VI-grade, the global provider of human-centric simulation-driven vehicle development solutions, together with HBK, announced today, March 5th, the preliminary line-up of speakers for the upcoming Smart Prototypes Summit 2026, taking place from May 19-21, 2026, at the VI-grade SimCenter in Udine, Italy. The event will conclude on May 22 with interactive, discipline-specific user group sessions focused on sharing expertise and best practices across Ride & Handling, NVH and Durability & Reliability.
Presentations will cover real-world applications of smart prototypes across key development domains, including vehicle dynamics, ride, NVH, ADAS, durability and reliability, and electrified powertrains.
Following strong interest from the global automotive engineering community, the Smart Prototypes Summit has already received more than 40 presentation proposals, underlining the relevance of smart prototypes as a unifying approach to virtual and physical vehicle development. Based on this response, VI-grade and HBK are pleased to share an extended list of confirmed contributing organizations.
Confirmed speakers to date include representatives from Automobili Lamborghini, Apollo Tyres, Applus+ IDIADA, Bridgestone in collaboration with Volkswagen, Bugatti Rimac, Cetim, Cosin Scientific Software, Ferrari Performance, Iveco, Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with MdynamiX, Michelin SIMIX in collaboration with EDAG Group, Multimatic, Nissan in collaboration with HORIBA MIRA, Pirelli in collaboration with MegaRide, S&VL in collaboration with Mazda, Stellantis Europe in collaboration with STEP Lab, the University of Salento in collaboration with Nardò Technical Center – Porsche Engineering, Valeo, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars.
Presentations will cover real-world applications of smart prototypes across key development domains, including vehicle dynamics, ride, NVH, ADAS, durability and reliability, and electrified powertrains. Additional speakers and sessions will be announced as the technical program continues to take shape.
Alongside the technical program, attendees will experience live SimCenter demonstrations illustrating how smart prototypes are built and operated in real-world practice. These hands-on sessions will combine simulation software, professional driving simulators, Hardware-in-the-Loop platforms, and physical test solutions into integrated workflows, demonstrating how virtual and physical development environments can operate as one.
VI-grade and HBK would like to thank the industry partners supporting the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026:
The Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is supported by leading media partners, including ATZ, Automobil Industrie, Automotive Testing Technology International, engineering.com, SAE Media Group, and Vehicle Dynamics International.
Registration for the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is open with a 25% Early Bird Discount available for registrations made before March 15th, 2026.
Additional information about the technical program and event experience will be published as it becomes available.
VI-grade and HBK would like to thank the industry partners supporting the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026:
The Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is supported by leading media partners, including ATZ, Automobil Industrie, Automotive Testing Technology International, engineering.com, SAE Media Group, and Vehicle Dynamics International.
Registration for the Smart Prototypes Summit 2026 is open with a 25% Early Bird Discount available for registrations made before March 15th, 2026.
Additional information about the technical program and event experience will be published as it becomes available.
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK)’s testing and measurement solutions give engineers around the world the accurate, up-to-date data they need to bring higher-quality products to market faster.
HBK empower the innovators by providing exceptional sensing and insights to help create solutions for a cleaner, healthier and more productive world.
For more information, please visit www.hbkworld.com
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, MicroStrain and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
