Autonomous navigation systems are fairly rough around the edges at this point in time, which requires automakers such as Tesla Inc. to perform extensive testing before shipping them out with their vehicles. Siemens AG is hoping to streamline the task.

The German industrial giant today announced that it has acquired Tass International Software and Services B.V., a Dutch provider of vehicle simulation tools. Its PreScan platform is used by automakers to evaluate their self-driving cars and automated driver safety systems.

The software enables engineers to experiment with virtual replicas of a vehicle that mimic its sensory capabilities. PreScan can be used simulate cameras, radar arrays and many other of the components that may be found in a self-driving car. From there, graphical controls provide the ability to place the simulated vehicle on a virtual road to see how the subsystems perform under different traffic conditions.

Assessing a car’s capabilities in a software environment is often faster than a real-world evaluation. As a result, automakers gain the ability to reduce testing times and bring their bring autonomous navigation systems to market sooner. Meanwhile, the parts of the evaluation process that require true-to-life accuracy can be done the old-fashioned way.

Tass offers PreScan alongside applications for testing vehicle safety and tire designs. Siemens intends to integrate the Dutch firm’s assets, which also include a professional services practice, into its PLM Software Business Unit.

The deal buys the industrial giant an early presence in a market that could become incredibly lucrative in the long run. Major automakers and tech giants such as Intel Corp. are investing heavily to develop self-driving cars. Intel recently dropped $15.3 billion to acquire autonomous navigation specialist Mobileye NV. If their collective efforts bear fruit, driverless transportation could become the new norm in a few decades.

Tass will make a more immediate contribution to Siemens’ bottom line as well. Reuters reported that the Dutch firm generates about 27 million euros ($32.3 million) in annual revenues and has about 200 employees.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Image: StockSnap