| rFpro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | rFpro Limited |
| Initial release | 2007 |
| Engine | isiMotor 2 |
| Type | Simulation software |
| License | Commercial software |
| Website | rFpro Website |
rFpro, originallyrFactor Pro, is adriving simulation software used by professional motor racing teams, car manufacturers, andtier 1 suppliers foradvanced driver-assistance systems,self-driving cars andvehicle dynamics.[1][2] The software was a project created within an undisclosedFormula One team, using the code fromImage Space Incorporated'sracing simulatorrFactor as a base,[3] and was later made available for commercial release in 2007. It was originally developed for driver-in-the-loop simulations,[4] but has since been used for autonomous vehicle training as well.
Developed using the codeImage Space Incorporated'sracing simulatorrFactor as a base,rFpro started as an internal project in 2007 within an undisclosedFormula One team and was later made available for commercial release. The software is developed by rFpro Limited, based inWiltshire,England.[1]
In 2017, rFpro Limited joined forces withImage Space Incorporated and acquired assets from their isiMotorphysics engine and gMotorgraphics engine, which it had been licensing for use inrFpro since its initial release.[5]British solutions company AB Dynamics acquired rFpro Limited in 2019.[6] In 2020, they partnered withGerman simulation company Cosin Scientific Software to enable FTire (flexible ring tire model) to run withrFpro.[7][8][9]rFpro launched AV elevate in 2024, an integrated platform created foradvanced driver-assistance systems andautonomous vehicle development.[10]
A number ofFormula One teams, past and present, userFpro,[11][12] includingAlpine,[13]Ferrari,[14][15]Force India,[16]Mercedes-AMG,[17] andSauber.[6][18]
rFpro features a 120 Hzgraphics engine, a library of high definition laser scanned tracks and roads, and an infrastructure in which users can plug their in-house vehicle physics through aSimulink or a C/C++ interface.[19][3][20] Alternatively, rFpro's rigid multi-body physics engine can be used, which samples suspension and drive-train at 800 Hz.[21]rFpro includes a tool called TerrainServer, which can feed the LiDAR data with a 1 cm resolution to a vehicle model running in real time up to 5 kHz.[4][22]
The library includes digital reproductions of public roads, proving grounds, and laser-scanned racing circuits, some of which are locations used in major racing series includingFormula One andFormula E.[23][24][25]
In switching torFpro for its simulator software in 2014,Scuderia Ferrari cited the high fidelity of the reproduced track surface, with an accuracy better than 1 millimetre in Z (height) and 1 centimetre in X and Y (position), which represented a ten-fold improvement over their previous solution.[14] They also cited the ability to respond to dynamic inputs faster than the driver can detect.