Tagung
Software-in-the-Loop 2026
Faktor 10 – Mythos oder machbar? Factor 10 – Myth or Feasible?
Software-in-the-Loop 2026
Inhalt
Software-in-the-Loop in der industriellen Praxis: Erfahren Sie, wie SIL als skalierbare Standard-Plattform für die Entwicklung und Absicherung komplexer Software- und Fahrzeugsysteme etabliert wird. Im Fokus stehen Architekturentscheidungen, Toolchain-Design und organisatorische Voraussetzungen für den nachhaltigen Einsatz von SIL – on-premise und in der Cloud. Diskutieren Sie Ansätze zur Modellierung auf unterschiedlichen Abstraktionsebenen, szenariobasierte Absicherung, Coverage-Metriken und Test-Orchestrierung. Weitere Schwerpunkte sind Interoperabilität und Standards (z. B. FMI/FMU), Co-Simulation sowie der Transfer und die Korrelation von Testfällen zwischen SIL und HIL inklusive Traceability, Safety und Compliance. Lernen Sie, wie KI‐basierte Methoden virtuelles Testen, Analyse und Szenariengenerierung effizienter machen. Praxisberichte liefern konkrete KPIs, Lessons Learned und belastbare Aussagen zu Aufwand, Qualität und ROI.
Dr. Ing. Christian Köllner (Vector) und Dr. Karsten Krügel (dSPACE) sind als Tagungsleiter für die fachliche Gestaltung der Tagung verantwortlich
Bitte beachten Sie, dass die Konferenzsprache Englisch ist.
Den Call for Speakers mit allen Details und Fristen finden Sie hier.
Topic
Software-in-the-loop in industrial practice:
Learn how SIL is being established as a scalable standard platform for the development and validation of complex software and vehicle systems. The focus is on architecture decisions, toolchain design, and organizational requirements for the sustainable use of SIL— on-premises and in the cloud. Discuss approaches to modeling at different levels of abstraction, scenario-based validation, coverage metrics, and test orchestration.
Other key topics include interoperability and standards (e.g., FMI/FMU), co-simulation, and the transfer and correlation of test cases between SIL and HIL, including traceability, safety, and compliance. Learn how AI-based methods make virtual testing, analysis, and scenario generation more efficient. Practical reports provide concrete KPIs, lessons learned, and reliable statements on effort, quality, and ROI.
As Conference Chairs, Dr. Ing. Christian Köllner (Vector) and Dr. Karsten Krügel (dSPACE) are responsible for curating the conference program.
Please note that the conference language is English. International participants can register by emailing software-in-the-loop@hdt.de.
Click here to view the Call for Speakers, including all details and deadlines.
Zum Thema
Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) entwickelt sich rasant zur Standardplattform für virtuelle Tests und Validierung in der Softwareentwicklung. Sie bildet das Rückgrat moderner Entwicklungs- und Absicherungsprozesse – insbesondere in sicherheitskritischen Branchen wie Automotive, Luftfahrt, Industrieautomation und Medizintechnik. Um SIL als zentrale Plattform zu etablieren, braucht es eine klare Vision und Roadmap, unterstützt durch eine skalierbare Architektur und strategisch ausgerichtete organisatorische Weichenstellungen.
Im Zentrum steht die Skalierung und der Betrieb der SIL-Toolchain – ob on-premise oder in der Cloud. Erfolgsentscheidend sind eine durchdachte Governance-Struktur, flexible Kostenmodelle, gezieltes Workforce-Enablement sowie ein effektives Change Management, um Entwicklungsteams nachhaltig auf die Transformation vorzubereiten.
Ebenso wichtig ist die Modellierung und Coverage. Über abgestufte Abstraktionsebenen, realitätsnahe szenariobasierte Absicherung und aussagekräftige Coverage-Metriken lassen sich Testumfänge bewerten und optimieren. Eine automatisierte Orchestrierung sichert Effizienz, Wiederholbarkeit und Nachvollziehbarkeit der virtuellen Tests.
Zukunftsweisend ist zudem eine hohe Interoperabilität. Offene Schnittstellen, Co-Simulationen und die Einbindung anerkannter Standards wie FMI/FMU (Functional Mock-up Interface/Unit) sowie konsistente Datenmodelle gewährleisten die Vernetzung von Tools, Plattformen und Systemen – eine Grundvoraussetzung für durchgängige Entwicklungsprozesse.
Die Brücke zwischen SIL und HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) ist ein weiterer Schlüssel zum Erfolg. Die Korrelation und der Transfer von Testfällen, vollständige Traceability sowie die Einhaltung von Safety- und Compliance-Vorgaben ermöglichen eine sichere und harmonisierte Absicherung zwischen virtueller und realer Testumgebung.
Ein innovatives Zukunftsfeld ist die Verbindung von Künstlicher Intelligenz und SIL (AI & SIL): KI-gestützte Funktionen können virtuell getestet werden, während KI selbst zur Effizienzsteigerung im Test, in der Analyse und in der Szenariengenerierung beiträgt. Dadurch entstehen adaptive, lernfähige Testumgebungen mit deutlich verkürzten Entwicklungszyklen.
Auch Security, Safety und Quality sind integrale Bestandteile moderner SIL-Setups. Cybersecurity-Tests, Safety-Argumentationen, Compliance-Nachweise und Auditierbarkeit stellen sicher, dass Produkte höchsten Sicherheits- und Qualitätsstandards entsprechen.
Praxisberichte und Business Cases belegen den ROI von Software-in-the-Loop: Durch Kennzahlen (KPIs), Zeit- und Kosteneinsparungen, dokumentierte Lessons Learned und die Vermeidung typischer Anti-Patterns zeigen Unternehmen, wie sie mit SIL-basierter Absicherung ihre Reifegrade erhöhen, Markteinführung beschleunigen und Qualitätsrisiken minimieren können.
On the subject
Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) has rapidly become the standard platform for virtual testing and validation in software-driven development. It serves as the foundation of modern virtual validation workflows, especially in safety-critical sectors such as automotive engineering, aerospace, industrial automation, and medical technology. Establishing SIL as a standard requires a clear vision and roadmap, supported by a robust architecture and the right organizational frameworks to ensure seamless integration.
At its core, success depends on scalability and operations. A flexible toolchain that runs both on-premise and in the cloud is essential, along with well-defined governance models, transparent cost structures, workforce training, and proactive change management.
Equally vital are modeling and coverage aspects. Leveraging multiple abstraction levels, scenario-based validation, measurable coverage metrics, and intelligent orchestration ensures traceable, reproducible, and efficient testing throughout the entire software lifecycle.
Interoperability and standards play a key role as well. Open interfaces, co-simulation environments, and adherence to standards such as FMI/FMU (Functional Mock-up Interface/Unit), along with unified data models, guarantee compatibility and connectivity across tools, systems, and simulation environments.
Bridging SIL and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) environments is essential for full validation coverage. This includes correlation and transfer of test cases, traceability, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards, ensuring consistent results across digital and physical test domains.
In the era of artificial intelligence, AI & SIL marks a transformative frontier. Virtual testing of AI-driven functions and the use of AI for test automation, smart analysis, and scenario generation significantly improve efficiency, adaptability, and test coverage in virtual environments.
Furthermore, security, safety, and quality form the backbone of trusted SIL setups. Cybersecurity testing, safety argumentation, compliance verification, and audit readiness strengthen the reliability and certification confidence of complex systems.
Real-world examples and ROI analyses highlight the tangible benefits of Software-in-the-Loop testing: well-defined KPIs, measurable time and cost savings, practical lessons learned, and identification of anti-patterns demonstrate how organizations can accelerate validation, reduce risks, and increase product maturity with SIL-based strategies.
Zielsetzung
Was wäre, wenn SIL Ihre Testeffizienz verzehnfacht, den Reifegrad deutlich früher absichert und Produkte schneller in den Markt bringt? Erleben Sie, wie Software-in-the-Loop in realen Industrieprojekten skaliert – und wie daraus messbarer Nutzen entsteht: weniger Aufwand, höhere Qualität und fundierte, belastbare Entscheidungsgrundlagen.
Objective
What if SIL increased your testing efficiency tenfold, ensured maturity much earlier, and brought products to market faster? Experience how software-in-the-loop scales in real-world industrial projects—and how this translates into measurable benefits: less effort, higher quality, and sound, reliable decision-making.
Teilnehmerkreis
Für alle, die SIL nicht nur einsetzen, sondern skalieren, industrialisieren und wirtschaftlich verantworten wollen – von Engineering bis Management.
Target audience
For everyone who not only wants to use SIL, but also scale, industrialize, and take economic responsibility for it—from engineering to management.
Programm
Referenten
2013 – 2019: Senior Product Manager for Virtual Validation and Software Architecture at dSPACE GmbH
2010 – 2013: Product Manager for Virtual Validation at dSPACE GmbH
2006 – 2010: Product Engineer at dSPACE GmbH
2002 – 2006: Research Assistant at the University of Münster
Since 2025: Vice President SIL | Virtualization Tools
2013–present: Various roles at Vector Informatik
2013: PhD in Electrical Engineering
2007–2013: Research Assistant at FZI Research Center for Information Technology, focusing on embedded systems
2001–2007: Computer Science studies at the University of Karlsruhe
Amir Sardari is a Senior Expert in Software & System Engineering and Virtualization Strategist at Robert Bosch GmbH. With nearly 18 years of experience in automotive research and development, he has worked across a broad range of vehicle domains, including Chassis Systems, ADAS, Powertrain, Electrification, and Mobility Electronics. His current focus is on virtualization and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) engineering. Amir serves as the lead of the VDA Project Group for SiL Standardization, where he collaborates with automotive OEMs, suppliers, tool vendors and industry working groups to establish common standards for SiL ecosystems.
Dr. Thomas Ringler studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart and has been working for more than 20 years in AUTOSAR methodology and toolchain development at Mercedes-Benz R&D. As development engineer he is leading a project on the virtual integration of distributed Body & Comfort functions based on AUTOSAR.
Benedikt Menne has over 15 years of experience in automotive function development, with a particular focus on Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), virtual validation, and model-based development processes. His expertise lies in the design, standardization, and implementation of simulation and integration solutions for the early verification and validation of ECU functions.
As Product Owner for dSPACE VEOS, he has concentrated since its inception on contributing to the FMI-LS-BUS standard and its market establishment, as well as the integration of this technology within the dSPACE SIL/HIL toolchain. He is also working on implementing end-to-end workflows for virtual validation and co-simulation. His expertise encompasses combining standardized FMI-based approaches with modern simulation and test environments to shorten development times and sustainably improve the quality of software-defined vehicle functions. His goal is to create interoperable and scalable simulation solutions for efficient use in customer scenarios.
Experience: 24 years in the Aerospace and Automotive industry, with deep verification expertise across multiple products.
Current Position: Deputy General Manager, Daimler.
Role / Responsibilities:
Leading the Virtual Verification (iSIL) Team in Bangalore, responsible for virtual verification activities using the dSPACE VEOS environment. The team creates a virtual verification platform and configures it for various vehicle variants for integration maturity. The team ensures virtual verification as a prime path for current vehicle projects and seamlessly extends it to SDV in the iSIL framework.
Matthieu Rullier leads the Virtualization Team at Stellantis, driving the deployment of virtual ECU solutions at scale within the XiL ecosystem. He has over 8 years of experience in XiL, previously working on propulsion systems at a Tier 1 supplier.
Engineer of ‘Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Arts et Métier’
Engineer of ‘IF School, option internal combustion engine’
From gasoline engine combustion & emission development, tuning of engine & automated gearbox, tuning of OBD diagnosis to powertrain software validation.
Multicultural environment and activities with VOLVO Car, Renault Romania, Renault India, Nissan Spain and Nissan Japan.
Involded in European project ‘ACOSAR’ leading to DCP standard, FMI Advisory comitte and FMU3 LS-BUS.
After ten years in HIL validation and responsible of Renault Group worlwide HIL powertrain roadmap, deploy software virtualization since four years for Ampere softwares.
Associated expert for electric powertrain virtualized software
Nicolas Laurent is a technology expert with over 25 years at Renault Group. He specializes in simulation platforms, AD/ADAS validation, and engineering IT systems. With a background in mechanical and software engineering from Centrale Méditerranée, he has led multiple innovative projects and teams, combining technical depth with strategic vision in complex automotive and industrial environments.
ZF Group
8 years
Senior Simulation Engineer
May 2025 – Present (1 year, 2 months)
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Simulation Development Engineer
July 2018 – June 2025 (7 years)
Koblenz University of Applied Sciences
Lecturer in Technical Thermodynamics
October 2023 – April 2025 (1 year, 7 months)
Adjunct Lecturer – Mechanical Engineering – Thermodynamics Module
ZF Group
1 year, 3 months
Master’s Student
August 2017 – January 2018 (6 months)
Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Development of a multiphysics simulation method at the component level
- Analysis of current coupling strategies for multiphysics simulation
- Correlation/validation with measurements
- Examination of sensitivity and tolerance studies
Nic Eckstein bridges the worlds of mechanical engineering, IT, and modern software development. Following his start in enterprise IT, he brought his expertise into EE testing at an early stage and helped drive the transition towards Software-in-the-Loop (SiL). Today, as a Team Manager, he is responsible for cloud platforms for embedded testing and shapes the business development of innovative testing solutions for the mobility of tomorrow.
At the SiL Conference Munich 2026, Kushal will present his vision for AI-powered virtualization, scalable Software-in-the-Loop ecosystems, and next-generation virtual engineering platforms that are transforming automotive software development from hardware-dependent validation to continuous, cloud-enabled software engineering.
- Vice President Technology and Engineering, Bosch Mobility, actively Leading the Bosch Mobility Program "Virtualisation 1st"
- Since more than 30 years in Bosch in a lot of responsibilities from Engine Calibration over Systems Engineering including Lead of Rolling Chassis and the complete time as Evangelist in Virtualizations
- 2022 – present: Lead Engineer Virtual E/E Validation at Porsche AG
- 2017 – 2022: XiL Simulation Engineer at Porsche AG
- 2013 – 2017: Project Lead XiL Simulation Models at VAIVA GmbH
- 2009 – 2013: Research Assistant at the University of Duisburg-Essen
Alessandro Giacomazzo is a Senior Software Engineer with over 15 years of experience in autonomous driving systems and simulation infrastructure. For the last four years, he has focused on simulation platforms, leading the strategic migration and integration of legacy systems into advanced dSPACE-based ecosystems. His work spans the full development of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation pipelines, managing core codebase integrations, and spearheading research in Generative AI for automated virtual environment synthesis. He specializes in building high-fidelity, scalable virtual testing solutions that drastically optimize operational efficiency and accelerate autonomous vehicle validation.
Daniele Molinari is a Computer Science graduate and AI-focused Intern developing synthetic worlds for autonomous‑driving simulation. His work centers on OpenDRIVE‑based environment modeling and the integration of generated road networks into dSPACE ecosystem for large‑scale virtual testing. Passionate about generative AI and LLMs, he explores how emerging AI techniques can support automated creation of diverse and realistic driving scenarios for next‑generation simulation pipelines.
Hinweise
Teilnehmenden der Konferenz Software-in-the Loop steht ein begrenztes Kontingent an Hotelzimmern zum Vorzugspreis zur Verfügung. Das Angebot gilt nach Verfügbarkeit bis zum 3.11.2026. Zugriff auf den Buchungslink erhalten Sie nach Anmeldung zur Konferenz.
A limited number of hotel rooms are available to participants of the Software-in-the-Loop conference at a special rate. This offer is valid subject to availability until November 3, 2026. You will receive access to the booking link after registering for the conference.
Preise
mehrwertsteuerfrei, einschließlich veranstaltungsgebundener digitaler Arbeitsunterlagen sowie Catering und Getränken bei Präsenz-Teilnahme
Termine
Inhouse
Ansprechpartner
info@hdt.de
+49 201 1803-1
Katharina Röder
k.roeder@hdt.de
+49 201 1803-234
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