Our History
Our history
2023
Due to the close collaboration and ongoing cooperation on research projects and papers, Meccanica 42 and Vi-grade have entered into a strategic partnership, entrusting Vi-grade being a reseller for Meccanica 42’s devices. This marks a significant milestone, as Vi-grade is considered a global leader in the simulation industry, providing customers with integrated and highly robust products.
2022
For the first time Meccanica 42 showcased its devices internationally at the prestigious Automotive Testing Expo. This marked a noteworthy step in expanding the global presence of M42’s innovative products. The decision to participate in such a prominent expo underscores Meccanica 42’s commitment to reaching a broader market and establishing itself as a key player in the global arena. The expo offered a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, potential partners, and a wide range of stakeholders. By presenting its devices on an international stage, Meccanica 42 aimed to not only showcase its technological advancements but also to explore collaboration opportunities, gather feedback, and stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the automotive testing sector.
2021
This year marked a significant chapter in the company’s history as it transitioned from its academic spin-off status to taking a giant leap forward. The relocation from the university incubator to its dedicated premises allowed the company to expand its facilities and bring essential steps in-house, integrating them into the production process rather than outsourcing.
Within these new premises, a specific space was designated for simulations, ensuring a focused environment for the development and testing of innovative solutions. Another area was allocated for quality control, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products to its customers. Additionally, a designated space for the installation of devices in customer vehicles highlights the company’s customer-centric approach and hands-on involvement in the implementation process.
In the same year, the company achieved recognition by receiving a Regional Innovation Award for its CBA devices. The award positions the company as a driver of technological advancements in the field, contributing to the local and regional ecosystem.
2020
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2019
An unprecedented driving simulator has been engineered and developed by Meccanica 42. This innovative Simulation Station saw the filing of a Design and Model patent in the same year. This groundbreaking simulator represents a significant achievement in the field of driving simulation technology, showcasing the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation.
2018
The development of Meccanica 42’s first steering test bench marked a significant milestone in the company’s history. The inaugural steering test bench was successfully engineered, and its installation at a client’s facility was completed. The implementation of this steering test bench on a simulator, along with the application of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations, earned the Meccanica 42 team a prestigious award at the Vi-grade User Conference. This acknowledgment served as a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and simulation. Another pivotal moment in 2018 was the company’s participation in the Motorvalley Fest, where Meccanica 42 showcased a instrumented vehicle for the demonstration of maneuvers assisted by driving assistance systems developed with the aid of the simulator. This event not only highlighted the practical applications of Meccanica 42’s technology but also showcased the company’s active involvement in real-world automotive scenarios.
2017
The first product of Meccanica 42 comes to life with the design of the inaugural intelligent actuator, named CBA (Corner Brake Actuator). This device stands as an innovative tool dedicated to the development of new logics for all Tier1 customers. The creation of this intelligent actuator represents a significant breakthrough for Meccanica 42, introducing a pioneering solution that addresses the evolving needs and demands of Tier1 clients in the automotive industry.
2016
Alongside its client-focused activities, Meccanica 42 embarked on a research initiative to explore innovative solutions to offer its customers. This period saw the conceptualization of the initial vehicle dynamics models, laying the groundwork for the development of test benches. During this phase, Meccanica 42 demonstrated its commitment to innovation by actively engaging in the exploration of cutting-edge solutions. The theoretical models of vehicle dynamics formed a crucial precursor to the subsequent creation of test benches, showcasing the company’s strategic vision and forward-thinking approach in addressing the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
2015
Meccanica 42 was born from the intuition of its two founders, Claudio Annicchiarico and Lorenzo Capanni. Both emerging from the academic realm, they sought the support of the University of Florence to establish their own spin-off. The project quickly gained the backing of an industrial investor, Danisi Engineering Srl, an established player in the automotive sector providing engineering, simulation, and testing solutions for Tier1 and OEM.
The collaboration with Danisi Engineering Srl, not only provided crucial financial support but also brought valuable expertise and industry insights to Meccanica 42. This strategic partnership enabled the spin-off to leverage the experience and resources of Danisi Engineering, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Our history
2024
As the future-enabling answer, we took part in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League at Yas Marina Circuit pioneering a new era of driverless motorsport. Eight teams competed developing a driving algorithm to enable their state-of-the-art Dallara SF23 to race autonomously. We have been the key enabler of this achievement thanks to our brake-by-wire and drive-by-wire systems. This full set allowed to convert driving decisions and commands into actual actions on the driving systems ensuring every racecar’s peak performance on track.
20242024
2023
Due to the close collaboration and ongoing cooperation on research projects and papers, we enter into a strategic partnership with VI-grade, making them a reseller for our devices. This marks a significant milestone, as VI-grade is considered a global leader in the simulation industry, providing customers with integrated and highly robust products.
20232023
2022
We debut our devices internationally at the prestigious Automotive Testing Expo, signaling a significant milestone in expanding our global presence. By participating, we aim to gather feedback, stay updated on industry trends, engage with industry experts, potential partners, stakeholders, and showcase technological advancements.
20222022
2021
We move from startup status to our dedicated premises. The relocation allows expansion of facilities, bringing essential steps in-house and prioritizing quality control. Specific areas are designated for simulations and customer device installations, highlighting a customer-centric approach. We also achieve recognition with a Regional Innovation Award for our CBA devices, establishing ourselves as drivers of technological advancements in the field.
20212021
2020
Despite the challenging year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, our dedication to innovation remains unwavering. We persist in our efforts, focusing on patenting and R&D activities. We actively engage in online events, maintaining close ties with TIER1 and OEM partners, as well as industry associations. We also participate in live events such as Formula SAE and the Motor Valley Festival. We win the Industria Felix Award for being one of the top innovative startups in Tuscany for our managerial performance.
20202020
2019
We engineer and develop an unprecedented driving simulator. This innovative Simulation Station leads to the filing of a Design and Model patent in the same year. This groundbreaking simulator represents a significant achievement in the field of driving simulation technology, showcasing our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation.
20192019
2018
We develop and successfully install our first steering test bench at a client's facility. This achievement, combined with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations, garners us a prestigious award at the Vi-grade User Conference, underscoring our dedication to automotive engineering innovation. Additionally, we showcase an instrumented vehicle at the Motorvalley Fest, demonstrating driving assistance systems developed with our simulator technology and highlighting our active participation in real-world automotive scenarios.
20182018
2017
Our first product comes to life with the design of the inaugural intelligent actuator, named CBA (Corner Brake Actuator). This device stands as an innovative tool dedicated to the development of new logics for all Tier1 customers. The creation of this intelligent actuator represents a significant breakthrough for us, introducing a pioneering solution that addresses the evolving needs and demands of Tier1 clients in the automotive industry.
20172017
2016
We embark on a research initiative to develop innovative solutions for our customers. This period involves creating initial vehicle dynamics models which, together with theoretical models, lay the groundwork for test benches. This showcases our strategic vision and forward-thinking approach in addressing the automotive industry's evolving needs.
20162016
2015
Meccanica 42 is born from the intuition of its two founders, Claudio Annicchiarico and Lorenzo Capanni. Both emerging from the academic realm, they seek the support of the University of Florence, in particular of Renzo Capitani and Marco Pierini, to establish their own spin-off. The project quickly gains the backing of an industrial partner, Danisi Engineering Srl, an established player in the automotive sector providing engineering, simulation, and testing solutions for Tier1 and OEM. This collaboration not only provides crucial financial support but also brings valuable expertise and industry insights to Meccanica 42.
2015