CAE, Motor, Magnetics, Thermal
Engineer.
Desktop
Motor-CAD enables design engineers to evaluate motor topologies and concepts across the full operating range, to produce designs that are optimized for performance, efficiency and size.
CAE, Particles, Flow
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys Rocky a discrete element method (DEM) software used for simulating the motion of granular and discontinuous material. Rocky is designed to solve engineering problems. Rocky is uniquely capable to models real particle shapes including any solids, 2D shells, and rigid and flexible fibers. The simulations are fast and accurate. With multi-graphics processing unit (GPU) solver technology, you can simulate the behavior of different shaped and sized particles in many industrial applications.
CAE, ECAD, FEA, CFD, Electric
Engineer.
Desktop
With embedded libraries containing over one million parts, Sherlock rapidly converts electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) files into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) models.
CAE, Heat Transfer, Fluids, Thermal
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys Thermal Desktop includes all aspects of thermal model creation, including built-in finite difference, finite element, and lumped capacitance objects that can be combined into any configuration to solve complex thermal and fluid flow problems.
Traffic, Maps
Engineer.
Desktop
AnyLogic simulation modeling provides a Road Traffic Library, enabling traffic flow simulation with the power to deliver the most efficient road traffic engineering and design.
ADAS, AD
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Apollo is a high performance, flexible architecture which accelerates the development, testing, and deployment of Autonomous Vehicles.
Game Development
Game
Desktop
AppGameKit is a game creation system for mobile cross platform development.
Autopilot, Controls
Engineer./Game
OSS (GitHub)
ArduPilot is a trusted, versatile, and open source autopilot system supporting many vehicle types: multi-copters, traditional helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, boats, submarines, rovers and more.
CAE, Sheet Metal
Engineer.
Desktop
AutoForm’s software solutions form a comprehensive platform for the engineering, evaluation and improvement of the sheet metal forming and BiW assembly processes. This platform allows for full digitalization, seamless information and data flow, and integration of Industry 4.0 standards.
ADAS, AD, Maps, OpenDRIVE, SIL, HIL, Simulink
Engineer.
Desktop
Automated Driving Toolbox provides algorithms and tools for designing, simulating, and testing ADAS and autonomous driving systems. You can design and test vision and lidar perception systems, as well as sensor fusion, path planning, and vehicle controllers.
ADAS, AD, ROS
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Autoware is an open-source software stack for self-driving vehicles, built on the Robot Operating System (ROS). It includes all of the necessary functions to drive an autonomous vehicles from localization and object detection to route planning and control, and was created with the aim of enabling as many individuals and organizations as possible to contribute to open innovations in autonomous driving technology.
CAE, SIL, ADAS, Battery, Fuel Cell, Hybrid
Engineer.
Desktop
AVL CAMEO™ with its new integrated Functional Testing for Automotive Software, opens up a new dimension of superlatives for the DevOps engineer in automotive development. With new interfaces to SiL, HiL and in-vehicle it expands its activities to the necessary test environments. With the ability to interface to software test automation pipelines and software life cycle management tools the integration in a DevOps toolchain is made possible.
CAE, Engine, Fow, Driveline, Electrics, Hydraulics.
Engineer.
Desktop
AVL CRUISE M is a multi-disciplinary system simulation solution that supports model-based development using high quality real-time models from domains including engine, flow, aftertreatment, driveline, electrics, and hydraulics.
CAE, MBD, Multi-Body Dynamics, Structural Dynamics Optimization, NVH, Propulsion Systems
Engineer.
Desktop
With AVL EXCITE™, you get an innovative multi-body dynamics software solution for powertrain analysis. The tool calculates the dynamics, vibration and acoustics of combustion engines, transmissions and complete ICE-based or electrified drive units.
CAE, Engine, Emissions
Engineer.
Desktop
Combines the proven tools AVL FAME™ M Engine and AVL FAME™ Poly. It is integrated in the AVL Simulation Desktop and is called AVL FAME™ M Engine S.
Hybrid EVs, Plug-in hybrid EVs, Battery EVs, Fuel cell EVs
Engineer.
Desktop
A versatile test system (TS) for validating pure ice and electrified propulsion systems.
HIL, Powertrain
Engineer.
Desktop
AVL PUMA 2™ is the global industry standard for testbed automation. It is suitable for electrified testbed types as well as for conventional test environments.
Vehicle Dynamics, OpenSCENARIO, Scenario-Based, AD/ADAS, Sensors
Engineer.
Desktop
AVL Scenario Simulator™ is a cost-optimized solution for fully automated, large-scale ADAS/AD testing.
CAE, Scenario-Based Testing, OpenSCENARIO
Engineer.
Desktop
Enables accurate test scenario design for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving (AD) for effective test planning and maximum test coverage. Effortlessly create various scenario definitions and visualize them with the integrated scenario player.
MBD, SIL, HIL
Engineer.
Desktop
Experience real-world simulations in miscellaneous testing and calibration environments like Software-in-the-Loop SiL, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), testbeds, and vehicles. Explore the AVL SiL Suite´s heuristic components covering Controller Software, Co-Simulation, Calibration Assistance, Virtual Testing Assistance
MBD, Threat Analysis, Risk Assessment, Cybersecurity
Engineer.
Desktop
Automated analyzing and pointing out cyber-related security threats
HIL, Real-time, Comfort Calibration, Nonlinear multi-body, Dynamics, Scenario-Based Testing, Battery, Tires, Real-Time
Engineer.
Desktop
VSM is a comprehensive and flexible real-time simulation tool that allows you to consider vehicle characteristics and driving behavior along with energy efficiency.
Vehicle Attribute Assessment
Engineer.
Desktop
Shape your vehicle’s character and develop its distinctive driving DNA. Break free from subjective testing limitations, evaluate countless maneuvers and objectify driving attributes in a reproducible and user-friendly way. In real-time, throughout all development phases, in the virtual and real world.
Autoware, AD, ADAS, Unity, Scenario-Based, ROS
Engineer.
Desktop
AWSIM is a simulator for Autoware development and testing
MIL, ADAS, Sensors, Soft-Body Physics, Driving Simulator
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
BeamNG.tech is a versatile simulation platform suitable for the development of state of the art advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). We provide a highly customizable simulation environment that supports development in terms of data acquisition and X-in-the-loop development. With our custom build physics engine and detailed vehicle models, we are taking data acquisition to the next level by combining a high degree of physical realism with elaborate sensor models and photo-realistic imagery.
CAE, CAD, CFD
Engineer.
Desktop
Automate the geometry optimization. CAESES helps you to achieve this goal by letting you create powerful robust geometry models that can be integrated into any simulation-driven optimization loop.
ECU Calibration & diagnostics, Restbus Simulation, HIL, Ethernet, CAN message
Engineer.
Desktop
Vector offers multifaceted tools that are available for ECU development, calibration and diagnostics.
Traffic, Maps, Dynamics, AD, Autoware, ROS, Lidar, Camera, Sensors, OpenDRIVE
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
CARLA has been developed from the ground up to support development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems. In addition to open-source code and protocols, CARLA provides open digital assets (urban layouts, buildings, vehicles) that were created for this purpose and can be used freely. The simulation platform supports flexible specification of sensor suites, environmental conditions, full control of all static and dynamic actors, maps generation and much more.
Dynamics, Scenario-Based Testing, HIL, Real-Time
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
CarMaker Realtime is often used in HiL setups, where actual vehicle components (such as ECUs) are tested in conjunction with simulated vehicle models. This helps in verifying the integration and functionality of hardware components.
Dynamics, Scenario-Based Testing, MIL, SIL,HIL, VIL, Real-Time, Traffic, ADAS, AD, Powertrain, Data analysis and evaluation, FMI, OpenDRIVE, MATLAB/SIMULINK
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
Open integration and test platform for virtual test driving. CarMaker itself is an advanced software package for Model-Based Design, testing, and development in the field of vehicle dynamics for cars, motorcycles and trucks.
Driving Simulator, Dynamics, HIL
Engineer.
Desktop
Carnetsoft develops and sells software for desktop driving simulator applications.
Dynamics, Scenario-Based Testing, MIL, SIL,HIL, VIL, Real-Time, Traffic, ADAS, AD, Powertrain, Data analysis and evaluation, Unreal Engine Plugin
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
CarSim is a simulation software developed by Mechanical Simulation Corporation that is widely used in the automotive industry for vehicle dynamics modeling and testing. It provides a comprehensive environment for simulating and analyzing the behavior of passenger cars, light trucks, and utility vehicles under various driving conditions.
CAE, CAD, CFD, FEA, Fluids, Electrical, Structural, Vibration, Thermal
Engineer.
Desktop
CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) is a multi-platform software suite developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is widely used for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and product lifecycle management (PLM).
Track Simulator, Driving Simulator, Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Tires, Power Train
Engineer.
Desktop
ChassisSim is a specialized software tool used for simulating and analyzing the dynamic behavior of race car and high-performance vehicle chassis systems.
Traffic, Maps
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
A microscopic traffic simulator which simulates the behavior of each vehicle, providing highest level detail of traffic evolution.
C++, Lua, and JavaScript, HMI, 3D Car Model, ADAS visualization
Game
Desktop
Cocos2d is an open-source game development framework for creating 2D games and other graphical software for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, HarmonyOS, OpenHarmony and web platforms. It is written in C++
Motion planning benchmarks, Scenario database, Autoware
Engineer.
OSS, Desktop
CommonRoad is a collection of composable benchmarks for motion planning on roads, which provides researchers with a means of evaluating and comparing their motion planners.
2D Game Enginer, Javascript
Game
Desktop
Construct is a game development tool designed to make game creation accessible and straightforward, especially for individuals who may not have extensive programming experience.
CFD
Engineer.
Desktop
CONVERGE features autonomous meshing, state-of-the-art physical models, a robust chemistry solver, and the ability to easily accommodate complex moving geometries.
Co-simulation, FMI, Modelica, C, C++, Java, VHDL, VHDL-AMS, MATLAB, Simulink, HIL, SIL
Engineer.
Desktop
CosiMate uses an open architecture based on a co-simulation bus. This solution offers two major advantages, an open architecture enabling multi-point integration and communication of heterogeneous simulators, and the ability to simulate models across the network optimizing CPU usage and simulation performance.
CFD, Fluids
Engineer.
Desktop
Thermo-fluid analysis software is a simulation tool used for analyzing complex thermal/fluid phenomena. Software simulation enables predicting performance prior to hardware prototype.
Game Development, 3D
Game
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
Physical simulations that take into account real world physical properties in a realistic manner to provide easily configurable and dynamic scenes.
Kinematic & dynamic applications in robotics and computer animation
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
DART (Dynamic Animation and Robotics Toolkit) is a collaborative, cross-platform, open-source library. It provides data structures and algorithms for kinematic and dynamic applications in robotics and computer animation.
Game Development, 2D, 3D, Free
Game
OSS, Desktop
Defold is a cross-platform game engine known for its lightweight design and powerful features, enabling developers to create high-quality 2D games. While Defold doesn't come with pre-built vehicle simulations, its flexibility and scripting capabilities allow developers to implement a wide range of vehicle types and simulations.
Data Analysis & Visualization
Engineer.
Desktop
NI DIAdem is software for managing, analyzing, and reporting data collected during data acquisition and/or generated during simulations.
AD, ADAS, Sensors, HIL, GPU, CUDA
Engineer.
SDK
NVIDIA DRIVE Sim™ is an end-to-end simulation platform, architected from the ground up to run large-scale, physically based multi-sensor simulation. It's open, scalable, modular, and supports AV development and validation from concept to deployment, improving developer productivity and accelerating time to market.
HIL, Dynamics, Combustion Engine, Electric, Simulink
Engineer.
Desktop
ASM is a tool suite for simulating combustion engines, vehicle dynamics, electric components, and the traffic environment. The open Simulink models are used for model-based function development and in ECU tests on a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator.
Modelica, FMI, MBD, Catia, HIL
Engineer.
Desktop
Dymola, Dynamic Modeling Laboratory, is a complete tool for modeling and simulation of integrated and complex systems for use within automotive, aerospace, robotics, process and other applications. Rapidly solve complex multi-disciplinary systems modeling and analysis problems.
Virtual Test Driving, Vector, Real-Time, Dynamics, Engines, HIL, Electric, Sensors, Traffic
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
An open simulation environment for the virtual test driving of cars and commercial vehicles. The physical models include vehicle dynamics, powertrain, combustion engines, electric motors, sensors and traffic.
CAE, Control systems, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Gaseous flow, Thermal, Electrical, Mechanical, Refrigeration, Environment control, Lubrication, Fuel systems
Engineer.
Desktop
Accurately simulate control systems, hydraulics (including thermal effects), pneumatics, gaseous flow, thermal, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, environment control, lubrication or fuel systems, and sampled-data/discrete-time behaviour.
Engine
Engineer.
Desktop
Engine Simulation is the process of using computer software to simulate a dynamometer (dyno) so you can see what changes to the engines assembly generate greater or lesser horse power or torque.
OSI, OpenDrive, OpenScenario, Unity, Traffic, Dynamics
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
ESMini is a lightweight, open-source simulation tool focusing on the development and testing of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features. It provides a platform for simulating traffic scenarios, vehicle dynamics, and interactions with the environment
Engine, Powertrain, Electrical
Engineer.
Excel, Python
The Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSimTM) provides a simple way to compare powertrains and estimate the impact of technology improvements on light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency, performance, cost, and battery life.
Fatigue Analysis, Lightweight Design
Engineer.
Desktop
Software for fatigue life prediction and lightweight design.
CAE, CFD, Acoustics
Engineer.
Desktop
Leading CFD software for engineering simulations and multiphysics system analysis. Simulate fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and more with precision
Traffic, Maps, ML, SUMO, Aimsun
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Flow is a traffic control benchmarking framework. It provides a suite of traffic control scenarios (benchmarks), tools for designing custom traffic scenarios, and integration with deep reinforcement learning and traffic microsimulation libraries.
CAE, CFD, Flow, Liquids
Engineer.
Desktop
FLOW-3D is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software used for simulating fluid flows in various engineering applications. Developed by Flow Science, Inc., it is known for its powerful and accurate modeling capabilities, particularly in handling complex free-surface flows and multiphase flows.
FMI, FMU, Co-Simulation
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), zip
The Functional Mock-up Interface is a free standard that defines a container and an interface to exchange dynamic simulation models using a combination of XML files, binaries and C code, distributed as a ZIP file. It is supported by 200+ tools and maintained as a Modelica Association Project.
Game Engine, 2D, 3D
Game
Desktop
GameMaker is a complete development tool for making 2D games, used by indie developers, professional studios, and educators worldwide. Create games for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, HTML5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Robotics, ROS, 3D visualizer, Sensors, Physics, Transportation
Engineer.
Desktop
Gazebo is an open-source 2D/3D robotics simulator that began development in 2002. In 2017, development forked into two versions, known as "Gazebo", the original monolithic architecture, and "Ignition", which had moved to becoming a modernized collection of loosely coupled libraries.
Game Engine, 2D, 3D
Game
Desktop
Develop your 2D & 3D games, cross-platform projects, or even XR ideas
Engine
Engineer.
Desktop
GT-POWER is used to predict engine performance quantities such as power, torque, airflow, volumetric efficiency, fuel consumption, turbocharger performance and matching, and pumping losses, to name just a few.
CAE, Integrated Multi-physics Systems Simulation, Fluids, Electric, Thermal, Acoustics, Mechanical, Controls
Engineer.
Desktop
Offers engineers functionalities ranging from fast concept design to detailed system or sub-system/component analyses, design optimization, and root cause investigation.
Game Engine, 2D
Game
Desktop
HaxeFlixel is a 2D Game Engine that lets you create cross-platform games easier with free, open source technology
CAE, Optimization
Engineer.
Desktop
HEEDS facilitates efficient exploration and optimization of design options and parameters within the design space, enabling engineers to achieve superior results with greater ease and effectiveness.
HiL, AD, ADAS
Engineer.
Desktop
Applied Intuition HIL Sim empowers ADAS and AD engineers to test and validate their hardware platforms and features. It shortens development and verification workflows
CAE, FEM
Engineer.
Desktop
Altair® HyperMesh® is a powerful simulation solution that redefines CAE design processes across industries with unmatched pre- and post-processing capabilities for finite element modeling. Powered by AI-augmented 3D modeling and visualization tools, next-gen design and optimization workflows
CAE, Design Exploration and Optimization
Engineer.
Desktop
HyperStudy is a multidisciplinary design study software that enables engineers to explore and optimize their product performance and robustness.
CAE, Structures, Motion, Fluids, Thermal, Electromagnetics
Engineer.
Desktop
The Altair HyperWorks platform empowers engineers, scientists, designers, and more to tackle physics simulation and concept design challenges across multiple disciplines for structures, motion, fluids, thermal, electromagnetics, electronics, controls, and embedded systems
CAE, CFD, Fluids
Engineer.
Desktop
CFD++ is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software developed by Metacomp Technologies. It is a versatile and powerful tool used for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical phenomena.
Game Development, AR/VR, Digital Twin, Unity, Unreal, C++, C#
Game/Engineer.
Desktop, Web
Able to develop any turnkey game of your dreams or help you in the development of your already existing project. Mobile, desktop, web-based, VR/AR
CAE, Optimization
Engineer.
Desktop
Isight and the SIMULIA Execution Engine (formerly Fiper) integrate multiple cross-disciplinary models and applications within a simulation process flow. They automate the execution across distributed compute resources, explore the resulting design space, and identify the optimal design parameters within defined constraints.
OpenScenario, OpenDRIVE, Scenario-Based, Digital Twin
Engineer.
Desktop
Automatically generate OpenScenario XML and OpenDrive files from raw data
AD, ADAS, Scenario-Based, Scenario Mining
Engineer.
Desktop
Automatically extract, inspect and evaluate concrete driving scenarios existing in your large amounts of recorded or simulated data
Motor, Thermal, Electromagnetics
Engineer.
Desktop
Used for electromagnetic field analysis and simulation, particularly in the design and analysis of electric machines, transformers, actuators, and other electromagnetic devices.
Motor, Gears, Thermal, Electromagnetics
Engineer.
Desktop
KISSsoft® is a modular calculation program for the design, optimization and verification of machine elements according to international standards.
Thermal, Vehicle heating
Engineer.
Desktop
​​​​​​​​​​​Thermal management simulation is essential in the development process of every new vehicle. Understanding how individual components influence the overall system is necessary for an optimal design regarding energy consumption, emissions, noise, fatigue, and other parameters.
Game Engine, 2D, 3D
Game
OSS (GitHub)
libGDX is a cross-platform Java game development framework based on OpenGL (ES) that works on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, your browser and iOS.
Metal Casting Simulation
Engineer.
Desktop
MAGMASOFT leads to robust and cost effective solutions in component design, tooling lay-out and production.
Modelica, Multidomain, MBD, Dynamics, Flow, Powertrain, Electic, PLC, Digital Twin,
Engineer.
Desktop
MapleSim is an advanced modeling and simulation tool that helps you reduce development time, lower costs, and diagnose real-world performance issues.
Simulink, MBD, Real-Time, SIL, Physics, Signals, Thermal, Noise, Vibration, Dynamics, Mechanical, Code Generation, AI, ML, Math
Engineer.
Desktop
MATLAB® is a programming platform designed specifically for engineers and scientists to analyze and design systems and products that transform our world. The heart of MATLAB is the MATLAB language, a matrix-based language allowing the most natural expression of computational mathematics.
Agent-Based Traffic Simulation
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
MATSim is an open-source framework for large-scale agent-based transport simulations.
Road Generation, OpenDRIVE, Maps
Engineer.
Desktop
Convert or join different Maps, Road Networks and Georeferenced data.The Road Network Transpiler converts between different formats, in order to satisfy customer modeling and simulation needs.Transform your road network data with ease using the Road Network Transpiler. Our powerful tool enables quick and seamless conversion between various formats, catering to your unique modeling and simulation needs. With just a few clicks, our software can convert data from HERE HD Live Maps® to ASAM OpenDRIVE® and produce files that are ready for use in simulations or procedural environment generation.
Multidomain, Mechanical, aeroservoelastic, Co-simulation, Multiphysics, CFD, Simulink, API(C, C++ Python), Aerospace
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
MBDyn is the first and one of the few full-featured free* general purpose Multibody Dynamics analysis software, released under GNU’s GPL 2.1
Multidomain, Physics, Math
Engineer.
Language
Modelica is an object oriented language to model cyber-physical systems. It supports acausal connection of reusable components governed by mathematical equations to facilitate modeling from first principles.
Multidomain, Physics, Math, Modelica, Cloud
Engineer.
Desktop
A next generation system modeling and simulation platform, leveraging the benefits of web and open standard technologies. With openness at its core, Modelon Impact supports standards such as Modelica, FMI, Python and REST. The user-friendly browser interface provides modeling experts the tools they need to create, simulate, and experiment. Steady-state or dynamic solutions
Multidomain, Physics, Math, Modelica, Vehicle Dynamics, Powertrain, Electrification, Engine Dynamics, Fuel Cell, Hydrolics, Hydro, Jet Propulsion, Themal
Engineer.
Desktop
A comprehensive suite of Modelica libraries expertly designed for your physical system modeling needs.
Game Development, 2D, 3D, Desktop, Mobile, Console
Game
OSS (GitHub)
MonoGame is a simple and powerful .NET framework for creating games for desktop PCs, video game consoles, and mobile devices using the C# programming language.
Robotics, ROS, YARP, 3D visualizer, Sensors, Physics, Transportation
Engineer.
Desktop
As of 2020, MORSE is not maintained/updated anymore. MORSE is an generic simulator for academic robotics. It focuses on realistic simulation of small to large environments, indoor or outdoor, with one to over a dozen of autonomous robots.
CAE, FEA
Engineer.
Desktop
Commercial versions of NASTRAN are currently available from several vendors.
CAE, Fatigue analysis
Engineer.
Desktop
Ansys nCode DesignLife, the industry-leading tool for durability analysis, gives you a comprehensive diagnostic fatigue process to predict your product’s operational lifetime.
Traffic
Engineer.
Desktop, Web
Models the movement of cars on a highway.
CFD, Aeronautical
Engineer.
Desktop
NextSim aims to increase the capabilities of current Computational Fluid Dynamics tools for aeronautical design by re-engineering them for extreme-scale parallel computing platforms.
Game Engine, 2D, 3D
Engineer./Game
OSS (GitHub)
O3DE (Open 3D Engine) is an open-source, real-time, multi-platform 3D engine that enables developers and content creators to build AAA games, cinema-quality 3D worlds, and high-fidelity simulations without any fees or commercial obligations.
Aerodynamics
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
OpenFOAM is the free, open source CFD software developed primarily by OpenCFD Ltd since 2004. It has a large user base across most areas of engineering and science, from both commercial and academic organisations.
Multidomain, Physics, Math, Modelica
Engineer.
Desktop
OPENMODELICA is an open-source Modelica-based1 modeling and simulation environment intended for industrial and academic usage.
Traffic, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
A free, global traffic speed data set linked to OpenStreetMap
Traffic, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Open source traffic simulator
Kinematics, Suspension
Engineer.
Desktop
Software that makes computer-aided suspension design and analysis fast and convenient.
Vehicle Dynamics, Lap Time Optimization
Engineer.
Desktop
OptimumLap is a FREE, simplified, vehicle simulation tool that estimates a vehicle’s performance on a given racetrack.
Tires
Engineer.
Desktop
OptimumTire2 is a software tool that is designed to help engineers to analyze tire forces and moments and generate tire models from tire test data.
CAE, FEA, FEM, Nastran
Engineer.
Desktop
OptiStruct is a proven, modern structural solver with comprehensive, accurate, and scalable solutions for linear and nonlinear analyses across statics and dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, fatigue, heat transfer, and multiphysics disciplines.
Traffic, VISSIM, Openstreetmap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
An open-source OSM conversion tool for seamless automatized generation of microscopic traffic simulation for PTV VISSIM
Traffic, SUMO, Openstreetmap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
The OSM Web Wizard offers one of the easiest solutions to start with SUMO. Based on a selection of an openstreetmap map excerpt, you will be able to configure a randomized traffic demand and run and visualize the scenario in the sumo-gui.
Game Engine, 3D, C++, Python
Game
Desktop
Panda3D is an open-source, cross-platform, completely free-to-use engine for realtime 3D games, visualizations, simulations, experiments — you name it!
CAE, Finite Element, Thermal, Hear, Acoustics, Fluid, Dynamics
Engineer.
Desktop
PERMAS is among the most advanced Finite Element Software Systems worldwide. It offers a complete range of industrial solutions at the highest possible performance, quality and reliability. Solutions for statics, dynamics, heat transfer, fluid-structure acoustics and optimization.
Physics Simulation, GPU
Engineer./Game
OSS (GitHub), SDK
NVIDIA PhysX® is an open source, scalable, multi-platform physics simulation solution supporting a wide range of devices, from smartphones to high-end multicore CPUs and GPUs. The powerful SDK brings high-performance and precision accuracy to industrial simulation use cases from traditional VFX and game development workflows, to high-fidelity robotics, medical simulation, and scientific visualization applications.
Traffic, SUMO, Veins, Scenario-Based, Vehicle Dynamics, Controls
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
Plexe is a cooperative driving framework extending SUMO and Veins permitting the realistic simulation of platooning (i.e., automated car-following) systems.
CAE, NVH, Vibration, Acoustics
Engineer.
Desktop
PowerACOUSTICS® is the leader in digital acoustic and aeroacoustic solutions for applications including cars, heavy equipment, trains, and aircraft. When coupled with PowerFLOW, PowerACOUSTICS provides visual insight into acoustic and aeroacoustic capabilities through extensive noise-quality testing.
CAE, CFD, Flow, Liquids
Engineer.
Desktop
Transient Lattice Boltzmann-based physics PowerFLOW CFD solution performs simulations that accurately predict real world conditions. Using the PowerFLOW suite, engineers evaluate product performance early in the design process
CAE, Thermal, Cooling
Engineer.
Desktop
PowerTHERM and PowerCOOL - A Complete Thermal Management Solution
ADAS, AD, Physics-based Sensor Simulation, Camera, Radar, 3D Visualization
Engineer.
Desktop
ADAS simulation with Simcenter Prescan enables the development and validation of ADAS and automated vehicle functionality.
Traffic, Maps, 3D Visualization, Pedestrians, Transport Infrastructure, Rail, Bicycles
Engineer.
Desktop
The world's leading traffic simulation software PTV Vissim digitally reproduces the traffic patterns of all road users on a microscopic scale.
CAE, Multi-Body Dynamics
Engineer.
Desktop
RecurDyn is an interdisciplinary, CAE software package whose primary function is the simulation of Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD)
Vehicle Dynamics, Driving Simulation, AD, ADAS, 3D Visualization, Cameras, Sensors
Engineer.
Desktop
Engineering-grade vehicle simulation environment that accelerates the safe and efficient development of vehicle dynamics, autonomous vehicles and ADAS.
Physics-based, Energy, Powertrain, Fuel cell, Fuel, Emissions, Hybrids, Multi-Domain System, Simulink, FMI, Modelica
Engineer.
Desktop
IGNITE is a physics-based system simulation package focused on complete vehicle system modelling and simulation.
CFD, Combustion Engines
Engineer.
Desktop
VECTIS is a comprehensive CFD software solution empowering internal combustion engine designers to tackle their most pressing challenges.
CFD, Combustion Engines, SIL, HIL, MIL, MBD
Engineer.
Desktop
WAVE and its faster than real-time component WAVE-RT are at the forefront of 1D CFD technology for the analysis of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE).
Maps, Road
Engineer.
Desktop
RoadDesign is the road design software to create databases (virtual environments) to be used in experiments and is part of the research simulator software module. It was also used to create the databases in the driver training software module.
Maps, Road, OpenDrive, Traffic Signals, AD, ADAS, Lidar Point Cloud, Aerial Imagery, GIS Data, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
Desktop
RoadRunner is an interactive editor that lets you design 3D scenes for simulating and testing automated driving systems. You can customize roadway scenes by creating region-specific road signs and markings.
CAE, NVH, Electro-Mechanical, Bearings, Concept Design, Energy, Thermal, Transmission, Electric
Engineer.
Desktop
A simulation platform for engineering the next generation of electro-mechanical drive systems
AD, ADAS, Roads, Vehicle dynamics, Traffic, Sensors, Environment, HIL, SIL, MIL, Driving Simulator
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
SCANeR studio is a comprehensive simulation platform addressing prototyping, validation and training of ADAS, Autonomous Vehicles.
CARLA, OpenScenario
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
The repository contains traffic scenario definition and an execution engine for CARLA.
Numerical Computation Solver, Controls, Simulation, Optimization, Signal Processing, Xcos, Modelica, FEM, Mechanics, EV, Electric
Engineer.
OSS (Gitlab), Desktop
Open source software for numerical computation. Dynamic systems modeler and simulator in discrete and continuous time domains. Xcos is a graphical editor to design hybrid dynamical systems models.
Driving Simulator, Dynamics, HIL
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
SILAB is the driving simulation for your driving simulator - and much more. In addition to the simulation environment, SILAB provides all the tools you need to design the route, including all events and road users.
CAE, CAD, NVH, Vibration, Acoustics, Mechanics, Durability and Fatigue Analysis, ANSYS, Abaqus, MSC Nastran, LS-Dyna
Engineer.
Desktop
Address complex engineering challenges by enhancing simulation efficiency. Simcenter 3D is one of the most comprehensive, fully-integrated CAE solutions.
CAE, Electrical, Fluid, Thermal
Engineer.
Desktop
Simcenter Amesim is a leading integrated, scalable system simulation platform, allowing system simulation engineers to virtually assess and optimize the performance of mechatronic systems.
CAE, CFD
Engineer.
Desktop
Leverage fully CAD-embedded CFD software for designers to shorten development by evaluating fluid flow and heat transfer earlier in NX, Solid Edge, CATIA and Creo.
Occupant & Pedestrian Safety, Crash, Car/Motorcycle
Engineer.
Desktop
Reduce new or improved vehicle development time and cost through early analysis and optimization of occupant and pedestrian safety.
ADAS, AD, Sensors, Radar, Camera, MBD
Engineer.
Desktop
ADAS simulation with Simcenter Prescan enables the development and validation of ADAS and automated vehicle functionality.
CAE, CFD, Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)
Engineer.
Desktop
Accelerate complex transient application simulations with meshless CFD using the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method.
CAE, CFD, Multiphysics
Engineer.
Desktop
Improve product performance with multiphysics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for real-world conditions.
Tires
Engineer.
Desktop
Apply accurate tire modeling for vehicle performance simulation. Simcenter Tire helps you apply tire models to applications like vehicle handling and durability.
Multidomain, MBD, NVH, SIL, HIL, Vehicle Dynamics, Bearings, Drivetrain, Powertrain, Engine, Flexible Body, Co-simulation(TCP/IP, MATLAB/Simulink, FMI/FM)
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
Multibody System Simulation Software, what sets Simpack apart from other solutions is its reliance on a unique technology for setting up the equations of motion of a system. Therefore, the notable advantages of SIMPACK are the speed and robustness of its solver
Modelica, Multidomain, MBD, Dynamics, Flow, Powertrain, Electic, PLC, Digital Twin
Engineer.
Desktop
A powerful platform for simulating and analyzing physics-based models of complex systems. With flexible modeling capabilities and tight integrations with ANSYS solutions for 3-D physics simulation and embedded software design, Simplorer provides broad support for assembling system-level physical models and robust simulation for verifying and optimizing system performance. Simplorer supports multiple standard modeling languages and exchange formats, including Modelica, VHDL-AMS, and the Functional Mock-up Interface, and is compatible with Modelica libraries offered by Modelon.
Modelica, Multidomain, Multi-Body Systems, MBD, Dynamics, Digital Twin
Engineer.
Desktop
With SimulationX, engineers model, simulate, and analyze the behavior of all parts of the technical systems comprising mechanical, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, thermal, and control systems. Comprehensive component libraries with application-oriented model elements ensure that they have the right tools available for each task.
Vehicle Dynamics, MATLAB/Simulink, MBD, SIL, HIL, Scenario-Based, Kinematics and Compliance (K&C), AD/ADAS, 3D Environment
Engineer.
Desktop, Real-Time HW
Model and simulate vehicle dynamics in a virtual 3D environment
CAE, FEA, CAD, Structures
Engineer.
Desktop
SOLIDWORKS® Simulation is an easy-to-use portfolio of structural analysis tools that use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to predict a product’s real-world physical behavior by virtually testing CAD models. The portfolio provides linear, non-linear static and dynamic analysis capabilities.
Robotics, Multi-Agent, ROS
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Stage simulates a population of mobile robots, sensors and objects in a two-dimensional bitmapped environment. Stage is designed to support research into multi-agent autonomous systems
Game Development, 2D, 3D, C#, Windows
Game
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
Stride is a free and open-source cross-platform C# game engine. It is fit for both 2D and 3D games, as well as any other interactive content running on desktop and VR.
Traffic, Traffic-Manipulation, Maps, Road-Networks, OpenDRIVE, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
An open source, highly portable, microscopic traffic simulation package designed to handle large road networks and different modes of transport.
Traffic, Road File Conversion
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
Netconvert imports digital road networks from different sources and generates road networks that can be used by SUMO or other tools.
Suspension
Engineer.
Desktop
SuspensionSim is used by model users and model builders. Model users are engineers and designers who work with a given suspension layout, change hardpoint coordinates and stiffness properties, and then evaluate the suspension behavior by analyzing simulated test results.
CAE, CFD
Engineer.
Desktop
Tecplot 360 integrated postprocessing environment allows you to analyze detailed flow-field data while producing exceptional visual output.
Driving Simulator, Dynamics
Game/Engineer.
OSS (SourceForge), Desktop
TORCS is an open-source 3D car racing simulator. It is used as ordinary car racing game, as AI racing game and as research platform.
Game Development, 2D, 3D, C++ Engine
Game
OSS, Desktop
Torque Game Engine, or TGE, is an open-source cross-platform 3D computer game engine
CAE, FEA, CFD, Optimization
Engineer.
Desktop
Efficient Optimization Based on FEA and CFD Simulations
Traffic, Python
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
A microscopic traffic simulator in Python.
Traffic, Maps, 3D Visualization
Engineer.
Desktop
TransModeler is a powerful and versatile traffic simulation package applicable to a wide array of traffic planning and modeling tasks.
Traffic, Maps
Engineer.
Desktop
TSIS-CORSIM is a microscopic traffic simulation software package for signal systems, highway systems, freeway systems, or combined signal, highway and freeway systems.
Deep Learning, AD, ADAS
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
This simulator was built for Udacity's Self-Driving Car Nanodegree, to teach students how to train cars how to navigate road courses using deep learning
Game Development, 3D, C++ Engine, Sensor/Camera Simulation
Game/Engineer.
Desktop
Create and grow real-time 3D games, apps, and experiences for entertainment, film, automotive, architecture, and more.
Game Development, 3D, C++ Engine, Sensor/Camera Simulation
Game/Engineer.
Desktop
Unreal Engine is a 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games
NVH, Acoustics, Vibration
Engineer.
Desktop
Software for Vibro-Acoustics Analysis & Simulation
Inter Vehicle Communication, SUMO, Traffic
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub), Desktop
Veins is an open source framework for running vehicular network simulations. It is based on two well-established simulators: OMNeT++, an event-based network simulator, and SUMO, a road traffic simulator. It extends these to offer a comprehensive suite of models for IVC simulation.
Vehicle Dynamics, Design of Experiments, Real time, Suspension, K&C, ADAS, MATLAB, FMI
Engineer.
Desktop
With VI-CarRealTime, Vehicle Dynamics engineers can quickly and easily perform large Design of Experiments (DOE) and multi-objective optimization studies.
Crash, Safety, Impact, Airbag, Battery, Strength & Dynamics, Seat Design
Engineer.
Desktop
Use ESI's VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE SOLUTION VPS software to simulate crash, safety, strength, and dynamics of next-generation vehicles.
Environment, OpenDRIVE, OpenSCENARIO, ADAS, AD, SiL, DiL, ViL, HiL,
Engineer.
Desktop
VTD is a toolkit for the creation, configuration, presentation and evaluation of virtual environments in the scope of road and rail based simulations. It is used for the development of ADAS and automated driving systems as well as the core for training simulators. It covers the full range from the generation of 3d content to the simulation of complex traffic scenarios and, finally, to the simulation of either simplified or physically driven sensors.
Traffic, Maps, Digital City Twin, OpenStreetMap
Engineer.
Desktop
traffic simulation software PTV Vissim digitally reproduces the traffic patterns of all road users on a microscopic scale.
ROS Robotics Simulator
Engineer.
OSS (GitHub)
Webots_ros is a package that provides the necessary interfaces to simulate a robot in the Webots open-source 3D rigid body simulator for robots.
Modelica, Multidomain, MBD, Dynamics, Flow, Powertrain, Electic, PLC, Digital Twin,
Engineer.
Desktop
A high-fidelity modeling environment that uses versatile symbolic components and computation to drive design efficiency and innovation. It integrates with the Wolfram technology platform to enable modeling, simulation, and analysis (of many types).
CFD, Mesh-free, Lattice Boltzmann Approach, Lubrication Simulation
Engineer.
Desktop
Xflow CFD is a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics software that uses a mesh-free, Lattice Boltzmann approach to simulate complex fluid dynamics and interactions for a wide range of applications across multiple industries.

Disclaimer: Table is WIP!

Abbreviations
AD / ADAS: Autonomous Driving / Advanced driver-assistance systems
CAE / CAD: Computer Aided Engineering/Design (Physical modeling of structure)
CFD: Computational fluid dynamics
FEA / FEM: Finite Elements Analysis / Finite Element Method
MBD: Model-Based Development
HiL: Hardware in the Loop
SIL: Software in the Loop



This page tries to answer questions similar to:
- Which simulation tools can be used for AD, ADAS verification.
- What game engines can simulate cars?
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- Which tools can analyze dynamics of cars?

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