Whether we are talking cars, buildings, or aircraft, the future of test may just be entirely digital. However, in order to understand, build, and execute those tests, the right strategies and preparation must be in place. To walk us through the future of test in virtual reality, host Derek Burrows first heads over to the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the most iconic place in the world for motorsports. There, he meets Paul Mitchell, Chairman and President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, and learns how Paul’s team has pioneered virtual testing for their races. He then meets with Dr. Will Roper, Professor, and Former U.S. Air and Space Forces Weapons Chief. Will has worked with the Missile Defense Agency and the Air Force to develop exciting new systems, some of which might not even exist yet in the physical world. He explains what a digital thread is and how our digital twin can help us create faster, at lower cost, and have less impact on the environment. 

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• Before anyone from Paul Mitchell’s Indy Autonomous team touched a tool, the challenge was an entirely virtual competition. What did they learn while working in simulated environments, and how did that impact testing? 
• Paul discusses how their simulation tools got better once they began on-track testing. 
• Those who were leading the racecar team weren’t necessarily automobile experts, but the best in computer science and AI. In fact, one of the team leads didn’t even have a driver’s license! 
• The virtual component is not more valuable than the real world, but the two can support one another in gathering data and giving important feedback. 
• Will Roper explains how the focus of test engineers and testers in the future will be overcoming the new things that have been left in Pandora’s box for us to open. 
• How will virtual reality affect the way we test and design in aviation? 
• Will explains what a digital twin is, and how we can use it for more efficiency, out-of-the-box innovation, and less cost. 
• Virtual reality will help us fold AI more into our design.

Resources Mentioned: 

• NI
• Indy Autonomous Challenge 
• Paul Mitchell 
• Dr. Will Roper