OPEN HOUSE
JAPAN

26.09.2025 | Tokyo

Recap of Open House Japan 2024

On October 31, 2024, IPG Automotive Japan successfully hosted its 10th anniversary event in Tokyo. Customers introduced the latest use cases, presenting applications of simulation technology in the automotive industry as well as innovative approaches in the development of autonomous vehicles and provided valuable insights for attendees. Additionally, partners showcased specific applications of CarMaker, creating an active platform for exchanging information with attendees.

Did you miss the event? Do you want to recall the highlights of the event?

This page gives you an overview.

Keisuke Shimizu, Managing Director of IPG Automotive Japan, officially kicked off the event by expressing his sincere gratitude for the 10th anniversary to all the attendees. His welcome was followed by an opening speech from Steffen Schmidt, President & CEO of IPG Automotive GmbH. He reflected on IPG Automotive’s 40-year journey and emphasized our commitment to a customer-oriented and technology-centered development philosophy. Over the years, IPG Automotive has consistently listened to and understood customer needs, dedicating itself to optimizing products and solutions to meet these demands. We are committed to sustaining successful partnerships with our global customers, maintaining our customer-oriented, technology-centered approach, and applying our comprehensive solutions to large-scale systems engineering.

Keynote speech

Automotive Systems Engineering: Holy Grail or Just Another Buzzword?

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eric Sax from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology emphasized the importance of systems engineering in the development of autonomous vehicles. He highlighted the key role of technological innovation, simulation and collaboration amidst notable uncertainties such as the evolution of autonomous driving levels and the introduction of electric vehicles. His keynote speech also emphasized that integrating complexity and having appropriate processes are crucial for success.

Sessions and use case presentations

Session 1: Initiatives for Advanced Driver Assistance and Autonomous Driving: Expectations for Digital Transformation

Mr. Hatano from HONDA introduced the role of DX in advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving, focusing on software-defined vehicles utilizing AI based on Honda's vision, "How We Move You." He emphasized the pursuit of free and safe mobility through autonomous driving, while also valuing the enjoyment of driving, and accelerating the development in this area.

Session 2: Mastering the Transformation in the Automotive Industry Using Smart Tools

Josef Henning, Lead Product Architect at IPG Automotive, introduced the evolution of V-shaped model development techniques driven by AI, as well as the enhancement of development efficiency through the integration of hardware and software provided by IPG Automotive. He also highlighted the importance of virtual ECUs and data-driven development, emphasizing the significance of highly reliable digital processes.

Session 3: MBD (Model-Based Development) to Support Mazda's Next Decade: Progress in Model-Based Development and Case Studies at Mazda

Mr. Adachi from MAZDA detailed the fundamental concepts of MBD (model-based development) at MAZDA, and how CarMaker can improve development efficiency though model sharing between OEM and suppliers. Along with the introduction of JAMBE's activities, which concretize the SURIAWASE 2.0 proposed by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, he emphasized the importance of MBD in building efficient development processes and ecosystems geared towards electrification and achieving carbon neutrality.

Session 4: Shortening the Development Period of LSR-05 Using CarMaker and Challenging the Unsprung Weight Problem of In-Wheel Motors

Mr. Kamada from THK introduced the development of the EV prototype LSR-05 utilizing CarMaker's simulation technology, achievements in vehicle lightweighting, improvement in ride comfort by mitigating the impact of in-wheel motor weight using active suspension and short-term development of driving control by combining CarMaker and MATLAB.

Session 5: Introduction of ADAS Simulation Cases and Initiatives at Isuzu

Mr. Shibuya from ISUZU introduced the challenges and initiatives in the development of ADAS functionalities specific to commercial vehicles, as well as the utilization of TruckMaker simulations. He discussed these topics from the perspective of driver models, vehicle models and the configuration of 3D models.

Session 6: Efforts to Develop Digital Technologies for a Society with Zero Traffic Accidents

Mr. Ogino from AISIN highlighted that the technology of software-defined vehicles (SDV) and reinventing digital development are important for autonomous driving and achieving a society with zero traffic accidents. He also introduced specific examples of VILS, demonstrating that the fusion of real and virtual environments for validation is very effective.

Exhibition & networking

After the presentations, attendees were able to enjoy a variety of food and beverages and explore the latest technologies and solutions through the exhibits of IPG Automotive along with ten partner companies: Foretellix, Fuji Soft, HORIBA, Keysight, Myway Plus, Ono Sokki, Soluzioni Ingegneria, Synopsys, Toyo and tracetronic/GAFS. The event enabled meaningful exchanges and diverse interactions, making it an engaging and pleasurable experience for everyone who attended.