MathWorks' Release 2020b to speed up development of automated driving simulation

MathWorks, developer of mathematical computing software, introduced Release 2020b of the MATLAB and Simulink product families. R2020b also introduces new products that build on artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, speed up autonomous systems development and accelerate creation of 3D scenes for automated driving simulation.

New capabilities in MATLAB simplify working with graphics and apps, and Simulink updates focus on expanded access and speed, including the launch of Simulink Online for access through web browsers. 

 Among the hundreds of new and updated features, MATLAB adds new bubble and swarm charts, the ability to diff and merge App Designer apps with the MATLAB Comparison Tool, and customisable figure icons and components to MATLAB apps. Also, in addition to Simulink Online to view, edit, and simulate Simulink models through web browsers, R2020b adds the ability to generate code up to 2X faster for referenced model hierarchies in Simulink and includes new automerge functionality that helps automate continuous integration workflows.

The release also included, new Deep Learning HDL Toolbox provides algorithm developers and hardware designers with functions and tools to prototype and implement deep learning networks on FPGAs and SoCs. In the autonomous systems, two new products and a major update for autonomous systems are included in R2020b. Lidar Toolbox is a new product that provides algorithms, functions, and apps for designing, analyzing, and testing lidar processing systems. UAV Toolbox is another new product that provides tools and reference applications for designing, simulating, testing, and deploying unmanned aerial vehicle and drone applications. 

For the automotive industry, the new RoadRunner Scene Builder product, part of the RoadRunner product family, automates the creation of road networks from HD Maps. Vehicle Dynamics Blockset now includes the ability to implement 6DOF trailers and vehicles with three axles and Simulink 3D blocks that offer the ability to visualize tractors and trailers in the Unreal Engine 3D environment.